THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY
By Garrett M. Graff
Publisher: Avid Reader
The author of “When the Sea Came Alive” provides a narrative account of the people and events involved in and impacted by the creation of the atomic bomb.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Garrett M. Graff's "The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb" is an audacious endeavor that seeks to encapsulate the monumental saga of the Manhattan Project through the voices of those who lived it. Published on the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, this tome ambitiously aims to provide a panoramic view of the atomic bomb's creation and its devastating aftermath.
Graff's meticulous compilation of over 500 firsthand accounts is both the book's greatest strength and its Achilles' heel. The inclusion of diverse perspectives—from renowned scientists like J. Robert Oppenheimer and Edward Teller to the unsung laborers at Oak Ridge and Hanford—offers a multifaceted narrative that is both enlightening and overwhelming. The sheer volume of voices, while commendable, often leads to a cacophony that can obfuscate the central narrative thread.
The exploration of lesser-known facets of the Manhattan Project, such as the racial segregation at Oak Ridge, is a laudable attempt to shed light on the social dynamics of the era. However, these segments, though important, sometimes feel tangential and detract from the book's primary focus. The chapters detailing the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are undeniably powerful, with survivor testimonies that are both harrowing and poignant. Yet, the emotional weight of these accounts is occasionally diluted by the book's sprawling scope.
Graff's narrative prowess is evident, but the book's structure—oscillating between technical exposition and personal anecdotes—can be jarring. The attempt to balance scientific intricacies with human stories is admirable but not always successful, leading to a reading experience that demands patience and perseverance.
In conclusion, "The Devil Reached Toward the Sky" is an ambitious and comprehensive oral history that offers valuable insights into the creation and consequences of the atomic bomb. However, its exhaustive nature and structural inconsistencies may deter readers seeking a more cohesive and focused narrative. For those with a deep interest in the subject matter and the stamina for a dense read, it is recommended with reservations.
Recommendation: Recommended with reservations.
written on: 8/14/2025