I knew I shouldn't have done it, but I wanted to be able to describe the Japanese militray uniforms more in detail. So, with great hesitation and trepidation, I opened a book which I promised never to read again - The Rape on Nanking by Iris Chang.
This is not a particularly a well-written book, but it is a very important book. Especially with the denials of these events ever taking place from the Japanese government (at least some parts of the government and no real owning up to it as a nation like Germany) I think everyone who has the constitution should read it. Once should be enough. It's not even really the words, but the pictures that leave a series of disturbing and searing images that keep you awake at nights.
Now, why did I do this? I'm working on another book and the feedback was - need more history to anchor the story. And since my book spans from early 20th century to Korean war, this research definitely was required. But having said that, I'm going to need weeks of light, happy readings to make up for this one.
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