An unsuspecting American, unaware of the ongoing suffering of the Bomb victims, enters a Japanese house as a lodger. The young hostess tries in every way to hide her horrific burns from him and to hide from him that all the other members of the family carry death within them. Our American gradually discovers the drama unfolding around him and realizes his share of responsibility. Young Yuka-san, through her narration, where moments of terror alternate with moments of love and humanity, does not blame anyone. However, the book ultimately becomes the most relentless indictment of the barbarity of the atomic War.