Book Reviews

It’s a fascinating story about the mission to discover nuclear fission and get it developed into a bomb, though focusing on more of the race to reach a chain reaction rather than the actual bomb production in Los Alamos.

I learned of new names. Often, we hear of Oppenheimer and Teller and Heisenberg of course, but Fermi was a new one to me. Shame to see so many contributors never given credit for their contributions. So many immigrants from Europe helped prevent a drastically different ending to WWII.

Certainly, the moral aspect is brought up. Most of the top scientists knew what the endgame was, but also figured the other side was headed that direction either way, so best to ensure one’s own country would be in a better position to not get into a dominated position. Seems like the Allied scientists figured Hitler would not hesitate to bomb London or New York City if he had the chance.

Likewise, Germany could and probably would develop a dirty bomb even if a nuclear fission bomb could not be finished in time. In this case, a bomb would spread radiation all over a large city like London, and just the fear alone would destroy morale and/or force people to flee or surrender. And such a bomb is far more feasible and buildable than crafting a nuclear fission one.

One eye-opening aspect is the fact that one man’s error led to a huge misdirection for Germany’s progress. Mistakes in calculations cause a failed test and led the Nazis to use heavy water instead of graphite as a nuclear fission moderator theory. Had the test ever been challenged or redone, perhaps many more people would be speaking German today. (Though Operation Barbarossa was probably what really doomed the Axis powers and began the countdown to defeat.)

It’s a worthwhile read and not too technical for the most part. I do question the veracity of so many conversations. I mean, even if they were autobiographical recollections of what was said, no one remembers their chats to that level. Thus, in regards to many conversations and thoughts, I imagine it’s more historical fiction. Which is fine since the main facts are reported as known.