THE LAST TRAIN Returns
Holt announced yesterday that they are ceasing publication of Charles Pellegrino’s Last Train to Hiroshima. Libraries can return copies and get refunds through their wholesalers; Macmillan’s sales department is sending a memo to wholesalers today on handling returns.
We checked with Tantor, the publisher of the audio version. They are also ceasing publication and distribution of the title and will issue refunds or credit for customers who wish to return their copies.
Questions about the book emerged last week, when it was discovered that one of the sources did not actually witness the events he claimed to have seen. Holt originally planned to make corrections in future editions. Things went from bad to worse, as Pellegrino was unable to answer questions about other sources as well as questions about the validity of his PhD, causing Holt to pull the book entirely.
Falling under the category of “Go Figure,” the book is rising on Amazon since the news broke; it’s now at #97 and several libraries are showing growing holds lists (it’s your choice whether to return them).
The story has appeared in many major news sources. Amusingly, the LA Times and other West Coast sources focus on the fall-out for James Cameron, who had optioned movie rights for the book.
The book received starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, strong reviews in LJ, Booklist and SLJ as well as praise from the Washington Post, the New York Times and People.
 |
|
————
Tantor Audio:
Trade; 9781400115631; 10 Audio CD; $37.99
Library; 9781400145638; 10 Audio CD; $75.99
MP3; 9781400165636; 2 MP3-CD; $24.99
April 8th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I just finished reading this book and was blown away by it. I found it to be very powerful and very moving. I’m deeply saddened to think the author fabricated sources or information regarding this event.