"Barfuß durch Hiroshima" is a manga series that chronicles the harrowing experiences of a young girl named Gen during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The story begins with Gen living a relatively ordinary life in Hiroshima, attending school and spending time with her family. Her father, a pacifist, openly criticizes the war, which creates tension within the community and isolates the family. Despite this, Gen's life is filled with the small joys and struggles of childhood.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn on August 6, 1945, when the atomic bomb is dropped on Hiroshima. Gen, who is at school when the bomb detonates, survives the initial blast but is severely injured. The manga vividly depicts the immediate aftermath of the bombing, including the widespread destruction, the chaos in the streets, and the suffering of the survivors. Gen's journey home becomes a desperate struggle as she navigates the devastated city, witnessing the horrific consequences of the bombing on the people and the environment.

Upon returning home, Gen finds her family's house destroyed and her parents and siblings missing. The story follows her efforts to locate her family amidst the ruins, highlighting the resilience and determination of a child in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Along the way, Gen encounters other survivors, each with their own stories of loss and survival. These interactions provide a broader perspective on the impact of the bombing, illustrating the collective trauma experienced by the people of Hiroshima.

As the days pass, Gen's physical and emotional wounds begin to heal, but the scars of the bombing remain. The manga does not shy away from depicting the long-term effects of radiation sickness, the societal stigma faced by survivors, and the psychological toll of the event. Gen's story is one of endurance and hope, as she gradually rebuilds her life and finds a sense of purpose in the aftermath of the disaster.

The main characters include Gen, whose innocence and strength drive the narrative; her father, whose pacifist beliefs and outspoken nature set the family apart; and various survivors Gen meets along her journey, each contributing to the tapestry of experiences that define the post-bombing landscape. The manga's portrayal of these characters and their struggles offers a poignant and unflinching look at one of the darkest chapters in human history.