Repeatedly yesterday and today, as the conversation turned toward the situation in Haiti, I have recommended that my conversational partners read "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder. The book is the extraordinary story of Dr. Paul Farmer and his organization, Partners in Health, which has done remarkable work in Haiti and in other Third World countries, treating diseases thought to be incurable and caring for poor patients no one cared about. (Tracy Kidder spoke at Barton College a few years ago, promoting the book.)
Kidder, one of the most honored nonfiction writers of his generation, tells the compelling story of Paul Farmer against the bleak background of Haiti, a nation that was a basket case before this week's devastating earthquake. Kidder's descriptions sets the scene for what is happening in the news now, and his narrative provides a concise background for anyone hoping to understand Haiti's abject poverty and unbelievably harsh conditions.
And that was before the earthquake.
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1 comment:
You got one thing right.
Haiti was a complete basket case before this natural disaster.
Maybe this will allow the Haitian leaders to upgrade their gubmnt to be more like the DR. Something has to give in this terribly run country. This could be the turning point. I hope we get something out of the $100million obama has pledged. Wonder where that is gonna come from????
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