Hold onto your seats, folks. This book is fabulous. True, I’m only halfway through it, but I almost want to just stay halfway through it forever, it’s that good. I don’t want it to end. The humanity rendered on the page, the understanding of the human condition: all of it is beautiful. Sorry, I sound like a sop about this book. You’ll have to forgive me.
Set in Ethiopia in the midst of a revolution, the first half of the book is heavy with the scent of bougainvilleas, heat, the press of people, and the almost mystical atmosphere of a fictional hospital set upon a hill. Twins are born, their parents gone, and hospital staff must band together to parent them. There are moments I find myself holding my breath until a scene ends. There are moments I’m right there in Addis-Abiba with them, feeling the heat, the worry and overwhelming need all around me.
One thing resonated quite loudly. When the Matron shows the American the operating rooms used as storage instead of operating rooms, filled with donated Bibles, I knew I was guilty. Haven’t we, as people of faith, viewed Africa and the rest of the world as simply needing to be saved (at least once or twice)? In reality, they might need money for medicine, for operating rooms emptied of Bibles and ready to operate, and for some of us to get off our lazy butts and go over there and help. I think this book is vital in that it shows Americans (especially Americans of faith) the desperate situation many countries are in. The need may not be for Bibles (Ethiopia was already a Christian nation, they just believed different things than the American who came from Houston, Texas), but for food, medical supplies, people to care.
I guess the question I’m left with is “when did I begin to think that I could just get the world saved and then all would be well?” What about the AIDS victims in Malawi (my uncle just returned from a mission there)? What about the extreme poverty everywhere in west Africa (my sister just came back from Nigeria last fall)? What about those of us who live in beautiful homes, drive almost new cars, shop at well-stocked grocery stores, and still we don’t send anything to help? Now, I know many people who send money. I know many people who go and care. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone in particular except myself and the people of faith at large. I believe we should go and give only as God leads us. But this book, for one long moment, made me fidget a bit.
I actually think that’s the highest praise a book can get.
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I saw Dr. Verghese on Tavis Smiley tonight. This book sounds very interesting. Does anyone know Dr. Verghese’s views on abortion?
Hello Ras Judah,
I’m not sure I’m one to answer, but the book was very medical and all about saving lives. If you are squeamish about medical procedures, this book is not for you. Also there are some scenes of sex. But overall, it was incredible. Dr. Verghese has a great attention to detail as he writes. I hope to read his memoir of working as an AIDS doctor next. Hope this helps you. Thanks for stopping by.
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