Catherine Hamlin (1924–2020)

I found this book, at times, to be difficult to read because the narrator (Dr. Catherine Hamlin) is clearly a deeply religious individual. However, I persevered and found the recount, on the whole, truly inspiring. The format is very much of an oral account - often I found myself feeling as though I was sitting next to Dr. Hamlin, enjoying a cuppa, and a story (much like I used to with my own grandmother).

I was able to meet the author and the CEO of the Australian fundraising branch, Lucy Perry, and ask them about Dr, Hamlin. Both say she is every bit as inspirational in person as she is in her book. I highly recommend this read for anyone interested in international development systems that WORK, human rights, women's rights, women's health, or just looking for a read which will give you a reason to feel proud of humankind again.… (more)

This is all true life adventure stuff. The story of a remarkable 20th century woman living out her Christian passion to save the world - or, at least, to play her part in God's plan to save the world. Hamlin is a product of her time as much as her faith, yet she has risen beyond old colonial missionary zeal to establish, with her late husband, an indigenous Ethiopian medical service that will long survive her. The book is easy reading and (Spoiler alert for the squeamish) replete with stories of unpleasant medical conditions and procedures. Alongside this is the revolutionary context of late 20th century Ethiopia transitioning from monarchy, through Communist dictatorship, to something more stable.… (more)