Helen Epstein (2) (1961–)

One of the better HIV books I've read recently. Epstein writes well and although this is information-heavy, it moves right along and I was sorry when I finished.

Epstein's focus is on infrastructure misunderstandings about African HIV transmission and faulty prevention and intervention strategies based on incorrect assumptions. She updates the reader on relatively new theories of HIV's origins and early spread (including a very clear explanation of how passaging strengthens a virus). She show more answers the important questions that were not addressed in Togarasei et al.'s [b:The Faith Sector and HIV/AIDS in Botswana: Responses and Challenges|12210327|The Faith Sector and HIV/AIDS in Botswana Responses and Challenges|Lovemore Togarasei|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327958008s/12210327.jpg|17183292], which are What did sexual partnerships look like prior to the arrival of Christianity, and does that affect HIV transmission patterns? Her answers are that in many of the areas currently hardest hit by HIV, polygamy/polyandry was socially acceptable, and that concurrent long-term partnerships may spread HIV more effectively than serial monogamy. If that's hard to picture, she's included a flip book. Really. It's the only scientific treatise I've ever seen with a flip book, and it's quite effective.

The last couple of chapters are less-well integrated and read more like articles. The last chapter ends abruptly and disappointingly. I would have liked at least a summary of the book's main recommendations. show less

After working in Namibia with the Peace Corps from 2004-2006, I have a pretty good knowledge of the HIV/AIDS situation. However, I always find it difficult to annunciate my thoughts on HIV to people who ask me about my time there. With this book, I now have an excellent method of education. This book is a very insightful picture of the situation on the ground in developing countries where HIV is a major issue. Epstein has spent time on the ground and accurately records her experiences in show more Africa while bringing to light the corruption and waste inherent in the system. Part of the effectiveness of the book comes from her exclusive focus on Africa and African culture which helps the reader to understand why the rate there is so high. Although the reader may be more frustrated with the issue of HIV/AIDS in general, the average reader will have a much better idea of the complexity of the situation after reading this book. show less

One of the better AIDS books. Very well written and really quite engaging. Struggles, though, between the desire to follow the science and the need not to be TOO politically incorrect. Ultimately, Epstein believes that the behaviours that spread AIDS in Africa will only change when communities organise to foster that change. I think she perhaps understates the influence that political leadership can have over communities.

An interesting book about how Westerners naively or negligently misunderstood how HIV spread in Africa, spending huge amounts of money on relatively ineffective responses. I found particularly interesting how different African nations responded to the AIDS epidemic and the different consequences. Some of the later chapters read more like standalone essays, rather than part of a cohesive whole, but all of the book was interesting.