- ISBN13: 9780802717627
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
From one of the world’s greatest humanitarian activists comes a searing personal memoir that is also an urgent call to confront suffering in all its many forms. Having seen things we hope never to see, confronted suffering, dispassion, and evil we hope never to encounter, James Orbinski still believes in “the good we can be if we so choose.” Recounting stories from his own experience, embodied in which are warnings, hope, and lessons in how we can injec… More >>
An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the Twenty-First Century
An outstanding narrative filled with behind the scenes political details that open your eyes to the TRUTH. I have a much better understanding of how genocide happens and how governments make endless excuses despite all reports to the contrary. I am humbled by this book and enlightened. A very informative read.
Rating: 4 / 5
Dr. Orbinski’s account of his life’s work with Medecins sans Frontieres / Doctors without Borders reads like a thriller. Orbinski’s stories from his Irish-Canadian childhood as the son of very poor Irish immigrants give insight to his passion to help the less fortunate.
The memoirs of his MSF work in treacherous places like Somalia, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Sudan reveal the inner politics of providing humanitarian aid to developing countries especially those in conflict. What these doctors and healthworkers had to do and not do to make deals with tribal leaders in Somalia or Afghanistan exemplify what true dialogue, diplomacy, cooperation, tolerance and respect for the cultures of the regions look and feel like.
Although I skipped the chapters on Rwanda and Zaire, MSF’s work to make HIV/AIDS drugs available to the poorest of the poor in the most challenging of environments is truly awe-inspiring. I gleaned some beautiful quotes of which I have committed to memory and will share with my activist colleagues:
“We are not certain that speaking out saves lives, but we are certain that silence kills.” Philippe Biberson, President MSF France 1999
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” James Orbinski, the author and past International President MSF
An inspiring memoir that teaches not preaches. Be braver than I and read it in its entirety!
Rating: 5 / 5