Cindy M. (cindymcc) reviewed on 3/16/2010 + 44 more book reviews

This is a fascinating look at Paul Farmer, a medical doctor and anthropologist who opened a clinic in a remote area of Haiti and progressed to the founding of the non-profit Partners in Health, active in Haiti, Peru, Russia, and other countries. Kidder traces his life from what most of us would consider a disadvantaged childhood, his BA from Duke, and onwards.

Paul Farmer began traveling to Haiti while still a student. Touched by what he saw, he became inspired - and perhaps obsessed - with the need to improve the world, beginning with one area at a time. Clearly passionate and persuasive, he persuades others to fund his clinic, and he also places the proceeds from his own MacArthur Award into the effort. His work expands over the years to many countries and along the way his expertise deepens.

Farmer is not a saint. He's driven, he's passionate, and he's single-minded. He basically has no personal life. Now renowned for his work in TB and AIDS, he is less concerned about the sustainability of his efforts than he is for the single patient in his care. Most will feel guilty when we read his book, and some may choose to donate to Partners in Health; others may be inspired to find a piece of their own world where they can make a difference.

The author is clearly a friend to Farmer; while interviewing many individuals for this book, viewpoints of detractors are not given much space. But this is a very readable, worthwhile effort.

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