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Overview
More fascinating and harrowing accounts of the volunteer professionals who risk their lives to help those in desperate need.
Praise for the second edition:
"Direct and evocative, this well-written book pushes readers to the edge of a world of grueling realities not known by most Americans."
-- Choice
Doctors Without Borders (aka Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) was founded in 1971 by rebellious French doctors. It is arguably the most respected humanitarian organization in the world, delivering emergency aid to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and natural disasters as well as to many others who lack reliable health care.
Dan Bortolotti follows the volunteers at the forefront of this organization and its work, who daily risk their lives to perform surgery, establish or rehabilitate hospitals and clinics, run nutrition and sanitation programs, and train local medical personnel. These volunteer professionals:
- Perform emergency surgery in war-torn regions of Africa, Asia and elsewhere
- Treat the homeless in the streets of Europe
- Honor cultural customs and understand societal differences that affect health care
- Witness and report the genocidal atrocities so often missed by mainstream media
This new and revised third edition includes updates and new inside stories from recent relief operations, and it covers changes within the organization, such as its new emphasis on nutrition. There are also many new and revealing color photographs and insights gained from the author's 2009 trip to Haiti, where he found three different arms of MSF operating in dire conditions.
Hope in Hell is a widely acclaimed portrait of a renowned Nobel-winning humanitarian organization, revealing how Doctors Without Borders provides immediate and outstanding medical care.
Synopsis
Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Fronti`res, delivers emergency aid around the world. This book is its history and examines the lives of individual volunteers.
Editorials
The Lancet -
(about the first edition) Comprehensive picture of the essence of volunteerism.Medical Post -
Allows the reader a very honest look at MSF.Chronicle of Philanthropy
(about the first edition) Emphasizes that much of the organization's work takes place not in war zones but in remote, impoverished locales.Booklist
(about the first edition) Inspired... Much of what Bortolotti reports is noticeably absent from the daily headlines, so this eye opening account is all the more chilling, and MSF's efforts achingly more compelling.Choice
(about the first edition) Describes but never romanticizes... Direct and evocative, this well-written book pushers readers to the edge of a world of grueling realities not know by most Americans. Recommended.Globe and Mail
(about the first edition) Some physicians still do manifest the noblest virtues of medicine... a worthwhile read for prospective international aid volunteers.New England Journal of Medicine
It is in the considerable space that Bortolotti gives to the emotions of the group's staff members that the book really shines... authentic and inclusive... informative and touching.Emergency Medical Services Magazine
(about the first edition) All in all, I found Hope in Hell to be a nicely balanced book about this type of work/volunteerism that I've been curious about for years.Book News
Bortolotti, a journalist and author, visited doctors, nurses, and nonmedical staff in Doctors Without Borders programs in Angola, the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Haiti, and other countries, and reveals their experiences in the program. He provides historical information on the organization and its origins in France and describes stories of its volunteers, what they do, and the patients they treat, within the context of the political and cultural climate of specific countries. This edition adds a postscript to the chapter on Haiti.Victoria Times Colonist
Goes deep into MSF, showing how it has become the go-group for rapid response... lays bare the intense philosophical struggles that animate MSF.Quill and Quire
A gripping tale as it describes how the group manages to care for patients in the most inhospitable and dangerous corners of the earth... a solid read.Hamilton Spectator
You will meet a few of these extraordinary people and hear their stories. In the midst of some of the worst hells on Earth, they really do bring a glimpse of hope.Deseret Morning News
Well written and filled with excellent color photographs that give the reader a realistic picture of the work these amazing volunteers undertake.Dumbo Feather (Aus.)
Reveals the human face of MSF. Bortolotti has captured the expats' varied voices and personal stories.Saskatoon Star Phoenix
A fine read, compelling in its story. Just the pages on its fight against malaria are worth a lot.The Lancet
Comprehensive picture of the essence of volunteerism.— Amanda Walters
Hamilton Spectator
Meet a few of these extraordinary people and hear their stories... they really do bring a glimpse of hope.— Moira L. MacKinnon
Deseret Morning News
Well written and filled with excellent color photographs... alistic picture of the work these amazing volunteers undertake.— Dennis Lythgoe
Chronicle of Philanthropy
Emphasizes that much of the organization's work takes place not in war zones but in remote, impoverished locales.— Caroline Preston
Booklist
Inspired...What Bortolotti reports is noticeably absent from the daily headlines, so this eye opening account is all the more chilling.— Donna Chavez
Choice
Direct and evocative, this well-written book pushers readers to the edge of a world of grueling realities.— D.B. Hamilton
Dumbo Feather (Aus.)
Reveals the human face of MSF. Bortolotti has captured the expats' varied voices and personal stories.— Kate Bezar
Saskatoon Star Phoenix
A fine read, compelling in its story. Just the pages on its fight against malaria are worth a lot.— Jenni Mortin
Medical Post
Bortolotti interviewed hundreds of medical personnel who spoke frankly... allows the reader a very honest look at MSF.— Alison Delory
Globe and Mail
Some physicians still do manifest the noblest virtues of medicine... a worthwhile read for prospective international aid volunteers.— Philip B. Berger
Chatelaine
Dan was in some of the world's most dangerous countries, chronicling the stories of volunteer medical workers.Quill and Quire
Gripping... a solid read.— Jennifer Prittie
New England Journal of Medicine
Authentic and inclusive... informative and touching.— Jerry R. Dwek, MD
Emergency Medical Services Magazine
A nicely balanced book about this type of work/volunteerism that I've been curious about for years.— Norm Rooker