Customer Reviews

Damien the Leper

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This book tells the story/history of Father Damien of Molokai, a most remarkable man whose indefatigable work in a notorious Hawaiian leper colony gave him the international status of the Mother Theresa of his time. It is well-written, lively, and most readable; but it is also terribly romanticized, Damien IS saintly. Perhaps he was. Readers should take minor note that the main text was published originally in 1937 (according to an older edition of this book that I own).

I have read this book five times and I fully expect to do so once again. It is the true story of a Priest from Belgium who, in the late 1800`s, cheerfully accepted, even demanded an assignment which would cause people of lesser intestinal fortitude to run away: Molokai, a leper colony in Hawaii. His description of the sorry state of the people is enough to make one ill. Yet, through his own unconditional love for his fellow man, took it upon himself, to feed them, cleanse their disgusting wounds, bury the dead with his own hands, cousel them, hear their confessions and prepare them to meet their maker after death. It is a moving tale of a man who totally abandoned himself in favour of his God and his bretheren. This healthy, athletic man knew that by associating with these human outcasts, he would likely fall victim to this dreaded disease and, in fact he did. It would be extremely difficult to imagine any person giving more of himself for the benefit of others. By anyone`s definition, Damien DeVeuster, `Damien The Leper` was a true saint. His story should be required reading for all because it would be sinful to allow the lessons to fade into obscurity. Bless his lily-white soul.

I read this book about five years ago and am now reading it a second time. It is more stunning and compelling than I remember. John Farrow brilliantly takes us into the heart, mind and soul of a man who gave all of himself to Christ. It is an adventure on every level, a delight for the senses, as Damien fights his way through the jungles, waterfalls and diseases of the tropics to bring God to the islanders. When he is sent to Molokai, Damien faces evil head-on in every possible way, and he meets it, each time, with other-worldly selflessness and a determination that is completely unstoppable. Few people realize that he was left on the shores of Molokai with nothing but an extra shirt to wear. He had no food, no water, no shelter (he lived under a tree), no helper; and he was faced with the task of caring for 800 lepers who had no doctors, no food supply, no medical supplies, no water supply, no clothing, and who often died from exposure, not leperosy. Mothers resorted to prostitution to win food for their children; many of the lepers spent their time drunk on a sickening liquor they concocted. Damien transformed these people and the island into a place of self-respect and decency. Truly, everyone should read this book if only to see what one person can do with thier life. Of course, Damien dies after several years with "his lepers," but his legacy continues to shine. The Catholic Church will beatify him as a saint in October 2009. Don't miss reading this book -- it will change you.

This is the best book I have ever read. As to its literary quality it is perfection. I read it at least once every year. It is resplendent with richness of imagery in painting the most vivid pictures of Blessed Damien's life and the Hawaiian backdrop in which he lived with his beloved lepers. Fr Damien was completely in tune with God His Creator and so willing to lay down his life for those most scorned and abandoned by the world. His life--all his ways-- reminds me that my life can also make a difference for others, and it inspires me to have courage no matter how dark the skies in my life may appear. Fr. Damien was truly Christ-like. This book captures that and is sheer joy to read.

It is often difficult to write a critical reveiw of a biography of a man that you deeply admire. However, I must be honest in my assessment of this book. It is informative and paints an excellent picture of Father Damian. The misfortune is that John Farrow needed an editor to edit his work before it was published.

Farrow spends far too much time describing the scenary of Hawaii, which takes away from the story of Father Damian. In a book that was over 220 pages, it seemed that less than 80% was directly related to Father Damian. The author also wastes time exploring alleged "unclean acts" by Father Damian. To quote page 220, "... if the story were a thousand times true, can't you see you are a million times lower for daring to repeat it." This reflect my feeling on this discussion. If even the author does not believe it, why include it in the book?

I only became aware of the story of Father Damian by chance within the last year and have taken great interest in it. Farrow's biography puts in perspective a life which had chosen to be martyred for the suffering lepers. Not only did he choose to be with the lepers, but he built their secluded island to a more respectable state and lobbied politicians to better the way of life for them.

As the author worked in Hollywood, it amazes me that such a story could not inspire a movie. This is certainly a touching and important tale for a wider audience to know, without a focus on the scenary.

Very well written. Entertaining in some places, necessarily heavy in others. Left me feeling I had the opportunity to observe this fascinating man.

I have always considered Father Damien one of my heroes. This book details him as a flawed human being but a crusader for his fellow lepers. The Holy Father has bestowed on Father Damien the title of Blessed and will be made a Saint when miracles occur in his name. He was the miracle for his people and for us all. Candace Serviss