Customer Reviews

An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the Twenty-First Century

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An impassioned and often gut-wrenching account of Orbinski's experiences in the field with MSF. This book takes on a somewhat memoir-ish and confessional tone at times where Orbinski recounts his personal, highly emotional and private travails as he navigated moral boundaries in his encounters with convoluted political agencies, military and other forces in the course of humanitarian work. A must-read for anyone heading out to do humanitarian work - if only to dispel any preconceived or naive notions of doing-good without contextual/background understanding or incurring moral and emotional costs.

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!

James Orbinski is an inspiring individual. His work ethic and passion are evident, his experience of both success and frustrations are fascinating as well as informative, and his stories are gripping if not terrifying. Given his experience in the field, in administrative roles, and in the politics of the humanitarian field give him an unique, authoritative perspective. It is a challenging read in that it forces you to confront many terrors and atrocities present today. He presents difficult problems with, at times, obscure solutions, but they are important ones for people to hear and to think about. I highly, highly recommend this book. James Orbinski is an incredible man, and his message, admittedly complex and unresolved, is an important one for anyone and everyone who is willing to hear it.

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.

Orbinski's stories about his career with Doctors Without Borders (aka Medicins Sans Frontieres) takes us to various trouble spots ranging from South America to Afghanistan and Ethiopia and he makes a courageous effort to help those affected by war and famine. Much of the book deals with the African nation of Rwanda, during the genocide of 1994 in which he witnessed unbelievable atrocities as a million people were slaughtered in a 100 days while the world basically did little more than look on. The United Nations actually reduced its commitment during the worst of the killings and managed to save only a handful of lives. The book does not flinch from describing terrible and unbelievably cruel acts but it is an important book to read - afterall the atrocities in Rwanda could be repeated again in a continent noted for less than competent governments, poor economic management and terrible acts of violence.

Fascinating and inspirig. The evil and the goodness of humanity told in a heart-giving life.