man no be God: Bushdoctor in Cameroon [Paperback]

Dieter Lemke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 2001

man no be God is a story of a willing and driven Canadian doctor who spent his life immersed in the wonderful, complex and interesting lives of the people of western Cameroon. The individuals he went to learn from, to serve, to encourage, to support, and to befriend together provide a fascinating look at familiar struggles and triumphs in an unfamiliar setting. There is nothing more fulfilling or satisfying than being involved in and involved with others. Although this writer has the satisfaction of knowing that he has done what he was called to do, there is a vast and frightening opportunity for the reader to dare to take the same challenge.AIDS does not threaten to destroy a great horde of faceless peopleit is far worse. It is destroying lovely, interesting, vibrant, and extremely valuable individuals, one at a time, relentlessly, killing off a significant part of each of us as it marches through Africa.One mans experience, and willingness to throw talent, brains, and brawn into being a part of peoples individual lives made a difference to many, and enriched him far more than he ever thought possible. (Thats how the mundane becomes meaningful, after all). Therein lies the glimmer of hope, and the challenge. Anyone can, if anyone will, make a difference to at least one other. Doing so in the face of this killer sharpens and focuses that challengeand its rewardsimmensely.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dieter Lemke was born in Marienwerder, Germany in November 1934. He emigrated to Canada after World War II. Dieter graduated from the University of Alberta Medical School (1964), and has been a medical missionary and medical volunteer in Cameroon, Africa, since 1967. He and his wife Marlis live in Edmonton, Alberta.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (February 16, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595170145
• ISBN-13: 978-0595170142
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,485,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a classic depiction!, October 30, 2002

By 

james ndiwane (klamath falls, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: man no be God: Bushdoctor in Cameroon (Paperback)

This book is a classic depiction of what is really going on in Cameroon to the eyes of a foreigner who has never been there before. Being a native of that country, I think that the author himself is very explicit as to what he truely experienced while living and mingling with people from a different culture and ethnicity. If you have never been to Cameroon let alone Africa, I would PERSONALLY reccomend this book. To the author of this book, I would say GOOD JOB and more power to your elbow.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Lemke, compassionate pace setter, August 5, 2002

By 

Pat Meinerts (Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: man no be God: Bushdoctor in Cameroon (Paperback)

REVIEW
Man No Be God
Bushdoctor in Cameroon

I have read this book and reread many parts many times. It is always a delight and brings back many wonderful memories. I smile and relive precious times. The people, places and predicaments come alive with the author's clear details and compassionate descriptions. Although I lived in Cameroon and was a coworker of Dr. Lemke's, the huge number of precise details cited here about the culture, the country and the medical conditions amaze me. Now we see the value of the little notebook kept in the author's breast pocket and all the notations he put in it. This book contains a wealth of factual information as well as a fascinating account of hundreds of people and their problems. Since Dr. Lemke's years of work spanned more than 30 years, he includes the follow-up and feedback of many interesting cases plus the growth in the development of the country.

I highly recommend this book to anyone planning to live or work in Cameroon, or other developing countries. Certainly, it is a "must" for medical people. Both the technical and emotional challenges of facing unknown or untreatable illness one after the other become real. The cultural insights presented are enlightening; the humor, constant and comforting; and the people, real and loveable. When you meet them, you will enjoy them more if you have read this book.

For those who want to experience Africa from the armchair, you will have more than you can imagine here. A little medical background will increase your understanding but is not necessary. Explanations of the life and culture are interesting and well done. This is a true account of life in developing Cameroon.

Thank you, Dieter, for writing this book and sharing your life and your heart with us - again. You shared while you were in Cameroon, and here you continue to do so. This is another good example of your pace setting.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Medical Adventures in Cameroon!, July 17, 2001

By 

Scott Moats (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: man no be God: Bushdoctor in Cameroon (Paperback)

Dr. Lemke vividly portrays the life of a physician at the Banso Baptist Hospital in Cameroon, West Africa. He writes about the history of the hospital and the changes that have occurred there during his 30 years of service. The story is interwoven with cultural information and recounts of interesting and unusual patients. In the final portion of the book, Dr. Lemke conveys the details of his personal experience with AIDS in West Africa.

Having traveled to and worked at Banso Baptist Hospital myself, I would highly recommend this tale to anyone interested in medical mission work, tropical medicine or West African society. Dr. Lemke's portrayal of life in rural Cameroon is exceptional. He provides insight into the life of a "bush doctor" and brings the Banso Baptist Hospital to life in the mind of the reader. Read this book -- you will laugh, you will cry, but you won't be disappointed!