I read this book a couple of years ago, it was just amazing.
I found a copy at a second hand book store, now to send it travelling around the world!

Given to Grandma to read.

It was just amazing!

Starting a bookray.

KiwiinEngland -NZ (NZ/Aus/Int'l post)-*Done*
Andrasthe -Austria (EU post) *Done*

Off to KiwiinEngland in Wellington :-)

It arrive!! Thank you so much for sending it. Can't wait to read it.

This was a book that I think is important to read, so we don't forget what is going on in areas of the world that have dropped off the "issue of the week" reported in the news.

The author comes across as exhausted, frustrated, searching, and frustrating. I believe it is a very honestly written account of her desire to help and her inability to do all she wishes she could.

Before I post this to Austria, sfogs has agreed that I can offer it to Edwardstreet to see if they wish to read it as part of the 666 challenge.
If you aren't familiar with Bookcrossing, take a few minutes to check out this very cool site. Bookcrossers LOVE books, and more than anything, they love to read books and then set them free for other people to find and enjoy. I would love it if you would leave a journal entry -- you can say where you found the book or how you liked it when you read it.

This was returned to me by Edwardstreet, who posted the following in the 666 challenge on the book forum


"As I completed the book this morning the now independent Southern Sudan was on the news and there was footage of injured UN peacekeepers being rushed into a hospital, while in the backgound there was shots of dust and filth. New Zealander, ( formerly Sth African) Lisa paints a picture of her time in this war zone several years ago, I am interested as to why some of her co-workers sidelined her as they worked for days on end with high numbers of casualties. I suspect she was somewhat emotionally unstable.

I struggled to understand her moving among the injured and dying recording their stories, surely her time would have been better spent nursing or cleaning the filth. I think there is much that is not said here. Nevertheless the war grinds on, millions die, female circumsicion continues and women are raped, tortured and struggle to give birth. I will get this back to KIE asap.

The world needs lots more Lisa's who are good enough to volunteer their time and expertise in the hell holes of the world. Even though I did not personally warm to Lisa I am in awe of her and her fellow workers."

posting to Austria, for a horrendous amount of money which is one way to be reminded to check that bookrings I sign up for do not consist of stupidly oversized books. I am annoyed at myself for not enquiring, and also for there being no indication from previous readers before the book arrived with me.

sorry that it was so expensive, but it arrived safely

This book, at times, was hard to read. The atrocities committed by men are sometimes overwhelming and hard to grasp.

The author describes her experiences as an aid worker in Darfur. She sees the world around her through a Westener's eyes and depicts and judges accordingly. Blaker manages to capture her own emotions and limitations rather well and also admits to being frustrated, stressed or even indifferent at times. Early on she describes the euphoric attitude of the new arrivals within the MSF that soon changes into desperation and exhaustion. The nurse herself is no exception. She quickly understands that for all her good intentions, there is only so much help she can provide and often enough, all fails because of some small matter or a big ego.

It wouldn't be right to say that I enjoyed the book, even though some moments were very touching and brought smiles on my face. It is not an easy read, especially as the reader knows that the accounts sadly aren't fictional. While the author succeeded in painting the awful imagery, she seemed to put an emphasis on bits and pieces that I personally didn't find that interesting within the greater story. I admire her heart and courage, even more so as she is close to giving up and conveys a strong feeling of hopelessness as she gets through some of her harder days.

The book definitely serves as food for thought. No matter how you perceive her as a person, Blaker most certainly did her part to help her suffering fellow men.

To the winner of the unusual country sweepstake. The author is from New Zealand and the text is set mostly in Darfur.

I hope you enjoy :)

The book arrived safely - after spending some days at the post office ;o) Thanks!