This biography makes “… an invaluable and unique contribution to our better understanding of Damien the man” according to Mr Douglas Soutar, General Secretary of ILEP, who here reviews this unique record of Damien’s life. 

This excellent book is most timely, coming as the Vatican prepares for the canonisation of Father Damien in October 2009. It is an invaluable and unique contribution to our better understanding of Damien the man. It brings us much closer than any previous biography to the reality of his life and those of the people he worked and ultimately died for. The story of Damien has been told and retold many times but this book uniquely and so vitally includes the voices and personal accounts of those who were most affected by his presence and who worked alongside him on the remote Kalaupapa peninsula in Hawaii.

Photo © Anwei Skinsnes Law
Young men of Kalaupapa outside St Philomena Church,
which Father Damien and residents built with their own hands

People affected by leprosy have so often been cruelly and unjustifiably banished and separated from their communities and it is not surprising therefore that their voices have largely been absent from written history.  This book goes a long way to redressing this injustice by ensuring that their words and their personal recollections can also illuminate the life and work of the simple Belgian priest who, 120 years after his death, still stands as a reminder of the need for compassion and justice in our society.

 

Father Damien: A Bit of Taro, A Piece of Fish and A Glass of Water
Anwei Skinsnes Law and Henry G Law
Published by the IDEA Center for the Voices of Humanity

To purchase copies please click on this link: http://www.idealeprosydignity.org/book/IDEABookstore.htm

Henry is the former National Park Superintendent of Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

Anwei is the International Co-ordinator for IDEA, the International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement, an international human rights and advocacy organisation, whose leadership and membership is primarily composed of people affected by leprosy.

IDEA website: http://www.idealeprosydignity.org/  

 

Click the following link to see also related article: International Launch of New Book on Father Damien De Veuster: http://www.ilep.org.uk/news-events/article/view/international-launch-of-new-book-on-father-damien-de-veuster/351/ 

Categories: Book reviews