This book by Paul Farmer with an assemblage of epilogues by co-workers and associates encapsulates the experiences of thousands who tried to respond to this great disaster. It is a story of bravery and zeal and of success and dismal failure. President Clinton's appeal to "build back better" is a serious theme.
Also underlying the whole story is Farmer's longstanding appeal to involve the Haitian government rather than bypass it. This is more than a theoretical matter. Money given to the government often disappears. However, aid agencies come and go almost at a whim. The government is there at all times responsible for everyone. It is a false economy to avoid helping the health department and others responsible even if they might be immediately less effective.
Also there are many unintended consequences to aid efforts. For example, all the aid agencies provided medical care for free, instantly severing the income of all indigenous Haitian doctors.
Though controversial, Farmer is without doubt an amazingly gifted and dedicated humanitarian.
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