I try to write a review of all the books I read,
and of late I have been devouring books like they are going out of
fashion.
While my book choice was once primarily British
Nautical and Historical fiction, I recently changed tack and veered into modern
day murder and intrigue stories often set in the USA.
But this week, I read a biography - one of the
few of this genre I have ever entertained. This followed watching an interview
on TV of Ophthalmic surgeon Dr Sanduk Ruit. His story, titled "The Barefoot Surgeon" begins with a boy living in a remote
Nepalese village high in the Himalayas. From the onset, I was intrigued.
Superbly written by Ali Gripper and published only a few
days ago, the challenges which beset this remarkable man are hard to believe. What he achieved over 30+ years is even more astounding.
I have just written my review and posted it on Amazon.
I have just written my review and posted it on Amazon.
Here is a transcript:
A truly inspiring and moving story which continues to this
very day. From the inhospitable and hazardous mountains of the Himalayas,
Ruit's story is a journey-story in more ways than one that takes him from the
dangerous yak tracks in the shadow of Everest, to the palaces and seats of learning of the world. It is a
journey through life, beset by adversity and challenges yet filled with
dedication and love, a journey to fulfil one man's dream to bring sight to the million of
people around the world who cannot see.
Operating in makeshift theatres with plastic sheets for
walls, using equipment and intraocular lens donated by other surgeons and
institutions, fighting adversities along with criticism and condemnations from
the establishment, Ruit performed 70 operations every day, built a hospital and
numerous treatment centres across Nepal and trained dozens of young surgeons in
delicate eye surgery.
Today Ruit is recognized as one of the top ophthalmic
surgeons in the world.
The story of this brilliant man is told here so eloquently
by author, Ali Gripper.
I found this book hard to put down.
Highly, highly recommended.
