A profoundly moving biography of an almost legendary figure. It is one of that select group of books of classic stature which will endure as long as men thrill to deeds of valor and pay homage to the great spiritual truths so magnificently reflected in the life of Damien de Veuster, priest of God, a leper.

“Advice To Be Read on Shipboard

To find the good in a thing at once is a sign of good taste. Some seek the good in life, others the ill. There is nothing that has no good in it. But many have such a scent that amidst a thousand excellences they fix upon a single defect as if they were scavengers of men’s minds and hearts. So they draw up a balance sheet of defects which does more credit to their bad taste than to their intelligence. They lead a sad life, nourishing themselves on bitters and garbage. They have the luckier taste who amongst a thousand defects seize upon a single beauty that they may have hit upon by chance…

His hand lingered over the paper for a moment. From past experience he had found that young missionaries, newly ordained, full of the importance of their mission, were sometimes, in their zeal, overharsh to their charges. And intolerance was the last thing he wished.” (pages xvii-xviii)

Evidence this missionary leader:

Was aware some young missionaries he sent were not mature enough to be tolerant of other ways of living.

Did not care enough to figure out a way to teach tolerance to young missionaries.

Was blinded by religious zeal.

Did not care that some missionaries were overharsh.

Priest Damien, a Catholic missionary, went to Molokai. He committed his life to helping others suffering from leprosy. He got leprosy too. Appears he gained respect of Hawaiian royalty who visited him, the Bishop who sent him, sick ones he cared for, and many people around the world. Story offers insights into life of a missionary, island of Molokai, Hawaiian history, and history of leprosy. ( )

Quick simple read. Given to rhetorical flourish, and could easily have been trimmed down, but still a fine retelling of this interesting and devoted life. ( )

This is a tragic story, but well-written. I bought this in Hawaii when visiting, and heard stories that there is still a leper colony on the island they were talking about. Also a great story about a clergyman's journey to save people when he's losing himself.

Doesn't read like a religious book. Thought maybe it would have some lesson that would relate to the clergyman's religion, but it's a universal message. ( )