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HomeShop at BookSurgeJuvenile FictionSocial IssuesSelf-Esteem & Self-RelianceTravesty in Haiti: A true account of Christian missions, orphanages, fraud, food aid and drug trafficking |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 29 customer reviews )
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35 of 35 found the following review helpful:
 Outstanding book--should be read by all concerned about Haiti, foreign aid and the continued oppression of the poor Apr 25, 2009
By momma j
"babyche"
This is a truly outstanding book, not in the least because of the humility of the author, Dr. Schwartz, as he portrays his own naive wading through the morass of confluent shadows of poverty, culture, oppression, aid and his search for meaning over a 10 year period of work in Haiti. The book raises the consciousness of the reader even as the author and protagonist of the book's consciousness is being raised.
This book is significantly more scholarly and interesting than Dead Aid, by Dambisa Moyo which received a huge amount of attention. Both books make the point that aid as it is currently constructed is ineffective. But while Moyo's book is far less honest and nuanced about the organizations she has worked with--like the World Bank and Goldmann Sachs, Schwartz is critical of himself, people he considered friends and organizations he has worked for, such as CARE and USAID.
Pointing out that aid is dead is hardly interesting...naming names of who is responsible for not only the dead aid but the stream of humanity left dead in the wake of at best misguided aid, more accurately, purposefully malignant projects, is revolutionary. Read this book.
26 of 26 found the following review helpful:
Well done! Mar 31, 2010
By TropicalDoc
I must admit that I expected not to like this book. I felt compelled to read it. I expected a cynical and arrogant review of Christian missions. I expected a self-righteous, omniscient review of well-meaning aid activities in Haiti. What I read was a thoughtful, honest and fair review of all subjects touched upon. I have worked in Haiti over the past 25 years and I have seen a lot of good things happen but more frequently have witnessed waste, graft and failure. The author doesn't generalize beyond his experiences. He does accurately depict events in an interesting and entertaining matter.
It seems so many books written about Haiti reek of personal agenda. Travesty in Haiti is a definite exception. I will certainly recommend this book to others!!! Well done!!!!
22 of 22 found the following review helpful:
Must Read for anyone who cares about international development May 20, 2009
By sarah
I've worked in Haiti for over a decade, and although I was aware of fundamental problems with international food, medical and other aid, I had no idea the problems were as comprehensive (or as widely acknowledged by people in the field). The book's major contribution is showing that the organizations involved generally know they are at best not fulfilling their stated mission, and are more often actually causing harm. They are just addicted to the money that comes from a dysfunctional system, and too cynical to think there's a better way.
The book is also entertaining, and a quick read. It is depressing, but there are antidotes out there- examples where organizations manage to actually do good work. I'd suggest Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains, anything written by Paul Farmer, and Margaret Trost's "On That Day Everybody Ate."
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Astonishing Apr 24, 2010
By Paul Gahlinger, MD, PhD
This book is by far the most insightful, educating, and rewarding work on Haiti -- and indeed on the entire field of overseas charitable operations. Anyone interested in Haiti or in charities should read it.
Despite the important of his work, this book appears to me to have been self-published and in need of copy-editing. A reputable publisher should pick it up and give it the distribution it deserves -- not only for the public but for universities.
I bought this because I am leaving for a medical mission to Haiti and want to know more about the country besides history. To my surprise, my own academic experience was somewhat similar to Dr. Schwarz, although he succeeded where I failed. In the early '80s, I got a PhD in anthropology. My original dissertation topic was the effects of tourism in the British Virgin Islands. When I presented my initial reports on prostitution and public health problems, my funding rapidly dried up and I was discouraged from continuing. I completed the PhD on another topic. As a UC-Berkeley graduate with extensive experience overseas, I was invited to take a Post-doc fellowship at Harvard on international aid. I put together a prospectus to examine the accountability of international charities. Somehow, the invitation disappeared. I became very disillusioned and ended up going to medical school instead -- eventually building my own operation, MediCruiser, with transparency and real accountability. Dr. Schwarz stuck it out and has the courage to tell the truth. I hope he continues!
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Important witnessing Jun 16, 2010
By Kate V. Somerville
This is the most revealing book I have read in ages. I tend to follow the think-globally-act-locally model, and this author has revealed so many of the grant scams and political spoilers of progress that go on in Haiti, Anytown, USA and elsewhere. The author's relentless observations and honesty beg for open dialogue at home. The irony that his efforts made such little impact, but he did reveal how-it-really-is, not only in Haiti, but pockets everywhere. I agree, a major publisher really should pick this up. It is an important book, and I applaud his bravery for staying in the belly of the beast for so long. I wish it were required reading for students. It begs so much discussion. I love Haiti and wish it well.
See all 29 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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