Five books that will take you on a journey to Ethiopia

Author Jhumpa Lahiri famously said: “That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”

This is fortunate for the many of us who lack either the time or funds to visit Ethiopia, but are intrigued by its people, history, culture, and landscape.

For those wanting to learn more about Dr Catherine Hamlin’s adopted home, we put together a short list of our favourite books, with both fiction and non-fiction stories ready for you to dive in.

And with the availability of audiobooks for the car and kindles for the commute, it’s always possible to steal 10 minutes and escape the everyday.

Hospital by the River by Dr Catherine Hamlin

A candid account of 60 years of service to women in Ethiopia suffering from obstetric fistula, in Hospital by the River Dr Hamlin weaves her own story together with the history of the hospital and that of her adopted country, Ethiopia. The stories of the women treated will bring tears, joy, sadness and admiration for the incredible commitment by the Hamlins and their staff,

Format: paperback, audiobook, ebook

Beneath the Lion’s Gaze by Maaza Mengiste

This is an epic tale of a father and two sons, of betrayals and loyalties, of a family unravelling in the wake of Ethiopia’s revolution. Beneath the Lion’s Gaze tells a gripping story of the bonds of love and friendship set in a time and place that has rarely been explored in fiction.

Format: paperback, ebook, MP3 CD

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Two surgeon brothers begin life in Ethiopia and face forbidden love, betrayal and murder in this enthralling saga that spans five decades and three continents. Interestingly, Dr Catherine and Reg Hamlin were Verghese’s professors at medical school, with the story of fistula at the centre of his incredible novel.

Format: paperback, audiobook, ebook

Maalika by Valerie Browning

In 1973, Valerie Browning, a young Sydney nurse, volunteered to go to Ethiopia to help the victims of a devastating famine. She had little conception of Africa or Africans, and yet the continent and its people would become the guiding force of her life. Maalika is a testament to how determination and passion can achieve extraordinary things.

Format: paperback, ebook

Healing Lives by Sue William

Two incredible women, an unlikely friendship, and a united mission to save the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most desperate women. Healing Lives reveals the untold tale of Mamitu Gashe, Dr Catherine Hamlin’s protégée, and the inspiring almost 60-year friendship between the two women.

Format: paperback, audiobook, ebook

Happy summer reading!