A story worth sharing
“…Reg and I listened with rapt attention as she described these tragic cases. At the time we had no idea how important they would become to us. We had been hired to practise the whole gamut of obstetrics and gynaecology. The fistulas seemed like a minor curiosity. But they would become much more than that. I shall remember forever her prophetic words, ‘the fistula patients will break your heart.'" - Dr Catherine Hamlin, The Hospital by the River
Dr Catherine Hamlin’s story, told in her own words, in The Hospital by the River, has captivated thousands of readers - allowing people from all corners of the world to be transported to Ethiopia, to live through decades of history and to be moved, often to tears, by the plight of countless strangers.
Co-written with John Little this book is a candid account of 60 years of service to women in Ethiopia suffering from obstetric fistula. Catherine weaves her own story together with the history of the hospital and that of her adopted country, Ethiopia. Click here to read the prologue to The Hospital by the River.
If you’ve already enjoyed The Hospital by the River, the continuing story, Catherine’s Gift by John Little is a must-read! Click here to read some of John Little's memories of Dr Catherine Hamlin.
Both books are best-sellers at the Hamlin Shop, however we know there are still so many people who do not know about this amazing woman and her story.
Hers is a story worth sharing and we want to spread the word through book clubs!
A new story to discover
Followers of the Hamlin story will be excited to learn of the new book telling the remarkable untold tale of Mamitu Gashe, Catherine's protégée, and the inspiring almost 60-year friendship between the two women. Healing Lives, the new book written by award-winning journalist Sue Williams, explores the story of 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.
In 1962, 14 year-old Mamitu Gashe arrived in Addis Ababa seeking the aid of Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin. Mamitu was horrifically injured during childbirth in her mountain village in remote Ethiopia. Catherine and Reg saved her, and in return, Mamitu dedicated her life to their mission - helping women with fistula.
Under the Hamlins' guidance, Mamitu went from mopping floors and comforting fellow patients, to becoming one of the most acclaimed fistula surgeons in the world, despite never having had a day's schooling.
Feel moved and inspired by this story of two incredible women, an unlikely friendship, and a united mission to save the lives of over 60,000 of the poorest women on Earth.
Healing Lives will be available on October 13. Click here to pre-order your copy of this unmissable story today!
Special offer to book clubs
If you are interested in sharing either The Hospital by the River or Catherine's Gift with your book club, please contact us at hq@hamlin.org.au.
We'd love to share a special offer with you, allowing your book club members to receive a free tote bag with their book purchase. And... if eight or more people from your book club purchase a book, a Hamlin representative will attend your book club gathering - either in person or via zoom, to delve deeper into the Hamlin story and (hopefully!) answer any questions not covered in the book.
Click here to read about Hamlin x Five Dock Book Club