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Healing Lives
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.
In 1962, three years after Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin arrived in Ethiopia, an illiterate peasant girl sought their aid. Mamitu Gashe was close to death and horrifically injured during childbirth after an arranged marriage - at the age of just fourteen to a man she'd never met - in a remote mountain village.
The Hamlins' Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital saved her and, in return, Mamitu dedicated her life to Catherine's mission. Under the iconic doctor's guidance, Mamitu went from mopping floors and comforting her fellow patients, to becoming one of the most acclaimed fistula surgeons in the world, despite never having had a day's schooling.
This is the moving story of the friendship that saved the lives of over 60,000 of the poorest women on earth.
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.
In 1962, three years after Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin arrived in Ethiopia, an illiterate peasant girl sought their aid. Mamitu Gashe was close to death and horrifically injured during childbirth after an arranged marriage - at the age of just fourteen to a man she'd never met - in a remote mountain village.
The Hamlins' Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital saved her and, in return, Mamitu dedicated her life to Catherine's mission. Under the iconic doctor's guidance, Mamitu went from mopping floors and comforting her fellow patients, to becoming one of the most acclaimed fistula surgeons in the world, despite never having had a day's schooling.
This is the moving story of the friendship that saved the lives of over 60,000 of the poorest women on earth.
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2020
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186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 10, 2021
Almost twenty years ago I read the memorable and most inspiring biography Hospital By The River which told of husband and wife team Reg and Catherine Hamlin. This couple left Australia in the 1950's with the intention of spending two or three years in Ethiopia to help establish a school of midwifery. Instead they stayed on for decades, building a hospital and providing free medical care and surgical procedures for young girls and women who had sustained injuries during childbirth. They specialised in fistula repairs and their work was quite literally lifesaving for thousands of women.
Healing Livesby Sue Williams retells this story but with a significant emphasis on the relationship between Catherine and one of their early patients Mamitu. Married at 14, Mamitu sustained such severe injuries during childbirth that she required more than ten operations over the course of two years and was never fully healed however she stayed on at the hospital helping the nurses, caring for other patients and eventually she went on to train with the Hamlin's as a surgeon. Eventually Mamitu became so skilled she trained other visiting doctors and surgeons and in time became recognised as a world leader in fistula surgery. This was remarkable enough but even more so considering she was illiterate, having never been to school let alone studied medicine.
Healing Lives provides details of the more than 60 years of friendship between Catherine and Mamitu and tells of their work together in Ethiopia. It vividly depicts just how severe the injuries could be, how and why they were so debilitating in not only physical but also social and psychological terms. It shines a light on the tireless fundraising efforts of the Hamlin's to ensure the care they provided continued to be free. They also lobbied against the practice of allowing child brides in an effort to reduce the likelihood of the injuries in the first instance. By starting a midwifery school they helped train hundreds of women who were then able to provide timely and appropriate maternity care within their village communities. Not surprisingly Catherine and Mamitu won several prestigious awards and Catherine was twice nominated for a Nobel Prize.
Again I've been inspired by the good deeds of Catherine Hamlin, her husband Reg and their protégé Mamitu Gashe. They make me wish I had dedicated my life to such a worthy cause and I'm filled with the utmost respect for all they have done. Catherine died last year (March 2020) at the age of 96 having continued to perform operations until her late 80's. Mamitu had spent the past few years caring for Catherine as her health declined but now, aged 74, grief ridden at the loss of her mother figure, Mamitu was delighted to return to the operating room to once again save the lives of young Ethiopian girls.
Whilst the story and the efforts described inspired and impressed me no end I did feel as though the writing became a bit repetitive. Perhaps if this was my first exposure to the Hamlins and their work I may not have felt that way and would probably have deemed it 5 star worthy. Still for an entirely uplifting read about inspirational real life heroes this one definitely ticked the boxes. In terms of human worth the Hamlin's, Mamitu and all their supporters deserve all the stars.
Healing Livesby Sue Williams retells this story but with a significant emphasis on the relationship between Catherine and one of their early patients Mamitu. Married at 14, Mamitu sustained such severe injuries during childbirth that she required more than ten operations over the course of two years and was never fully healed however she stayed on at the hospital helping the nurses, caring for other patients and eventually she went on to train with the Hamlin's as a surgeon. Eventually Mamitu became so skilled she trained other visiting doctors and surgeons and in time became recognised as a world leader in fistula surgery. This was remarkable enough but even more so considering she was illiterate, having never been to school let alone studied medicine.
Healing Lives provides details of the more than 60 years of friendship between Catherine and Mamitu and tells of their work together in Ethiopia. It vividly depicts just how severe the injuries could be, how and why they were so debilitating in not only physical but also social and psychological terms. It shines a light on the tireless fundraising efforts of the Hamlin's to ensure the care they provided continued to be free. They also lobbied against the practice of allowing child brides in an effort to reduce the likelihood of the injuries in the first instance. By starting a midwifery school they helped train hundreds of women who were then able to provide timely and appropriate maternity care within their village communities. Not surprisingly Catherine and Mamitu won several prestigious awards and Catherine was twice nominated for a Nobel Prize.
Again I've been inspired by the good deeds of Catherine Hamlin, her husband Reg and their protégé Mamitu Gashe. They make me wish I had dedicated my life to such a worthy cause and I'm filled with the utmost respect for all they have done. Catherine died last year (March 2020) at the age of 96 having continued to perform operations until her late 80's. Mamitu had spent the past few years caring for Catherine as her health declined but now, aged 74, grief ridden at the loss of her mother figure, Mamitu was delighted to return to the operating room to once again save the lives of young Ethiopian girls.
Whilst the story and the efforts described inspired and impressed me no end I did feel as though the writing became a bit repetitive. Perhaps if this was my first exposure to the Hamlins and their work I may not have felt that way and would probably have deemed it 5 star worthy. Still for an entirely uplifting read about inspirational real life heroes this one definitely ticked the boxes. In terms of human worth the Hamlin's, Mamitu and all their supporters deserve all the stars.
January 5, 2021
A wonderful book about Australian Dr Catherine Hamlin and the amazing Ethiopian fistula patient Mamitu Gashe who, despite having no medical training, went on to become one of the world's leading obstetric fistula surgeons. And she is still not a doctor! A remarkable read. I now look forward to the publication of A doctor in Africa which is the life story of Australian Dr Andrew Browning who spent 17 years in Africa operating on women after being trained by Dr Hamlin and Mamitu.
December 21, 2020
Superb effort Sue. So inspiring to see what has been achieved for women with fistula and still a way to go.
November 6, 2022
Listened as an audiobook - “Childbirth is the most dangerous journey you can take in a developing Country”.
A remarkable story of friendship between Dr Catherine Hamlin and an Ethiopian fistula patient Mamitu Gashe. Travelling to Ethiopia in the 1960’s, Catherine and her husband Reg dedicate their working lives to repairing obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury caused by long difficult childbirths. After a difficult and ultimately tragic childbirth at 16 years old, Mamitu Gashe meets Catherine after seeking treatment for her own fistula. The two form an unbreakable bond, both with a passion for improving the health of all birthing women in Ethiopia. Despite having no primary, secondary, or medical training, Mamitu is then trained by Catherine before going on to become one of the leading obstetric fistula surgeons in the world.
It was really interesting to learn about how one woman can be the catalyst for so much change in a developing country. However, I have to admit that the writing was quite repetitive with a lot of very similar quotes filling the book.
A wonderful story of friendship - How two inspiring women helped change the lives of thousands of Ethiopian women.
A remarkable story of friendship between Dr Catherine Hamlin and an Ethiopian fistula patient Mamitu Gashe. Travelling to Ethiopia in the 1960’s, Catherine and her husband Reg dedicate their working lives to repairing obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury caused by long difficult childbirths. After a difficult and ultimately tragic childbirth at 16 years old, Mamitu Gashe meets Catherine after seeking treatment for her own fistula. The two form an unbreakable bond, both with a passion for improving the health of all birthing women in Ethiopia. Despite having no primary, secondary, or medical training, Mamitu is then trained by Catherine before going on to become one of the leading obstetric fistula surgeons in the world.
It was really interesting to learn about how one woman can be the catalyst for so much change in a developing country. However, I have to admit that the writing was quite repetitive with a lot of very similar quotes filling the book.
A wonderful story of friendship - How two inspiring women helped change the lives of thousands of Ethiopian women.
November 25, 2020
A truly inspiring book! This is one of those books that really moved me, the coming together of two women from very different backgrounds, working together against and surmounting many obstacles with the overreaching aim of doing good work for a stigmatised group i.e those overcoming fistula. Williams does a great job of threading the story together in a captivating way that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended!
March 1, 2021
What a remarkable woman Dr Catherine Hamlin was and Mamitu Gashe is, the world needs more women like them.
July 9, 2023
A true story of the ghastly consequences of obstructed labour in Ethiopian women and several inspirational people who changed lives. Sadly, I found the writing style repetitive and a little irritating.
June 7, 2022
Having read The Hospital by the River I wondered what extra this book would offer, and I'm so glad I read it as well! Healing Lives not only goes beyond its predecessor time-wise, but is an in depth biography of Mamitu Gashe whose story is astonishing. Mamitu's story, alongside those of other women who endured fistulas in Ethiopia, will worm their way into your soul. Their stories haunt you and buoy you with hope reading about the strength and resilience of these women, and the generosity and compassion of Catherine and Reg Hamlin who saved them from unbearable misery.
HOWEVER I cannot understand the discussion on J Marion Sims. The favourable look at him in The Hospital by the River is understandable given the time it was written, but for a book published in 2020 to not cover the dark history of the very beginning of fistula repair seems inexcuseable to me. J Marion Sims formed the first techniques for fistula repair by operating primarily on three women, Anarcha, Betsy and Lucy. These women were black slaves suffering from fistulas who were purchased by Sims to be experimented on without anesthetic. In general, Sims refused to use anesthesia on all women (black women and later white women), in his words "because they are not painful enough to justify the trouble and risk attending their administration", typically sexist of the era. Sims believed African Americans were less intelligent than white people because their skulls grew too quickly around their brain and operated on black infants by using a shoemakers tool to pry their bones apart and loosen their skulls (again with no anasthesia). This was a procedure with a 100% mortality rate which he blamed on, to quote, “the sloth and ignorance of their mothers and the Black midwives who attended them.” It is undeniable that the techniques first established by Sims were revolutionary, and it is equally undeniable that the ways Sims formed these techniques were horrendous.
Rant over! This was overall a great book, and I will slander J Marion Sims any opportunity I get.
HOWEVER I cannot understand the discussion on J Marion Sims. The favourable look at him in The Hospital by the River is understandable given the time it was written, but for a book published in 2020 to not cover the dark history of the very beginning of fistula repair seems inexcuseable to me. J Marion Sims formed the first techniques for fistula repair by operating primarily on three women, Anarcha, Betsy and Lucy. These women were black slaves suffering from fistulas who were purchased by Sims to be experimented on without anesthetic. In general, Sims refused to use anesthesia on all women (black women and later white women), in his words "because they are not painful enough to justify the trouble and risk attending their administration", typically sexist of the era. Sims believed African Americans were less intelligent than white people because their skulls grew too quickly around their brain and operated on black infants by using a shoemakers tool to pry their bones apart and loosen their skulls (again with no anasthesia). This was a procedure with a 100% mortality rate which he blamed on, to quote, “the sloth and ignorance of their mothers and the Black midwives who attended them.” It is undeniable that the techniques first established by Sims were revolutionary, and it is equally undeniable that the ways Sims formed these techniques were horrendous.
Rant over! This was overall a great book, and I will slander J Marion Sims any opportunity I get.
December 2, 2021
“Childbirth is the most dangerous journey you can take in a developing Country”. The Hamlin’s story is so beautiful - to leave behind a life of wealth and privilege and give everything to help the women of Ethiopia is incredible, I was in awe of their selflessness while listening to this audiobook. I had heard of the fistula hospital before, but never realised the pain and journey the women went through before, during and after childbirth. The Hamlin’s were an integral part of halving Ethiopias maternal mortality rate, which is still 412 per 100,000 live births - a huge figure considering the rate in Australia is 5! Of those that survive, many will be left unable to have more children, deliver stillborns after long obstructed labour and be left with painful fistula resulting in leaking of urine and faeces and be banished from their families for life. This was such a brilliantly told story, Mamitu endured so much and then gave up her whole life to help others by becoming a world class surgeon alongside Reg & Catherine. I am feeling very blessed to have had the maternity care readily available to me that I had, and hope that the Hamlin’s hospital and foundation continues well into the future so that their dream of eradicating fistula can come true.
June 27, 2024
One of my neighbours lent me this book, as she was so impressed with it. It is the remarkable story of how 3 people, with great compassion and caring, turned around the terrible maternal mortality and morbidity statistics in Ethiopia.
The two doctors served the community there for most of their adult lives and established centres for fistula surgery, then turned their efforts to add midwifery training to improve the chances of Ethiopian women not having to persist with unattended obstructed labour and its entirely preventable very sad consequences. Equally remarkable is the story of one of their fistula patients who became a very skilled fistula surgeon and has trained many others, with no formal qualifications herself. This amazing woman, Mamitu, also devoted her adult life to the Hamlins and the work with fistula patients.
Together they raised awareness of this not at all glamorous condition, and raised funds to train the staff and build the hospitals, changing the lives of many women not only in Ethiopia but in other developing countries.
The two doctors served the community there for most of their adult lives and established centres for fistula surgery, then turned their efforts to add midwifery training to improve the chances of Ethiopian women not having to persist with unattended obstructed labour and its entirely preventable very sad consequences. Equally remarkable is the story of one of their fistula patients who became a very skilled fistula surgeon and has trained many others, with no formal qualifications herself. This amazing woman, Mamitu, also devoted her adult life to the Hamlins and the work with fistula patients.
Together they raised awareness of this not at all glamorous condition, and raised funds to train the staff and build the hospitals, changing the lives of many women not only in Ethiopia but in other developing countries.
July 15, 2024
"Uncounted hundreds of thousands of young mothers annually suffer childbirth injuries; injuries which reduce them to the ultimate state of human wretchedness. Consider these young women... Their desolation descends below that of the lepers, who though scarred, crippled and shunned, may still marry and find useful work to do". (p90).
I was introduced to Mamitu and Dr Catherine Hamlin by the autobiography A Doctor in Africa. I found this book more moving, in that it explores Mamitu's history in much more detail and so I became more involved. The first chapters, which alternate between Mamitu and Dr Catherine, are particularly excellent.
Later chapters focus more on politics and logistics and enumerating the many donors to the cause, and various awards and accolades. Tighter editing could have removed some repetition, as many people's quotes about the two surgeons are very similar. It is however worth repeating that the exceptionally capable surgeon Mamitu cannot read or write.
Mamitu and Dr Catherine helped save the lives of over 60,000 women and their story is well worth reading. There is more to be done, as an estimated 39,000 women in Ethiopia suffer entirely preventable fistula. I hope this book will inspire further efforts to eradicate fistula.
I was introduced to Mamitu and Dr Catherine Hamlin by the autobiography A Doctor in Africa. I found this book more moving, in that it explores Mamitu's history in much more detail and so I became more involved. The first chapters, which alternate between Mamitu and Dr Catherine, are particularly excellent.
Later chapters focus more on politics and logistics and enumerating the many donors to the cause, and various awards and accolades. Tighter editing could have removed some repetition, as many people's quotes about the two surgeons are very similar. It is however worth repeating that the exceptionally capable surgeon Mamitu cannot read or write.
Mamitu and Dr Catherine helped save the lives of over 60,000 women and their story is well worth reading. There is more to be done, as an estimated 39,000 women in Ethiopia suffer entirely preventable fistula. I hope this book will inspire further efforts to eradicate fistula.
December 11, 2024
I have no doubts that this is an incredible story of two kind hearted people who set out to save lives in Ethiopia (and did just that!), but this book comes across with an unpleasant white saviour complex tone.
It speaks quite patronisingly of the young girl who ends up becoming extremely well accomplished.
I also take issue with all the praise given to the American surgeon J. Marion Sims, who has been credited with the development of a surgical technique to repair obstetric fistulas. It is well known within the medical community that this man developed his technique by experimenting on non-consenting black slave girls, without any anaesthetic. To not mention this either shows an incredible lack of research, or the writer didn’t think it was worth mentioning, which I would argue is the worse option.
I understand that this book is about telling the life story of Catherine and her husband, and perhaps the writer didn’t feel equipped to delve into complex social and racial issues, but as a white doctor myself, this book left me feeling much more uncomfortable than it did inspired.
It speaks quite patronisingly of the young girl who ends up becoming extremely well accomplished.
I also take issue with all the praise given to the American surgeon J. Marion Sims, who has been credited with the development of a surgical technique to repair obstetric fistulas. It is well known within the medical community that this man developed his technique by experimenting on non-consenting black slave girls, without any anaesthetic. To not mention this either shows an incredible lack of research, or the writer didn’t think it was worth mentioning, which I would argue is the worse option.
I understand that this book is about telling the life story of Catherine and her husband, and perhaps the writer didn’t feel equipped to delve into complex social and racial issues, but as a white doctor myself, this book left me feeling much more uncomfortable than it did inspired.
April 29, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
Catherine Hamlin - was an awe inspring, formidable woman. A woman of faith, love, compassion and tenacity. Having previously read The Hospital by the River (which is hands down a five star read) I was excited to read this biography. Although it was lovely reading about the beautiful relationship between Catherine and Mamitu, and Mamitu's success as a surgeon, I found the writing somewhat repetitive and dry in places.
Still, a great read that adds to our knowledge of Catherine, Mamitu and the devestating impact of fistula on countless woman.
Catherine Hamlin - was an awe inspring, formidable woman. A woman of faith, love, compassion and tenacity. Having previously read The Hospital by the River (which is hands down a five star read) I was excited to read this biography. Although it was lovely reading about the beautiful relationship between Catherine and Mamitu, and Mamitu's success as a surgeon, I found the writing somewhat repetitive and dry in places.
Still, a great read that adds to our knowledge of Catherine, Mamitu and the devestating impact of fistula on countless woman.
November 27, 2022
Such a great celebration of an amazing lady. Catherine (and Reg) created and left an amazing legacy. They made such a difference to so many people's lives not just the ladies they set out dedicated their lives to save but the medical professionals they trained etc. Mamitu Gashe is an amazing lady who after being saved by the Hamlins also dedicated her life the cause they had started. Both ladies and Reg are the true meaning of the word Saint.
December 6, 2020
Absolutely incredible story of love, grace and sacrifice. I couldn't put this book down. I work as a hospital aide on a maternity ward in New zealand with a wonderful health care system, so this story absolutely intrigued me. .. I will not forget this book for a very long time. I would have loved to meet Catherine and Mamitu. Incredible incredible story!!!!!
December 8, 2020
Lives lived well. Australian physician Catherine Hamlin dedicates her life to saving the lives of Ethiopian women and women of the world who suffer from obstetric fistula. The book focuses on Hamlin's friendship with one such woman, Mamitu, who, without formal education, becomes a leading world fistula surgeon. Heart-warming and informative story.
July 4, 2021
What an inspirational book.
Catherine Hamlin’s legacy is amazing. She was truely an inspirational woman.
I listened to this book as an audio book. It was read by Alexandra Aldrich and she was so easy to listen to.
It was amazing to hear of the Oprah effect as well as her incredible generosity.
I thoroughly recommend reading this book.
Catherine Hamlin’s legacy is amazing. She was truely an inspirational woman.
I listened to this book as an audio book. It was read by Alexandra Aldrich and she was so easy to listen to.
It was amazing to hear of the Oprah effect as well as her incredible generosity.
I thoroughly recommend reading this book.
July 5, 2021
A truly inspiring story about Doctors Catherine and Reg Hamlin's work to help women in Etheopia.
The book is more about Catherine Hamlin and an Etheopian women, Mamitu Gashe, she and Reg Hamlin saved. It is anazing the fortitude and passion people have to help others. It is also amazing the horror some people have in their lives.
A must read.
The book is more about Catherine Hamlin and an Etheopian women, Mamitu Gashe, she and Reg Hamlin saved. It is anazing the fortitude and passion people have to help others. It is also amazing the horror some people have in their lives.
A must read.
February 17, 2025
Well worth reading, about Dr Catherine Hamlin, an Australian and Mamitu Gashe and Ethiopian who have made such an incredible difference to many many women who suffered injuries giving birth. They certainly had the skills knowledge and empathy to transform the lives of these women. Book club selection.
August 10, 2025
I had previously read Dr Catherine's autobiography, "A Hospital by the River." I was again very moved and humbled by her dedication and totally impressed with the Ethiopian fistula patient who went on to work in the hospital, eventually gaining ability to repair fistulas herself, Mamitu Gashe, and teach doctors from many countries fistula operation techniques.
March 2, 2021
An inspiration! What an amazing pair of women, and what a beautiful friendship. So many people have been blessed by their passion to restore dignity, remove shame and enable women in Ethiopia to live again!
October 23, 2020
An amazing story of two women from opposite sides of life who have made an amazing difference in the lives of so many disadvantaged young women with horrific childbirth injuries
January 1, 2021
I too had trouble putting this book down. So inspirational. Wonderful, wonderful story. And it seems Dr Hamlin's work and goals will live on.
January 11, 2021
Beautifully written about a wonderful women of God who truly cares about her patients.
February 21, 2021
I particularly enjoyed the first half of this book featuring the early life of the main character.
February 28, 2021
Amazing story and organisation I will always support. Didn’t really like the style of writing but still worth the read.
March 10, 2021
An amazing story - absolutely inspiring.
March 28, 2021
Awesome true story albeit sad
July 18, 2021
An inspirational read. Wish I could have given it 5 stars. I found it a little repetitive.
December 10, 2021
I loved this book! The best of humanity told in a biography.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews