Mountains Beyond Mountains is a biography following the work of Dr. Paul Farmer, an American physician, and anthropologist devoted to providing quality healthcare to impoverished countries. Kidder recounts Dr. Farmer’s journey from adolescence to medical school and eventually his work in areas like Haiti, Peru, Russia, and Boston. While acknowledging the successful work of Dr. Farmer, like his help in pioneering HIV/AIDS and drug-resistant tuberculosis treatments in resource-scarce settings, the novel also illustrates the hardships behind helping those who do not have the means to help themselves.
Reading this novel was inspiring, but also very humbling. Many of Dr. Farmer’s experiences reminded me of my internship at the Ogbojo Polyclinic in Accra, Ghana. Regardless of his efforts, obstacles in improving accessibility and quality of care continued to persist, explaining the meaning behind the title Mountains Beyond Mountains. The main message I took away from the novel is that if more individuals go into the healthcare field with a mission to reduce disparities within the medical system, then there will ultimately be a change. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in pursuing a healthcare occupation, especially those going to medical school!
Reviewed by: Nastaran Milani