Title: Ten Fingers for God
Author: Dorothy Clarke Wilson
Major Themes: Doctors, Leprosy, Missionaries
Synopsis: The story of Dr. Paul Brand’s life, from his childhood in the mountains of India up through his many discoveries and advancements in helping victims of leprosy.
I’ve been wanting to read Ten Fingers for God for years. The title always intrigued me, but our copy of the book—a red cloth-bound cover with no dust jacket—never looked very appealing to me, even though Mom told me it was an interesting story. Recently, though, I was looking for a nonfiction book to add to my month’s TBR list, and landed on this one. Why not pull it out, after years of being curious about it? I’m so glad I did! Dorothy Clarke Wilson is an author I want to read more from now!
Paul Brand was the son of hearty missionaries, people who didn’t let much stop them once they set their mind to a task. As a child, he spent his time doing schoolwork in the tops of trees (he had a patient mother!), and when he grew older and moved back to England to finish his schooling, he found he struggled in the strict academic atmosphere he was thrust into. Somehow, he survived—going on to becoming a builder’s apprentice and later training to become a surgeon (despite his resolution at a young age to never get involved in that kind of dirty work!). Through a series of events, he ended up working in Vellore, India, in the mission hospital started by Dr. Ida Scudder. There, he came in contact with people with leprosy for the first time as a medical professional, and his life was transformed as he worked to help the outcasts of society find a place in society for one of the first times in world history.
I wasn’t expecting this book to be nearly as readable as it was, but when I found myself chuckling at the description of Paul’s parent’s wedding day, I knew that Dorothy Clarke Wilson was a good author. Somehow, she manages to take facts and history and weave them together into a gripping story that reads almost like a novel. Though this book has a lot of information in it, there’s enough description and dialogue that this is a fairly easy read. And there aren’t just the typical facts of when Paul started his schooling, or what he did; there are little side notes and tangents about his family and friends, and, one part that I especially loved: A description of the stories he told his children while they were on holiday.
I’ve read other books by or about Paul Brand before. The most recent was probably Benge’s biography of his life, but I found this one just as fascinating—if not more so!—than theirs. It’s slightly longer and doesn’t cover quite as much of his story (this book was published in 1965, the year Paul moved to the US to continue his work), but it’s well worth reading, in my opinion. Dorothy Clarke Wilson brings Paul and his contemporaries to life, and I, for one, am glad we have this book on the shelf! If you’re interested in getting an in-depth view of his work and life, I’d highly recommend you pick up Ten Fingers for God.
WARNING: There are quite a few descriptions of injuries, surgeries, and other medical-related things, as one could expect from a story about a doctor! In the prologue, there is a mention of several people who died from sicknesses. In ch. 2, a boy accidentally hangs himself, but is rescued in time. In ch. 3, there is a brief story of someone who was tortured to death. In ch. 4, Paul receives word of his father’s death. In ch. 6, Paul is involved in a plane crash, and there’s a brief description of the Blitz. Descriptions of the Blitz are continued in ch. 7. In ch. 10, there is a description of terrible ulcers on a patient’s feet and of Paul finding himself in a burning car. In ch. 11, there is a description of a very difficult, dangerous surgery. In ch. 12, there is a description of a bad injury. In ch. 13, there is a story of a man who almost committed suicide. In ch. 16, there is the story of a man who committed suicide. “For heaven’s sake” is used in ch. 19, along with the story of a leopard attacking a child.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15, 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Hardcover
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Have you read any of Dr. Paul’s books? The only title I remember is Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. But every one I’ve read was really fascinating. I read them when I was a teenager. I’d like to read them again.
Also the book Granny Brant had a huge impact on my life when I was about 30. Up until that time I had pretty much had the idea that a persons prime of life was before you were 50 and after that you maybe would do much. This book, along with Corrie ten Boom’s life and an older mother talking at a homeschool convention really gave me a vision for a life that was productive for the LORD into your 80-90s. The book about Corrie’s five silent years was intriguing to me too.
I read Fearfully and Wonderfully Made years ago, and really enjoyed it! I don’t think I’ve read any others by him, though. After reading this book, I really want to read Granny Brand, too–maybe I can find a copy around some day. Thanks for sharing! Yes, the examples of other believers are encouraging!