Book Review: Ten Fingers for God

Hi everyone! It’s been awhile since I have reviewed any books here on the blog, and I just finished a 5-star one. It checked almost all my “great book” boxes: a biography, missions, medicine, humor, and even a little WWII history. Dorothy Clarke Wilson was an amazing writer!

In this book, you’ll follow Dr. Paul Brand on his journey from growing up in India to medical student in London during the blitz of World War II (in fact, I really enjoyed this fascinating piece of WWII history), to world-renowned leprosy rehab expert. The book is filled with so much information about the history of leprosy treatment, yet it’s not presented in a dry manner. Dorothy Clarke Wilson makes biographies read like novels (in a very good way). You’ll also get an intimate look into the lives of medical missionaries and feel as if you were walking right alongside the Brands in their ministry.

You’ll catch a little of Paul and Margaret Brand’s compassion for their leprosy patients—truly, the “least of these.” A leprosy diagnosis (now called “Hansen’s Disease“) was like a death sentence in India at the time. Many patients were reduced to begging on the streets, rejected by society. When Paul Brand and his team showed them the love of Christ, their lives were transformed. Not just physically, but spiritually, as many came to faith in Jesus. Their stories begin so sadly, but end with hope!

One of my biggest takeaways from the book is how God uses everything in our lives—even the seemingly random things—for the furthering of His kingdom. He wastes nothing. When we surrender our lives to Him, willing to be His servants, He will do above and beyond what we’ve ever dreamed! Another thing that stood out at me was how humble and servant-hearted the Brands were. They used their fame for God’s glory and the good of others.

I want to read more about Paul and Margaret Brand, and their colleagues Dr. Ida Scudder and Dr. Mary Verghese, so the following books are on my “to-read” list. Dr. Ida; Take My Hands; and Granny Brand, all by Dorothy Clarke Wilson. I’ve read Vision for God, by Margaret Brand and James Jost. Another great biography is Paul Brand: Helping Hands by Janet and Geoff Benge.

Ten Fingers for God was an informative and fascinating read, as well as a challenging call to love the forgotten for Christ’s sake. It’s my desire to demonstrate that same servant’s heart towards anyone who needs to know the love of Jesus.

I’d love to know what you’ve been reading lately; feel free to share in the comments below! I hope you all have a lovely week!

Love,