Review by Choice Review
Smillie has written an inspiring history of BRAC (formerly, Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee; now, Building Resources across Communities), interwoven in a broadly narrative style with the stories of its founding members and Bangladesh itself. Those who know BRAC primarily as a microfinance organization will learn of its many other development activities, which occupy the bulk of the volume. This is an excellent book aimed at a general audience; the author's long experience in Bangladesh shows through the energy and detail he brings to the story. Smillie takes the reader through the problems BRAC beneficiaries confront and practical steps necessary to implement solutions. For example, the seemingly simple move of introducing higher-yield breeds of chickens meant changes in vaccinations, feed, and egg collections and sales. Readers of Muhammad Yunus's Banker to the Poor (CH, Mar'00, 37-4016) will find Freedom from Want similar in message but somewhat more formal in tone. Because of the author's clear affection for BRAC, however, most educators will want to assign this book only in the context of more critical companionship reading. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers and lower-division undergraduate students. P. A. Schnabl University of Delaware
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
