Customer Reviews: Read 19 more reviews...
 Eye opening, leaving one wanting explanations July 25, 1999
73 out of 84 found this review helpful
In discussing this book with my friends and co-workers, I found that they reacted with the same "raised-eyebrow shock" that I did. But what we also shared was the same mis-quided, media driven vision of a person that was suposedly unquestionable. After reading this book, intently I might add, I wanted answers. I want to know where all the donations to Mother Teresa's organiztion has gone because it certainly hasn't gone to the poor. I want to know why Mother Teresa has posed in pictures with the wife of a dictator, with a man claiming to have a higher spiritual consciousness than Jesus himself, and with Charles Keating, the man who financially raped so many. Her actions and her words are not congruent and I am thankful to those who look at a situation and make the hard decisions. Christopher Hitchens is intelligent and courageous for writing this book and I am now a fan. The book was well written with sources that will withstand independant scrutiny. I don't know how anyone, after reading this book, could say that Mother Teresa is a saint.
If Hitler ran a hospice, he'd hire Mother Theresa May 22, 1998
24 out of 27 found this review helpful
I am so glad someone finally had the nerve to publish what the Sisters of Charity are really doing to those unfortunate enough to crawl through their door. The Catholic Church has milked the little nun for all she was worth. Hitchens, as always, writes what we have all seen (if you visit the hospices, you'll know what i'm talking about). Most journalists just re-type the press releases. Even more frightening, the public tolerated Mother Theresa's cynical theft and malappropriation of millions as if she had the right to put money given in good faith to ease suffering into Swiss banks to enrich the Catholic Church. Mother Theresa's life was a living example of how so many so-called "Christians" treat those in need. They don't have any interest in relieving suffering. After all, if lighting enough candles would actually brighten up the world, then where would they get all those great photo opportunities?
An interesting examination of the Mother Teresa story February 21, 1999
30 out of 34 found this review helpful
Hitchens, columnist for "The Nation" and "Vanity Fair," offers open-minded readers an iconoclastic take on the Mother Teresa phenomenon. She is judged by her reputation, not by her deeds, and the majority of the media unfortunately puff up her image and never examine her actions. Particularly memorable is Hitchens' recounting of the "discovery" of Mother Teresa by Malcolm Muggeridge, whose 1970 BBC documentary with the title of something like "Miracle for God" contained Mr. Muggeridge's testimony of what he believed to be a genuine miracle. But on the word of a noted cinematographer (who worked, incidentally, on Kenneth Clarke's series on PBS entitled "Civilisation"), the supposed miracle had more to do with the Eastman Kodak filmstock than it did with any divine intervention. Muggeridge's praise of Teresa at that time created the reputation surrounding the saint of Calcutta which lives to this day. And yet the public thoughtlessly accepts this stuff. The general approval of the Mother Teresa industry is merely a manifestation of an affluent West's wanting to have some way to ease their guilt for their own attitude toward the unfortunate of the world. Hitchens' prose style, as well as his rather unusual (though quite reasonable) examination of his subject matter is a true joy to read. Hitchens' work is very definitely journalism, unfortunately not practiced by most of the hacks who work in the media today.
A Wonderful Refutation of Religious Nonsense July 29, 1999
84 out of 97 found this review helpful
What a wonderful and delightfully funny book Christopher Hitchens has written! It debunks all kinds of nonsense put forth by persons who have never taken the time to examine Mother Teresa's ministry the way Hitchens did. He "casts a cold eye" on her work, and the results of his investigation are shocking indeed!As even a cursory glance of the reviews at this site prove, people will excuse any kind of skullduggery - as long as it is in the name of God! Mind you, I am a highly spiritual person - what I object to is blind obedience to the dictates of a religion, with no consideration of its shortcomings. Far from dispelling light, as one of the reviewers claims, Hitchens is shining a beacon on the truth about Mother Teresa. Hallelujah! The truth shall set us free, free from the shackles of organized religion.
Interesting look at Mother Teresa's dubious ethics & motives September 9, 1997
22 out of 25 found this review helpful
Bravo to Christopher Hitchens for writing a story that needed to be told. Too bad Mother Teresa's many supporters and apologists will probably never read this book. This book's a must for anyone who's concerned about instant myths-in-the-making.
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