Grief of My Heart: Memoirs of a Chechen Surgeon

I read and re read this book. It is one of the best books I have ever read. The depth of human drama, human goodness and human cruelty reflected in this book rival any of the classics. Through the most difficult times, this Doctor keeps his oath and his humanity while saving thousands. Being originally from Chechnya, I can assure you that the story and the horror are real. Read it and it will give you a much better idea about what actually goes on in those far away remote confilicts. You will also be inspired. I recommend it absolutly.

I am a firm beliebver that all things happen for a reason and some things are extremely difficult to understand. I picked up this book on my way out of Barnes & Nobles and did not expect much from it. I have read it and I am still in shock. The scenes that this book has in it are terrifying and it is a shame that the American public does not see the images of Chechnya like they do of Iraq.I pray that the death toll and damage that has been done to these Chechneyans will soon come to an end. I know there will be colateral damage and this book tells you why. I felt anger as I read in chapter 10 where he describes going to a city called Grozny where Khassan has to dodge and hide from Russian helicopters that are firing missles into homes and at groups of women and children. I could not believe that all Chechen males from 6-65 are thrown into concentration camps. There are 15 million land mines in this small country. I was humbled when the doctor asked a man,who had just stepped on a land mine, that he had to amputate his leg and the poor fellow said: do what you must, but if there are other people worse than me, take care of them first. This was during the time he had to operate on people for 36 hours straight. May Allah reward this man for his help in those grimm times. These are just some of the Unbelievable things you will read in this book. Pick it up and just read a few pages and you will be locked into it. I can't recommend this book enough for doctors or those interested in what makes a terrorist. Please check this book out, you wont be dissapointed.