Hope in Hell (book)

The book covers the activities undertaken by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) such as building hospitals and navigating conflict zones.[1] Content covers the complexities of dealing with bureaucracies, epidemics, abductions and killings.[1]

Bortolotti is critical of the mainstream media for its simplistic and heroic portrayal of MSF staff.[4]

The book is written in the style of a report.[5]

Jenniger Prittie, writing for Quill and Quire described it as "gripping" and "clear" and noted that it would be of interest to a wide range of readers.[1] Prittie also praised the book for not glorifying the international staff of MSF and for discussing the struggles they face integrating back into their home countries.[1]

Amanda Walters Scarborough, writing in The Lancet, described the book as a "comprehensive picture of the essence of volunteerism."[6]

Benjamin Bates of Ohio University is critical of Bortolotti for writing a simple and heroic caricature of MSF and it's staff and accuses the author of "disaster pornography".[4] Bates also criticizes the story for centering white, middle class men and for missing the perspectives of MSF's patients.[4]

Isabelle Leblac, writing in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, criticizes the lack of reporting on the activities of the local staff.[5]

• Six Months in Sudan
• An Imperfect Offering