“A remarkable story of a young man’s loss of everything he deemed important, and his ultimate discovery that redemption can be taught by society’s most dreaded outcasts.” —John Grisham “Hilarious, astonishing, and deeply moving.” —John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil The emotional, incredible true story of Neil White, a man who discovers the secret to happiness, leading … secret to happiness, leading a fulfilling life, and the importance of fatherhood in the most unlikely of places—the last leper colony in the continental United States. In the words of Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Olen Butler (A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain), White is “a splendid writer,” and In the Sanctuary of Outcasts “a book that will endure.”
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Historical, biography, redemption, amusing. Easy entertaining read.
I mostly enjoyed the history in this book –
The author attempted to show the people with Hansen’s disease as regular humans with a different set of problems. That really aren’t that far removed from people that we are supposedly kind to.
But we all judge in the end.
I enjoyed reading this book but couldn’t believe the situation existed. Without giving away the plot, the reader is sent on a journey that very few have experienced. Quite thought provoking.
This was an excellent book about life experiences and learning to adapt and accept people who were afflicted, through no fault of their own, with a very debilitating disease.
This was an excellent memoir, honest and inspiring.
If you only read one book this year, read this one. It will inform you, it will entertain you and it will move you…
The author was supposed to converted from his original egocentric and sociopathic behavior by this 1 year imprisonment in this combination prison/Hansens Disease patient residence. However at least 60% of the author’s writing was still “all about me.” Still, the book gave the history and background of this building complex and its residents that was interesting.
The Sanctuary of Outcasts
This is the second time I’ve read this book. I never knew that Louisiana had a leprosy colony. Neil White, in his fall from grace, is sentenced to the Louisiana prison that housed those afflicted by leprosy. Incarcerated, due to bank fraud to this minimum security prison, Neil’s whole attitude towards life is forever altered. The people there, because of an affliction, greatly influence Neil and make him so much more appreciative of life.
This book captivates from beginning to end. I’ve no doubt, I’ll read it a third time!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Learned something new…about a place an illness and a man who learned some life lessons.
Excellent
Excellent smooth reading. Loved it!
Good timing for me, I have a lifetime of habits to undo, too. This is the true story of real humans, living with what they are given or trying to come back from mistakes. I’m better for having read it.
Wonderful insight to the feelings of those who are cast out of mainstream society.
This book was an unexpected treasure. A true story that shows the beauty and dignity in everyone.
I learned a lot.
Even though this a true story, the way in which it was told seemed unreal. The history of the facility was amazing.
I wasn’t aware there was a leper colony in Louisiana. This is the fascinating story of Carville, a leper colony and a prison. Mr White was a prisoner there and is candid about his crime. His writing brings this unique place and the people, both lepers and prisoners, to life.
It was well written and I learned a lot about leprosy.
Eye-opening