Review: Called by Marlena Fiol and Ed O’Connor

Immersing readers in a vibrant slice of the past, Called by Marlena Fiol and Ed O’Connor is an original account of unsung heroism and unwavering faith in the face of impossible odds.

The story begins in the 1940s, as World War II raged and Hitler’s shadow seemed to stretch across the world, even to Paraguay, and right into the lives of Dr. John and Clara Schmidt. While his whirlwind invitation to Paraguay and sudden proposal may have been the tumultuous start of their journey into revolutionary medical practices, the stakes remained just as high in the many decades that followed as they pioneered a new approach to an ancient affliction.

An inspiring reminder of the implicit power of love, and the endless compassion that some people can mine from raw experience, this book is a stunning tribute to a pair of exceptional people. It is not blindly in awe of their contributions or sacrifices, as Fiol and O’Connor tell this story from all sides, including the struggles that John and Clara both faced in their decades of service. The strength of spirit in both these historic figures is immense, yet the authors are unafraid to show John’s critical or cold tongue, or Clara’s personal compromises and shadows of regret. “The Empty Years” section of the book poignantly highlights this reality of human fallibility, reminding readers that being a hero is not synonymous with perfection; in fact, without struggle and error and reflection, the achievement of truly great things is rarely possible.

For less religious readers, there may be more about the book that sends the hackles rising, including some paternalistic and patronizing behavior of missionaries, but this doesn’t overwhelm the book’s core story. John and Clara’s religious beliefs are certainly a fundamental aspect of their lives, and a key part of their personalities, so it is an understandable and frequently fascinating focus. This unshakeable pair faced challenges and dangers that most people can hardly dream of, on the other side of the world, doing work that might never be heard about outside their small circle. Their dauntless drive to care for others, to follow the path God set for them, and to overcome obstacles with grace and spiritual strength will powerfully resonate with readers of any faith.

On a technical level, the book is carefully polished, with few errors to speak of, and a deep believability in the dialogue that many authors fail to achieve. There are some adjustments that could be made for clarity and concision, but the details, conversations, decisions, and crises feel torn directly from real life. Though the language is primarily declarative, there are small bursts of descriptive flavor, as well as reflective passages that let readers step back and look at the broader historical and social contexts of this story. Supported by hundreds of research sources, from letters and journals to interviews and transcripts, the authors were able to craft a previously untold tale that is nuanced and authentic.

While the target audience for this book may appear narrow, the audience it could inspire is boundless, in this heartfelt celebration of historical achievement.