A Measure of Value: The Story of the D'Arcy Island Leper Colony

by C.J. Yorath

Between 1891 and 1924, D'Arcy Island, near Victoria, B.C., was a prison for a society of outcasts. The press called them "The Unfortunates." Why? They had leprosy and they were Chinese. Their only contact with the outside world was a supply ship that came every three months to drop off food, opium and coffins.

Follow one "unfortunate," Lim Sam, on his journey from China to Victoria to Nanaimo, and finally to D'Arcy Island, where this little society cared for each other, planted their gardens, and dreamed of going home.

They lived and died unquoted and unrecorded. That they lived is acknowledged only by fifteen unmarked graves on a tiny island in Haro Strait. It is the author's hope that this book returns a measure of value to their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book expecting a history. To a large degree that is what I got. However the author decided to take one of the men on the island and provide a fictional account of his trip to Canada, his discovery of the symptoms of the disease and his subsequent time on D'Arcy Island. I really enjoyed the history. The author did a great job of not only providing a description of Hansen's Disease, but also showing how the lepers (mainly Chinese) were essentially imprisoned on this island with a total lack of medical care while the city, provincial, and dominion governments were fighting over whose responsibility it was to manage the leper colony. I found the fictionalized portions alright in the beginning, but as it progressed the author seemed to go deeper into speculation or included things that seemed only to dramatize the account rather than something less sensational (an example being the death of the characterized man). At one point he provided a letter, written by another man on the island to notify the wife of his chosen character of his death. While I presume it was not authentic, the author gave no indication either way. I really liked the history and for that I really liked the book. But I could have done very nicely if he hadn't strayed into a historical fiction.

[Marri · Rating 2 out of 5]

A necessary chronicle of a part of British Columbian history that is frequently overlooked and undertaught. I'm not sure how effective the interweaving of a fictional narrative of one of the lepers really was, but I tend to like my history and historical fiction kept fairly separate.

The research behind this book is extensive, and the writing clear and accessible, but underwhelming at times. A good stepping stone for further research, or as part of a history curriculum.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting discussion of the "leper colony" set up by the City of Victoria on nearby D'Arcy Island in 1891. Many of the author's conclusions are no doubt correct regarding how and why the lazaretto was set up there. The fact that Victoria could have done more is undoubtedly true but it must be taken into account that neither the provincial nor the federal governments were willing to do anything for many years so all expenses and decisions were made by Victoria. Most likely the treatment wasn't great because most of the D'Arcy residents were Chinese but it should be noted that not all were, so what about that? The history of the disease, as far as it goes, is interesting.
The integration of a fictional story into a factual history is not a success. The jumping back and forth is odd reading and makes me question the fictional story more than I would a true fiction book.
In fact, I'd recommend "To All Appearances a Lady " over this.

[James Schlichter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of a little known but important part of, not only Victoria history, but BC and Canada's history as well. Yorath provides a stark account of what is a terrible reality for those predominantly Chinese who suffered not just the ravages of their disease and the social stigma that comes with it, but the profound racism of a government that viewed Chinese as a whole as little more than slaves. It is, of course, also a history of the Chinese and their struggles in a new country, along with the social structure in which they lived and how little it was understood, or even recognized, by the country they had come to live. This book recognizes that history and tries to give a voice to those whom, even when alive, were not heard.

I appreciated the photos and the maps as well, details which bring this story that much more into focus.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heartbreaking, and perhaps more striking as we are currently in the midst of a global pandemic and some of the attitudes towards lepers seem to be carrying over to today.
I don't live far from D'Arcy Island and I would love to make the trip to experience the isolation firsthand. I wasn't aware of this chapter of BC's history, and I'm glad this book has shone a light on it.

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a good insight into the systemic racism and class warfare prevalent in B.C. in the pre W.W.I. era. The details of leprosy and the ancient stigma attached to this horrific disease are repellent and yet fascinating. I was not completely won over by the author's mixing of fiction and non-fiction but so many facts were not recorded or examined that I understand the author's attempt to flesh out the narrative. All in all, a courageous attempt to bring light to a shameful period in B.C. history.

[John Ledingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough history of one of my country's and my city's deeper buried disgraces from the perspective of the man who rediscovered the island. Depressing and yet some dignity in the lives the men made for themselves. A great thrift store find and two day read.

[Geraldine · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read and very informative. thank you Chris Vorath, for writing this book. So important to honor these men by telling their story .