Rebel with a cause

Ray Avery (Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2010)

I’d never heard of Ray Avery until I’d seen his book reviewed in the Listener. Avery is a successful scientist and businessman who invented low-cost lenses for cataract sufferers, incubators for babies, as well as other scientific solutions for factories in Third World countries. He spent some time helping to set up the infrastructure to manufacture interocular lenses in North Africa for the Fred Hollows Foundation

Rebel with a Cause describes Avery’s childhood growing up in England, neglected, abused, fostered out to strangers and even living under a bridge. His story is truly inspiring – to overcome such an appalling childhood and then turn out to be so successful as a businessman. An absorbing read, Rebel with a Cause is deeply moving and at times, very funny.

(Reviewed by Jill)