Play Book Tag discussion

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese - completed 3/3/21 - 4 stars - My Review

PBT Comments: The vast majority of this book takes place in Ethiopia. A small amount takes place in the US. Content warnings: (view spoiler)[harm to animals, female circumcision, graphic descriptions of operations, war-related violence and killings, death in childbirth (hide spoiler)]

As the story opens, protagonist Marion and his identical twin brother, Shiva, are being born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1954. Their mother is a Carmelite nun who has been hiding her pregnancy. Their father is a British surgeon who is unprepared to be a father and abandons them. The narrative follows the lives of the twins as are taken in by two doctors, come of age, study medicine, and experience the political turmoil of their country. Marion pieces together the history of his biological parents’ relationship, eventually attempting to track down his biological father. It is a family drama that covers fifty years.

It is evident that the author has a background in medicine. Operations and medical procedures are described in vivid detail. Many surgical sayings are included, such as “never operate on the day of the patient’s death.” The writing style is direct and detailed. The medical passages never overshadow the storytelling. Ethiopian culture and politics are integrated into the narrative, including the country’s civil unrest, class structures, traditions, conflicts with Eritrea, and political figures such as Emperor Haile Selassie and President (dictator) Mengistu Haile Mariam.

Marion narrates the story. He tells of his close bond with Shiva, and the events that drive them apart. Medicine is a common thread throughout the novel and their lives. The characters are well-drawn and believable. It takes a while to get ramped up but once all the pieces are in place, it is engrossing. There are several disturbing scenes of violence against people and animals. It is an emotional story of alternative families, obsession, betrayal, healing, and personal sacrifice.

I really enjoyed this one. I remember reading it curled up in my favorite chair as I nursed a terrible respiratory infection the entire month of January 2019. This book had me from the first page and i enjoyed every moment.

Glad you enjoyed it too, Joanne. I was listening to the audio and found I needed to refer to the hard copy to keep it all straight. Luckily I had a copy on hand.

Great review, Joy. This was one of my favorites the year I read it, and it has stayed with me. Really impactful.

Thanks, Kimber! It really is well done. I imagine it will stay with me too.

This is one of my favorite books, ever. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks, Booknblues!

I just loved this one when I read it years ago. Never forgot it! Engaged and engrossed!

Glad you loved it too, Amy!

Loved this book and considering re-reading it this month.

One of the few criticisms that I have seen of this book is that the medical / surgical scenes are too detailed and full of medical terminology. Personally I found those scenes fascinating and I'm glad those scenes didn't detract from the book for you either.

Doughgirl5562 wrote: "One of the few criticisms that I have seen of this book is that the medical / surgical scenes are too detailed and full of medical terminology. Personally I found those scenes fascinating and I'm g..."
I love science, so I found those parts extremely interesting.

Book Concierge wrote: "Loved this book and considering re-reading it this month."
Hope you do get a chance to re-read it at some point.

Just a general comment on my ratings - I liked this book quite a lot. I save my 5 stars for my top favorites, but this book is high up on my 4 star list.

One of my all time favs

Couldn't put this one down until I reached the end. So impressed with the author. His book, My Own Country, was also amazing.

Glad you enjoyed it too, Barbara and Susan. I will have to investigate his other books.

I'm reading it right now... I'm about 90 pages in.