Helpful Score: 12
This book was outstanding. It is one of the best books I have read in the last several years. It might be a little overwhelming due to its length, but once you get through the first 200 pages, it's a real page turner.
It's definitely a must read!
It's definitely a must read!
Helpful Score: 10
This is one of the best books I have read in quite some time. The historial portion concerning Haile Selassie is wonderful --- that was a blank in my own personal learning. There was also a bit of mystery and love story as well. I hesitate to say too much, other than to relate it is a truly wonderful book. A definite 5-star read.
Helpful Score: 10
After reading so much about this book, I was really looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately I was disappointed. Even half way into the book, I found myself not really caring about any of the characters or what happens to them. Some of the medical descriptions were long and unnecessary. There were many sexual references that I felt were out of place in the story. The book seemed to read as a meandering through the memories of one character and did not flow well for me. I wanted to like it based on the reviews, but I did not.
Helpful Score: 7
Spellbinding page turner. Dr. Verghese is a terrific writer. I was sucked into the story from the first page and never wanted it to end. It was thoroughly engrossing with wonderful characters who are well developed and very human. This story of love, loss, medicine, family and so much more will stay with you long after you have read the final page. I have placed Verghese's other books on my Wish List and can't wait to receive them. Fascinating, sad, and beautiful, I very highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 6
I found it difficult to get through the first 100 pages. It seemed like there were too many 'main' characters in the book and I could not follow the storyline. I thought if I got through the first 200 pages, I'd be rewarded with a wonderful reading experience. Instead, I found myself disinterested in both brothers and only really liked the character Hema. This book was disappointing. Usually I like, or at least can appreciate, well-reviewed books. Not this one.
Helpful Score: 4
What a beautiful story, by an eloquent writer. I was lost in the story from mid-way through the first chapter. I love books that teach me something about the history of other countries, as well as give me insight into the country's citizens everyday lives.
I loved the characters: Especially Hema and Ghosh. One of the things that struck me in reading this, was that each of the characters--prominent and bit-parts were unlike any I can ever remember reading before. That's pretty hard to pull off. I could picture them in my mind as I read about them and I had compassion for almost all of them. This is another story that will remind American's how spoiled we truly are. We take so much for granted.
Each of the character's that formed the inner circle of Missing Hospital became like close friends. One's I would be proud to know. When something happened to any of them, it was devastating to me.
I read someone else's remarks about there being too much medical jargon--personally I didn't have a problem with it. I felt I learned a little bit about surgery and some of its complications. What I didn't understand, I could still make sense out of.
I'm still thinking about the story and am sad to be at the end. This is one of those rare books that I'm sure I will reread again in the future. I can't recommend it enough.
I certainly hope they make it into a movie and one that does it justice.
I loved the characters: Especially Hema and Ghosh. One of the things that struck me in reading this, was that each of the characters--prominent and bit-parts were unlike any I can ever remember reading before. That's pretty hard to pull off. I could picture them in my mind as I read about them and I had compassion for almost all of them. This is another story that will remind American's how spoiled we truly are. We take so much for granted.
Each of the character's that formed the inner circle of Missing Hospital became like close friends. One's I would be proud to know. When something happened to any of them, it was devastating to me.
I read someone else's remarks about there being too much medical jargon--personally I didn't have a problem with it. I felt I learned a little bit about surgery and some of its complications. What I didn't understand, I could still make sense out of.
I'm still thinking about the story and am sad to be at the end. This is one of those rare books that I'm sure I will reread again in the future. I can't recommend it enough.
I certainly hope they make it into a movie and one that does it justice.
Helpful Score: 3
Cutting for Stone is an incredibly poignant story which will stay with me for a long time. Like all origin myths, it features larger than life characters and mythical settings. More specifically, it is narrated by Marion Praise Stone, who came into being from an unspoken love between a beautiful Indian nun and the brilliant English surgeon Thomas Stone she worked beside, in Operating Theatre 3 at the Missing Hospital in 1954 Addis Ababa. From the same theatre, his mother dies from complications of labor and his father dashes, devastated and unaware of his paternity. Marion and his identical brother Shiva were raised at Missing by Hema and Ghosh, a pair of Indian physicians, their lives intertwined with medicine and each other. As their coming-of-age develops against the backdrop of political turmoil in Ethiopia's capital, Marion is forced to flee to New York City. The medicine is real. None of the characters are superfluous. The title, taken from the Hippocratic Oath, takes on multiple meanings considering the profession and names of the parties involved. Comic moments pepper this story of love and betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, during which I cried freely and jotted down passages that affirm medicine (and life itself) can and should be a "romantic and passionate pursuit."
Helpful Score: 3
So rarely do books make me cry, but this one threatened to a few times near the end, and then finally succeeded. It wasn't a book I would have picked up for myself; the title didn't sound right to me and after reading the back I wasn't sure I would like it, but there was so much hype about how amazing this book is that I just had to give it a try, and sure enough, it was amazing.
In Ethiopia, identical twin brothers, Shiva and Marion, were born conjoined at the head. After a violent birth, the story goes on to follow the brothers as they grow up, one is betrayed by the other, they grow apart, and then in the end, grow back together in a deep and serious way.
The theme of medicine is carried throughout the book. I have no medical training, at all, so some of the vocabulary was lost on me, but over all didn't hinder my understanding of the book. It was interesting to read about medicine in an African country as well as the differences between American hospitals.
The bond between twins was another theme. As a twin myself I was interested to read for this aspect, though I am a fraternal twin and my brother and I don't have nearly the close bond that Marion and Shiva have. Bigger than that, however, is the overwhelming theme of family. It doesn't matter who gives birth to you, your family are those people who raise you and stand by you through thick and thin.
Full of rich characters and a sturdy plot, Cutting For Stone was a rare five star read for me. On a side note, even though Tsige wasn't a major character in the novel, I would love to read a novel about her that takes place at the same time, including the loss of her baby and her travels to New York. I think that would be a powerful story to tell.
In Ethiopia, identical twin brothers, Shiva and Marion, were born conjoined at the head. After a violent birth, the story goes on to follow the brothers as they grow up, one is betrayed by the other, they grow apart, and then in the end, grow back together in a deep and serious way.
The theme of medicine is carried throughout the book. I have no medical training, at all, so some of the vocabulary was lost on me, but over all didn't hinder my understanding of the book. It was interesting to read about medicine in an African country as well as the differences between American hospitals.
The bond between twins was another theme. As a twin myself I was interested to read for this aspect, though I am a fraternal twin and my brother and I don't have nearly the close bond that Marion and Shiva have. Bigger than that, however, is the overwhelming theme of family. It doesn't matter who gives birth to you, your family are those people who raise you and stand by you through thick and thin.
Full of rich characters and a sturdy plot, Cutting For Stone was a rare five star read for me. On a side note, even though Tsige wasn't a major character in the novel, I would love to read a novel about her that takes place at the same time, including the loss of her baby and her travels to New York. I think that would be a powerful story to tell.
Helpful Score: 2
I could not force myself to read past the first 60 pages, and it took me three days to get that far. Verghese's prose is long-winded and tedious, and my mind kept wondering away from the text in front of me. I really doubt I'll be able to read anything else from this author.
Helpful Score: 2
Wonderful! A rare combination of a novel so well researched that it is almost historical fiction--together with an engaging and extremely well written ficticious story with very real characters who tug at your heartstrings. I can't imagine how much time the author spent in preparation. You will learn a great deal about medicine, about medical training, about Ethiopian history and West African history, along with glimpses into India's past and traditions, but all of that is fairly incidental to a great storyline with huge emotional impact.
If I had any criticism it would be that the author was too ambitious. But I loved it anyway. Xenophobes stay away.
If I had any criticism it would be that the author was too ambitious. But I loved it anyway. Xenophobes stay away.
Helpful Score: 2
** spoiler alert **
I feel like I've just completed a year of medical school; I dedicated and spent a lot of time on something long and arduous and my head is full of technical, medical jargon. Bodily fluids also seem to be swimming behind my eyes. (There is way too much of that in this novel). Unfortunately, I also feel as if anyone on the street could be trained to perform any given surgery.
This is a book with polarizing characters, most of whom I disliked. I didn't care for either of the twins, Dr. Stone, Sister Mary Joseph Praise, or Genet. The two I loved were Hema and Ghosh, the mother and father of the twins. The individual and collective depth of the couple astounded me. I gasped when Ghosh was taken away and nearly cried when illness claimed his life. These two were the best parents for the twins. Marion and Shiva would not have turned out so well had they been raised by their biological parents.
As for Marion and Shivawell, I don't believe anyone could connect with Shiva as a character. Let me be clear that all of these characters, likable or not, were very much well-developed. Shiva was simply not relatable; he was strange and distant and attacked things in his life systematically, according to some internal plan, of which the reader never knows. I just didn't like Marion. He was unrealistic and overly-romantic and because of this, ended up contracting Hepatitis, nearly dying, and causing the death of his twin. I think he was stupid and had he just gone with a prostitute like Shiva did, he could have avoided all that trouble. Instead, he holds out for Genet, an unstable and murderous girl, irresponsible as a parent and lacking any long-term idea of her own life.
The end was a green writer's cop-out of altruism and self-sacrifice (See King, Stephen). However, the book was well-written, obviously well-researched, and magnificently structured in pace, setting, and scope.
I feel like I've just completed a year of medical school; I dedicated and spent a lot of time on something long and arduous and my head is full of technical, medical jargon. Bodily fluids also seem to be swimming behind my eyes. (There is way too much of that in this novel). Unfortunately, I also feel as if anyone on the street could be trained to perform any given surgery.
This is a book with polarizing characters, most of whom I disliked. I didn't care for either of the twins, Dr. Stone, Sister Mary Joseph Praise, or Genet. The two I loved were Hema and Ghosh, the mother and father of the twins. The individual and collective depth of the couple astounded me. I gasped when Ghosh was taken away and nearly cried when illness claimed his life. These two were the best parents for the twins. Marion and Shiva would not have turned out so well had they been raised by their biological parents.
As for Marion and Shivawell, I don't believe anyone could connect with Shiva as a character. Let me be clear that all of these characters, likable or not, were very much well-developed. Shiva was simply not relatable; he was strange and distant and attacked things in his life systematically, according to some internal plan, of which the reader never knows. I just didn't like Marion. He was unrealistic and overly-romantic and because of this, ended up contracting Hepatitis, nearly dying, and causing the death of his twin. I think he was stupid and had he just gone with a prostitute like Shiva did, he could have avoided all that trouble. Instead, he holds out for Genet, an unstable and murderous girl, irresponsible as a parent and lacking any long-term idea of her own life.
The end was a green writer's cop-out of altruism and self-sacrifice (See King, Stephen). However, the book was well-written, obviously well-researched, and magnificently structured in pace, setting, and scope.
Helpful Score: 2
One of the most compelling books I've read this year. The storyline keeps you reading. The author does a great job of setting the scene and evoking emotion from the reader. The book is fairly long and full of medical terminology that I had to look up from time to time. It does not take away from the story.
Helpful Score: 1
Half-way through this book, I made the decision to finish it even though it had taken me three weeks to get this far. I think there was way too much "extra info" that didn't move the story along. Three stars because I did enjoy the last third of the book.
Helpful Score: 1
Reader friends whose opinions I respect gave me mixed reviews about this book. Those who loved it raved about it. Others said they couldn't get past the first 200 pages. Having read it for myself, I understand both views. As I neared the end of the book I began to feel it was too long, needed editing. Now that I have finished it I would say it was not length but size:the book was too big; the author attempted too much. Essentially it's a simple story handsomely crafted, but there were so many themes introduced and not fully developed: what does family mean? what is true forgiveness? what is the relationship between love and work, between passion and obsession? And on. There were too many not successfully developed. Gandhi at Our Lady says if the patient has more than 7 tubes he's going to die. Perhaps the same can be said for a book that is hooked up to more than 2 continents.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was beautiful and incredible. I could not put it down. The author weaved all the events together so perfectly. It is definitely not a light or easy read and not for the faint at heart. It is full of graphic medical details and terminology. I have a medical background so I understood it all and it made the story much more intense for me. I have friends with no medical background that struggled a bit with those parts. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves a deep emotional story.
Helpful Score: 1
I really tried hard to love this book. I didn't start do enjoy until 200 pages in and then just made up my mind that I was not going to finish. The last part of the book was good, but I really struggled getting into it. Just not my cup of tea.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. A wonderfully rich story, told with great warmth and sensitivity.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book for my book club and in the beginning really struggled with it. Like some previous reviewers, I found it too dull, wordy and descriptive. It probably took me over 100 pages to truly get grabbed into the story. I was rewarded for my perseverance, though, with one of the better books that I have read in long time. The characters are very well developed and I particularly liked Marion and Gnosh. While there are very detailed medical descriptions in it (the author is a doctor after all) there are also many nuggets of wisdom. Also, the plot line is not predictable at all which I found refreshing. I highly recommend this book and encourage anyone who is struggling with the first quarter of it to stick with it. Don't give up! I'm sure glad that I didn't. Would have given it 5 stars except for the difficult beginning.
Helpful Score: 1
I love stories that take place in Africa. This one spans Africa, India and the U.S. An interesting story with compelling characters and detailed imagery.
A great story. Worth the read. Lots to discuss if you are doing it for a book club. Very well written.
Helpful Score: 1
best writing I've read in a long time...characters with depth, situations true to life.. a true pleasure to read
Helpful Score: 1
Cutting for Stone is an emotional and intense novel that takes places mainly in Ethiopia. It is the coming of age story of twins Marion and Shiva. Despite the tragedy and chaos of their birth (mother dies, father abandons them), the twins grow up in warm and loving family. Whether through genetics or the influence of their adoptive parents, the twins have an affinity for medicine, which becomes their vocations. There are a lot of very descriptive medical scenes in the novel--no surprise given that the author is a physician. The story also touches upon the political upheaval in Ethiopia and its impact on the twins and their loved ones. Ghosh was my favorite character. The novel's themes are family, love, betrayal, forgiveness. At more than 600+ pages, it is not a quick read, but one that stays with you.
great book. Interesting to read about different culture
Cutting for Stone is now one of the best books Ive read so far this year. If one is expecting a light easy read, this isnt it. It is very engrossing, complex and filled with medical terms. This book made me fall in love with Addis Ababa and the missionary doctors by the narrative style in which he city and that community was described.
The story is very complex adorned with the political turmoil of Ethiopia back in the times of Emperor Selaisse. The narrative covers the life of the twin brothers since before their conception until their middle age years, it covers secret love, lust, sexual explorations at the early age of 11 and then poverty, cruelty and social unrest happening in Addis Ababa.
Since the first death occurred during Sister Mary Joseph Praise and her nun companions first doomed voyage from India to Ethiopia I knew the book was going to be filled with cruelty, despair and suffering. I was not far from it, I cried so many times but that made me commit to the stories even more. The book deals with forbidden secret love, sacrifice, abandonment, romance, adoptive parents and then the sexual awakenings of the brothers at the tender age of 11.
The strong family ties built by the couple of physicians who raise the twins as their own is a testament of the bonds of love that come from the heart and not from the womb as well as the support of the small community that watched over them.
I found it inspiring how the new family was so dedicated to curing, attending, saving the poor from that neglected and poorly supplied hospital and what the doctors and then the boys as they grew had to do to provide life saving medical procedures to the people.
There are three love stories going on, Dr. Thomas Stone and Sister Mary Joseph Praise, Hemalatha and Gosh and then the twins and the girl who causes the rupture between them and who causes one of them to leave his homeland and the only family he knew for America.
The details of how they fall in love or in lust are not portrayed chronologically but rather disjointed in the way they were presented. This didnt bother me at all; it was as if the missing pieces of each puzzle had to be put together by the reader in that fashion.
Mr. Verghese didnt omit any details, the music and rhythms of the people, the food, the incense, the local customs and religious practices were part of the essence of the story with medicine as the backdrop. The medical terminology did now slow the flow of the stories for me and I loved it.
I would have enjoyed to see Marion fall in love and get married but like his father, he was the type of man who cold only give his heart twice, to his mother and then to the woman solely intended for him.
Read the book, it is worth it and I believe it will stay with you.
The story is very complex adorned with the political turmoil of Ethiopia back in the times of Emperor Selaisse. The narrative covers the life of the twin brothers since before their conception until their middle age years, it covers secret love, lust, sexual explorations at the early age of 11 and then poverty, cruelty and social unrest happening in Addis Ababa.
Since the first death occurred during Sister Mary Joseph Praise and her nun companions first doomed voyage from India to Ethiopia I knew the book was going to be filled with cruelty, despair and suffering. I was not far from it, I cried so many times but that made me commit to the stories even more. The book deals with forbidden secret love, sacrifice, abandonment, romance, adoptive parents and then the sexual awakenings of the brothers at the tender age of 11.
The strong family ties built by the couple of physicians who raise the twins as their own is a testament of the bonds of love that come from the heart and not from the womb as well as the support of the small community that watched over them.
I found it inspiring how the new family was so dedicated to curing, attending, saving the poor from that neglected and poorly supplied hospital and what the doctors and then the boys as they grew had to do to provide life saving medical procedures to the people.
There are three love stories going on, Dr. Thomas Stone and Sister Mary Joseph Praise, Hemalatha and Gosh and then the twins and the girl who causes the rupture between them and who causes one of them to leave his homeland and the only family he knew for America.
The details of how they fall in love or in lust are not portrayed chronologically but rather disjointed in the way they were presented. This didnt bother me at all; it was as if the missing pieces of each puzzle had to be put together by the reader in that fashion.
Mr. Verghese didnt omit any details, the music and rhythms of the people, the food, the incense, the local customs and religious practices were part of the essence of the story with medicine as the backdrop. The medical terminology did now slow the flow of the stories for me and I loved it.
I would have enjoyed to see Marion fall in love and get married but like his father, he was the type of man who cold only give his heart twice, to his mother and then to the woman solely intended for him.
Read the book, it is worth it and I believe it will stay with you.
WOW. All in all, this novel is elegantly told, superbly structured and the most original piece of fiction I've read in years. It's deserving of every positive adjective I can throw at it; marvelous, and thrilling. You will want to own and lose yourself in this book again and again. Request it now, and thank me later.
I did enjoy this book, but it took a long time to get into the book. Once you reach the last 100 pages it is a real page turner. I enjoyed the medical portion of the novel, but it can be very graphic. This book covered a wide range of topics including Ethopian revolutions, medical procedures, and female circumcision.
This was the October 2012 pick in my online book club, The Reading Cove. It had been on my wish list for a while after I'd read all the buzz about it.
In all honesty, the first 200 pages were painful to slog through. If it weren't for the fact that it was for book club, I would never have finished it. Yes, folks, it was THAT bad....
Imagine one scene being drawn out for a couple hundred pages, because the narrative takes all sorts of detours, wandering off into Ethiopia's geography, politics and several character backstories! It was mind-numbingly unfocused; just meandering about before finally getting back to the delivery room where Sister Mary Joseph Praise, Sister Mary Joseph Praise, Sister Mary Joseph Praise (yes, that's about how many times her FULL NAME was used per paragraph, LOL - it was so annoying!) was giving birth to twins - a pregnancy she managed to hide from EVERYONE in the hospital - where she worked among medical personnel daily - until she actually went into labor! Seriously??
But once the twins were FINALLY born, the narrative became much more readable, a bit more interesting (thank goodness!) so I was able to stick with it.
But I never felt a connection with any of the characters; and I attribute that to the outrageously contrived writing style! The story is supposedly from one of the twins' point-of-view, yet the first half is littered with a 3rd person level of detail. How could Marion remember coming through the birth canal?? Or playing with a nanny's breast as a infant? Or minute details of things that took place long before he was even conceived? Not likely. He also had a lifelong "puppy love" fixation that felt silly and forced.
And there were also quite a few coincidences in the 3rd act that pushed plausibility. Not to mention the gratuitously excessive details about prolapses, fistulas, various surgical procedures and sexual encounters. They were just plain gross and distasteful!
All in all, I can't understand the raves for this book. It reads like a manuscript that's just ready to be edited! I can't recommend it, but so many others say they love it, and it's been a bestseller for so long....alas, it's just not my cuppa book. And I don't think I'd ever want to read anything by Abraham Verghese again. His style of writing just isn't for me.
But since I do think the narrative got lightyears more engaging after the first 200 pages, I give CUTTING FOR STONE a C-.
In all honesty, the first 200 pages were painful to slog through. If it weren't for the fact that it was for book club, I would never have finished it. Yes, folks, it was THAT bad....
Imagine one scene being drawn out for a couple hundred pages, because the narrative takes all sorts of detours, wandering off into Ethiopia's geography, politics and several character backstories! It was mind-numbingly unfocused; just meandering about before finally getting back to the delivery room where Sister Mary Joseph Praise, Sister Mary Joseph Praise, Sister Mary Joseph Praise (yes, that's about how many times her FULL NAME was used per paragraph, LOL - it was so annoying!) was giving birth to twins - a pregnancy she managed to hide from EVERYONE in the hospital - where she worked among medical personnel daily - until she actually went into labor! Seriously??
But once the twins were FINALLY born, the narrative became much more readable, a bit more interesting (thank goodness!) so I was able to stick with it.
But I never felt a connection with any of the characters; and I attribute that to the outrageously contrived writing style! The story is supposedly from one of the twins' point-of-view, yet the first half is littered with a 3rd person level of detail. How could Marion remember coming through the birth canal?? Or playing with a nanny's breast as a infant? Or minute details of things that took place long before he was even conceived? Not likely. He also had a lifelong "puppy love" fixation that felt silly and forced.
And there were also quite a few coincidences in the 3rd act that pushed plausibility. Not to mention the gratuitously excessive details about prolapses, fistulas, various surgical procedures and sexual encounters. They were just plain gross and distasteful!
All in all, I can't understand the raves for this book. It reads like a manuscript that's just ready to be edited! I can't recommend it, but so many others say they love it, and it's been a bestseller for so long....alas, it's just not my cuppa book. And I don't think I'd ever want to read anything by Abraham Verghese again. His style of writing just isn't for me.
But since I do think the narrative got lightyears more engaging after the first 200 pages, I give CUTTING FOR STONE a C-.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot for all the medical information and all the history on Haile Selassie and Ethiopia. Very well written, moving and oignant.
This truly was an amazing book! The characters were basically likable and believable. Covering 30+ years and two continents, it was magnificent. There was a lot of medical info gently included, which interested me as a nurse. The author is a physician and he wrote about what he knew.
Emotionally, this book took me from laughter to tears and back again. A terrific read! Essentially, the book is about family. And what a family here! As some of you know, I don't rehash the plot; enough folks do that (sometimes to excess). I just try to tell you whether or not I liked the book and why or why not.
Go get this book and read it! It's that good!
Emotionally, this book took me from laughter to tears and back again. A terrific read! Essentially, the book is about family. And what a family here! As some of you know, I don't rehash the plot; enough folks do that (sometimes to excess). I just try to tell you whether or not I liked the book and why or why not.
Go get this book and read it! It's that good!
This is truly a gripping story. The medical information is so clear, and I knew nothing about the culture or customs of Ethiopia. What I feared would be a dull story was so absorbing that I could not put it down. It is a complex story that REALLY takes over your life!
Fabulous old-style book with the intricate detail of character building and surroundings that takes you away to Ethiopia and beyond. Follow the lives of the Indian twins born and raised in Ethiopian Mission ("Missing") hospital, who go on to become physicians... wonderful story, you'll find hard to put down and sad when it's over.
This book begins strong, and the author's voice is an uncommon one. It drags on far too long though, and ultimately becomes sappy and somewhat of a bore. The central characters (excepting the stepfather) are not all that likeable, so it becomes difficult to sustain much interest after so many hundreds of pages. But decent. The medical storytelling and informative placement in Ethiopia is enough to keep it on my recommend list.
Other reviews have indicated that beyond the first two hundred pages the book gets interesting. I couldn't do it. I simply could not force myself to read that far. Wordy and tedious, this book was painful. I'm not inclined to read another by this author.
This is the best book I read in 2011. Great story, richly written. It kept my attention from the first page. Definitly recommend this book to anyone who loves great stories.
At times achingly beautiful & masterful storytelling. A sweeping family saga.
In addition this bestseller taught me so much about medicine & those who practice it passionately, especially immigrants who enter an often overwhelming & foreign Mecca to learn an artful craft.
I'll remember this story for a long time & recommend it heartily.
In addition this bestseller taught me so much about medicine & those who practice it passionately, especially immigrants who enter an often overwhelming & foreign Mecca to learn an artful craft.
I'll remember this story for a long time & recommend it heartily.
I do not understand the reviewers who said this book was difficult to follow or that they didn't care about the characters. How can you NOT care about them? The story is fascinating. Even though you can figure out the ending,it doesn't matter - you still want to know HOW it ends. I could not put it down. I laughed, I cried, and I could not stop thinking about it after I finished. I've recommended it to several friends. It was my book group pick last year and EVERYONE loved it, which is saying something.........
One of the best books I've read in recent years. Keeping it permanently as I want to read it again.
Very well written, a pleasure to read, the touching unfolding of a life and the mysteries of his parents, strong characters. I read it again every few years because it is so well written.
Amazing historical accuracy. Very interesting and well written! One of the best books I've ever read!
I greatly enjoyed this book. The characters in the story are well developed, interesting and engaging. It's a long book and took 100 or so pages to get into it, but once there I could hardly put it down.
I ultimately ended up really enjoying this book, but I almost couldn't make it throught the first section. There is A LOT of background material to get through before the twins get born. No, really. A LOT of background. If you can power through the first 130 pages (which will get you through--seriously--the first hour of the twins' life outside the womb!) the rest of the book is quite engaging and a memorable read.
As an added perk, the book taught me where the term "Rastafarian" comes from. Who knew?
As an added perk, the book taught me where the term "Rastafarian" comes from. Who knew?
Great read - wonderful character development.
I enjoyed this book, but it was entirely too wordy. I liked the story line and enjoyed meeting the characters, but I had to really stick with it. I am usually not one to think about not finishing a book, but with Cutting For Stone, I was tempted.
The first 100 pages are long and very hard to understand. Please keep reading!! But the end, I could not put the book down!!
I think the only criticism I have with this book is that at over 650 pages, I think it could have been divided into two books. There was a clear division between the history leading up to the birth of the main character and his twin and their childhood/adulthood. It was a great story though. Very original and the main character was very compelling. Worthwhile to stick through to the end!
I have been a fanatic reader since I was four and this is one of the best books I've ever read. Family, birth, death, relationships, personal histories, love, hatred, politics all woven together into a book which is nearly impossible to put down. So you are forewarned before you even open it - set aside some time, you will glad you did!
I highly recommend reading this book slowly to absorb the details of the beautiful writing and intricate plot. The book explores the inequality of healthcare of the rich and the poor. The main characters practice medicine first in Ethiopia and then later New York. Verghese describes surgery as if it were an art form. The story spans 2 generations, as they dedicate their lives to medicine, practicing under challenging circumstances. The most interesting relationship, to me, was between the twin brothers. One of the love stories is set in Ethiopia, against the backdrop of the revolt against the Monarchy in 1975. I will give this book to friends and family! It is the best book that I have read in 10 years!
After reading a summary of this book, it was my choice for our book club. It was not a "quick read" for me and I devoted quite a bit of time to it on these long cold winter days. The author, Abraham Verghese, wrote with great detail. As a Dr. he is probably accustomed to seeing things analytically. I did enjoy the detail although I skimmed over some of the medical terminology and descriptions. The main characters are twin brothers, Shiva and Marion Parish Stone, and the story is told by Marion. He begins the story before he is even born and talks about his brother's and his birth as if he has actual memory of it. I liked this interesting perspective. I also appreciated the humaness of the boys' adoptive parents, both doctors with important life-saving work in Ethiopia. As readers, we are allowed to get to know the family before the twins' birth and therefore the contrast of their lives after they commit to raising and loving the brothers. Even identical twins are unique individuals and this is very apparent in this one-of-a-kind story.
Enjoyed it!
"Cutting for Stone" is the often luminescent story of twin brothers born to a nun, who dies in childbirth, a medical prodigy father, who runs to another continent following their birth, and the East Indian couple that raises the twins in Ethiopia. The story is told with the reign of Haile Salassie as backdrop and precipitator of conflict in the lives of its characters. It is also the story of the development of practice of innovative medicine and how those innovations influences the lives of its characters. The book is written so beautifully that it demands that the reader spend time dwelling on phrases and passages. It is so chocked full of cultural, historic, and medical technology insights that this, too, requires contemplation and time for awe. This stand among my favorite books.
Loved this, a gripping story.
this book was amazing, I couldn't put in down. The author did a great job separating cultures and races and letting the characters show you with their hearts the differences our backgrounds contribute to our lives along with a few turns of fate. The book was slow to take off but don't let that discourage you because this book is a definite read! Excellent!
This is a really beautiful but emotionally taxing book. I loved it and suffered with the characters.
Fascinating story! Once I got into it I couldn't put it down. The twists and turns of the characters' lives leave you realizing how connected we are to each other, whether we want to be or not.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The family history and dynamics, the character development, was all deep and complex. Well worth reading, a quality novel. Fascinating insight into the country, cultures assimilating and history of Ethiopia as well.
A well written story with believable yet flawed characters.
Alot of medical terms but those were thoroughly explained and enhanced the reality of the story. A twist of fate near the end...
Alot of medical terms but those were thoroughly explained and enhanced the reality of the story. A twist of fate near the end...
Excellent
Great book, incredible descriptions, loved it!
I wasn't sure I would like it but I was sucked in quickly. Verghese has such a smooth writing style, it was very difficult to put down as he sequed so easily from one scene to the ncxt.
A little slow going at the beginning but my sister told me to stick with it and it was a great read.
After reading many, many reviews on this book, I was anxious to dive in! I am not going to go into great detail on the actual story as there are hundreds of reviews out there already that say the same things that I would about that.
I will say that the first part of the book did not grab me. There were many times that I was ready to put the book down and walk away. I understand that the medical details is a huge portion of the story line, but after a while I got bored with all of that detail. Now don't get me wrong, I understand how it was important to the overall story line, it was just a bit much for my taste.
Once I reached the midpoint of the story, as the boys got older my attention was grabbed. I kept going because I really needed to find out how it all ended. That is just me - I can't leave a book or a movie unfinished as I need that closure to the store. I am glad that I finished it so see everything come full circle. In fact, the last few chapters kept me up late reading because I didn't want to put the book down
I will say that the first part of the book did not grab me. There were many times that I was ready to put the book down and walk away. I understand that the medical details is a huge portion of the story line, but after a while I got bored with all of that detail. Now don't get me wrong, I understand how it was important to the overall story line, it was just a bit much for my taste.
Once I reached the midpoint of the story, as the boys got older my attention was grabbed. I kept going because I really needed to find out how it all ended. That is just me - I can't leave a book or a movie unfinished as I need that closure to the store. I am glad that I finished it so see everything come full circle. In fact, the last few chapters kept me up late reading because I didn't want to put the book down
This book was a GOOD read & very interesting about Africa, then AMERICA. EXCELLENT!
This is a gorgeous book rich with emotion, warmth and beauty. It is a bit of a commitment to read, but don't give up on it. The kind of book you would hug, if that were possible.
Very interesting book. Greatly enjoyed it. Good to listen to on CDs if going on a long drive.
Excellent well-written book; enjoyable all the way through.
This is an excellent read. It felt a little slow at the beginning, but further on I couldn't put the book doen. Thoughtful and inspiring---one of the best books I've read this year.
One of my new favorite books! Once I started reading it I could't put it down. An enthralling story of family, betrayal, and adventure.
A great story about how medicine is practiced in Ethiopia and in the U.S., using twin brothers to propel the story line. Excellent development and characterization are featured throughout, but some of the surgery scenes may be too graphic for the squeamish. Highly recommended.
What a fabulous epic! Well written with characters that come to life...just amazing! Hope this guy writes some more!
I loved this book and highly recommend it. It did take me about 100 pages to become fully engaged, but then I couldn't put it down. It's a sweet family story with some very interesting insight into the thoughts of surgeons.
I loved this story of brothers,from the history of their mysterious conception, adoption and journey to adulthood. There are many long medical passages, which I found fascninating, but others may not. I loved the stories that were woven around the humanity and intimacy of the brother's families, and the multicultural experiences. Beautiful, well written book.
I read this for my book club and it was given rave reviews. For myself-it was okay. The story was interesting, but seemed to drag on at times. I also skipped sections when it became too detailed.
The author is very descriptive, but it can be too much at times which, for me, became a bit boring.
I did learn a bit about Ethiopia among other things.
The author is very descriptive, but it can be too much at times which, for me, became a bit boring.
I did learn a bit about Ethiopia among other things.
This book is very poetic and very descriptive scenes. At some point you gets disappoint it to see how it developed. The characters exploit the good and bad of human characteristics. Some of the scenes are better understand by the India culture.
Loved this book - I found the first 1/2 easy to read, but not very compelling, but it picks up speed and ends delightfully!
One of the best I've read in a while. Great character development, interesting settings and plot-line. All around a great read.
Beautifully written, leaves you thinking back to the story many times long after you have finished. Has serious depth on many matters, and the author handles each one with a well-balanced mix of truth, delicacy, and respect.
enjoyed it immensely. It was great to be in a different land and culture.
Wow what an awesome book. Not typically the type of book I would read but very good. Lots of depth the character, great insight in the medical field. good insight into 1970's Ethiopia. I highly recommend.
Having been to both Addis Abbaba, Ethiopia and Cook County, Illinois, I really enjoyed references to each! What a great story! Layers upon layers. - Suzanne
Abraham Verghese is an amazing writer who happens to be a doctor. This story is about an Indian nun who dies giving birth to twins in the Ethiopian hospital where she works. The British surgeon she assists in surgery is the father of the conjoined twins, but he falls apart and runs away rather than operate on them much less raise them. The boys grow up healthy and loved by two other hospital employees, Doctors Hema and Ghosh who raise Marion and Shiva as their own sons and eventual apprentices. The story spans continents: from Asia to Africa to North America and then back to Africa again, it is amazing.
The story is fascinating, I'm in love with all the characters, and the settings. I laughed, I learned, and I'll remember this book for a good long time.
The story is fascinating, I'm in love with all the characters, and the settings. I laughed, I learned, and I'll remember this book for a good long time.
I tried very hard to like this book, due to the fantastic reviews on the back cover. However, I found it very difficult to digest, especially the vivid descriptions of surgery, and finally I gave up after the first 100 pages!
One of the best books I have read in a very long time.
This book was disappointing. It was too depressing.
I didn't finish it. Got throught the first 150 pages and decided I didn't need to see what happened. I might pick it up in the future and try to get through it.
This book was SO fabulous I did NOT want it to end!! I really enjoyed all the cultural prose & I learned alot about Ethopian & Indian culture. The medical descriptions were up my alley cause I am an ob/gyn nurse. AND I have lots of twins in my life. BELIEVE me you wont be dissappointed with this long read.. Have fun
I could not get interested after 100 pages.
