Marchell P. (maphil) reviewed on 2/3/2011

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.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details