Neither the title or cover attracted me, but the reviews were so good (almost totally 5 stars from amazon.com readers) that I knew I wanted to give this book a try.
Cutting for Stone is a big sprawling family, historical, and medical novel set in Ethopia and the US. The main characters are twin boys Marion and Shiva Stone, born mysteriously to a nun and a surgeon--the nun dies and the doctor disappears, leaving the boys with no answers.
The twins are raised by others who love them and eventually become noted doctors themselves. The author, also a doctor, gives lots of medical information that I found fascinating. (The title is a phrase from the Hippocratic oath.)
Although the plot is compelling and easy to follow, give yourself plenty of time, as you will want to appreciate the excellent writing and the long paths of the characters' lives. This will be a perfect book for discussion--family love and betrayal, historical and medical issues, African and American cultures, and a wonderful conclusion that ties all together. (Thanks, Lois.)
This novel starts off as Victorian Gothic, leads into multi-cultural family life, Historical Fiction, Love story and so much more. And this is a good thing! Abraham Verghese, the author, blends these topics together flawlessly for an extraordinary read. Even though the size of the book may daunt you at first, you may not put it down as I found the case to be.
Each and every character is fascinating. From the conjoined twins who were ripped apart at birth to Ghosh, the doctor every patient wishes they had taking care of them.
I laughed at the vasectomy scene and cried at the death of a beloved husband and father. (What a "witch" that Genet was, poor soul)
5 Stars from me!
Posted by: Vic | July 24, 2009 at 06:59 AM