Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Title: Cutting for Stone
Author: Abraham Verghese
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Historical Fiction, Medical Fiction
Year of Publication: 2009
Date of Publication: February 3, 2009
Pages: 667
ISBN-10: 0375414495
ISBN-13: 978-0375414497

Summary of Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Cutting for Stone is a novel set primarily in Ethiopia. The novel follows the lives of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born to an Indian nun and a British surgeon in Ethiopia. Their mother, Sister Mary Joseph Praise, had come to Ethiopia for work but along the way, she met Dr. Thomas Stone and they formed a bond.

Sadly, Sister Mary Joseph Praise lost her life during labor and Dr. Stone, fled afterwards abandoning the twins as babies.

Following the death of their mother and their father’s disappearance, the brothers are adopted and raised by Hema and Ghosh, loving adoptive parents who are also doctors. The two brother also grow up to pursue careers in the medical field.

As they grow up, their shared love for medicine is overshadowed by personal conflicts and political turmoil including military coups and crackdowns.

Main Themes

The novel is about identity, belonging, and the bonds of family. It highlights the ethical dilemmas of medicine and the challenges faced by those in the profession. Verghese also examines the impact of political and social upheaval on individual lives and the enduring power of love and forgiveness to heal deep wounds.

Writing Style

Abraham Verghese’s background as a physician really comes through in this book. You immediately feel like you are experiencing something remarkable because of all the details shared in the book.

The book is narrated by Marion, who is one of the twins. The story is told in a way that he is reflecting on his life and how he and his brother come into this world. You also learn about the twins lives and how they differ.

Every character in the book is really well thought out and they all have a love for medicine and as a reader you care for these characters.

The book is beautifully written and very educational. You can really learn a lot about a number of medical diseases and procedures.

Impact of Cutting for Stone

Cutting for Stone became a bestseller and a favorite among book clubs for its narrative and relatable characters.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!