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Sunday, April 10, 2011

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese




The story of Shiva and Marion Stone will stay with you long after you turn the last page.  It is an unforgettable tale of Siamese twins and their accomplishments, trials, heartbreaks, triumphs, and undeniable bond.  Their Ethiopian family's ties and closeness make up the main theme as we also get a glimpse into medical terminology and procedures.  It is an immersion into a way of life wrought by strife, war, dedicated doctors, and suffering citizens.

Cutting for Stone is a remarkable book with unforgettable characters.  Once you have read the book, you will realize how amazing our health care system is in the United States .  You will also realize that there are committed, talented doctors all around the world that do the best they can with what they have in terms of equipment and supplies.

Don't give up because of the lengthy, detailed explanations and slow-moving beginning.  As you become attached to the characters, the story unfolds and becomes one you will be glad you didn't put aside.  The book is incredible. 4/5 only because of the LENGTHY beginning.

13 comments:

  1. Hope you can get a chance to read the book.

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  2. I'll have to remember that this one starts out slow. Other than that, it sounds fabulous!

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  3. I tried starting this a couple months ago and you are right - the beginning was very slow and I ended up ditching it. But I do plan on reading it this spring. I keep hearing great things about it!

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  4. I read this as a library loan and loved it, and although I don't reread many books, I'm considering buying it for my Kindle. (Glad u loved it as well).

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  5. I have heard a lot about this book and all of it positive! It is on my TBR list and I'm really looking forward to it!

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  6. I loved Cutting for Stone (my thoughts: http://manoflabook.com/wp/?p=54), it was one of my top 10 last year.

    I disagree about our "amazing" health care system though. If you get a chance pick up "so much for that" by Lionel Shriver, another amazing book which I sadly could relate to (http://manoflabook.com/wp/?p=1235)

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  7. Susan (Reading World)April 13, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    I read this even though I usually avoid books with "medical" themes. It was awesome. It may have been my favorite book of the year--I'll have to think about that.

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  8. On my to-buy list! I have been reading such great reviews on this, and I'm always happy when a review lets us know to keep reading despite some flaws in the beginning of the book. Wonderful review!

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  9. This sounds very good from what you've said, and I love long books if I'm not interupted too often. Thanks for your thoughts on it.

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  10. Wow, sounds good!

    Thanks for visiting Proud Book Nerd! :-)

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  11. Not exactly up my alley, but I'm never one to shy away from a promising book. Nice review. I'll have to keep it in mind.

    And thanks for stopping by my blog via the Cym Lowell Review Party, as well.

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  12. have had a sample of this book in the kindle for a few months and have been indecisive but will go ahead and try and share it or buy it now. Will also review on my site when I get around to finishing it!

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  13. This is a GOOD story with a little something for everyone. From cover to cover it kept me wanting to go on..but, I slowed down when nearing the end..just didn't want it to end! It has war, betrayal, loyalty, family love & struggles, spirituality, suspense... medical & other, foreign places & intrigue..a good guy & bad apples.

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