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74 pages 2 hours read

Cutting for Stone

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Abraham Verghese

Cutting for Stone

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

667

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ethiopia • 1950s

Topic
Publication Year

2009

Publisher

Knopf

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese follows the lives of twin brothers Marion and Shiva Praise Stone, who are born in Ethiopia to an Indian nun and a British surgeon. The story spans several decades, detailing their upbringing in a Catholic mission hospital in Addis Ababa, their journey into the medical profession, and the political upheavals of Ethiopia.

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.5

420,895 ratings

85%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Abraham Verghese's Cutting for Stone is widely praised for its intricate storytelling, rich characters, and evocative portrayal of Ethiopian culture. Many highlight Verghese's medical expertise, which enhances the novel's authenticity. However, some find its length and detailed medical descriptions overwhelming. Overall, it's a deeply engaging and educational read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cutting for Stone?

Readers who cherish epic tales of love, medicine, and identity will delight in Cutting for Stone. Fans of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things will appreciate this novel's rich narrative, intricate character development, and exploration of cultural and political landscapes.

4.5

420,895 ratings

85%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Marion Praise Stone

Marion is the protagonist of *Cutting for Stone*. Born in Ethiopia to Indian and English parents, he becomes a trauma surgeon known for his diligence. He is separated from his conjoined twin Shiva at birth and struggles with their connection throughout his life. Marion narrates much of the story.

Shiva is Marion’s twin brother, born shortly after him. He is a mirror image of Marion physically but is intense, withdrawn, and insensitive to others' feelings. He is a dedicated doctor specializing in treating fistulas and is passionate about dance.

Genet is the daughter of Marion and Shiva's nanny, raised alongside them. She is rebellious and becomes a love interest for Marion. Her actions, including associating with political turmoil, serve as catalysts for significant changes in Marion's life.

Thomas Stone is the birth father of Marion and Shiva, a brilliant British surgeon focused on medicine. He experiences a crisis after his knowledge fails him and eventually becomes an absentee father but makes medical advancements that play a crucial role in the story.

Ghosh is the adoptive father of Marion and Shiva, an internal medicine specialist who also becomes a surgeon. He is Marion’s mentor, known for his optimism and kindness, and encourages Marion to pursue his passion for medicine.

Hema is the obstetrician and gynecologist at Missing Hospital, originally from Madras, India. She raises Marion and Shiva and is a mentor to Shiva. Hema is strong, intelligent, and independent but can be judgmental and unforgiving.

Book Details
Pages

667

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ethiopia • 1950s

Topic
Publication Year

2009

Publisher

Knopf

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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