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59 pages 1 hour read

The Tennis Partner

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Abraham Verghese

The Tennis Partner

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

El Paso, Texas • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese is a memoir recounting his friendship with medical student David Smith, a former tennis professional in recovery from drug addiction. Their bond deepens over shared tennis games while they navigate personal challenges, culminating in lessons about addiction, ritual, and the complexities of relationships. The book contains mentions and descriptions of substance use, addiction, and suicide.

Contemplative

Emotional

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

12,612 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Abraham Verghese's The Tennis Partner is largely praised for its poignant narrative and deep exploration of friendship and addiction. Readers commend Verghese's evocative prose and medical insights. However, some critique its pacing and find the tennis metaphor overextended. Overall, it's a heartfelt and introspective read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Tennis Partner?

Readers who appreciate The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese would enjoy introspective narratives about friendship, addiction, and healing. Fans of memoirs like William Styron's Darkness Visible and medical narratives akin to Atul Gawande's Being Mortal will find Verghese's blend of personal insight and professional experience compelling.

4.2

12,612 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Abraham Verghese

The author and narrator, an Indian-born doctor who starts his medical journey in Ethiopia and becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen; he befriends David Smith during a challenging period in his life.

An Australian medical student and former professional tennis player at Texas Tech, whose friendship with Abraham is central to the narrative; he struggles with addiction throughout the story.

Abraham's wife during the events of the book, who shares two sons, Steven and Jacob, with him; their relationship evolves over the course of the narrative.

David's long-term girlfriend at the beginning of the story, who stands by him during relapses but eventually ends their relationship.

David's girlfriend after Gloria, whom he meets at Alcoholics Anonymous; they share a complex and evolving relationship over the course of the story.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

El Paso, Texas • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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