Cutting for Stone

by Abraham Verghese
Cutting for Stone cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1564
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9788184001754
  • Publisher: Random House India
  • Published: 2012-05-17
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99

Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born from a clandestine union between an Indian nun and a British surgeon. Orphaned early in life, they grow up with an extraordinary connection and a passion for medicine. Their journey takes them from the tumultuous landscape of Ethiopia to the bustling streets of New York City, weaving a narrative rich in emotional depth and historical context. The novel delves into the brothers' intertwined fates, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of Ethiopia's political upheaval, the story unfolds as a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring bonds of family.

Reviews
Book Thoughts From Bed · 2021-06-30
enthusiastic 4.50

The book is praised for its strong, likable characters and vivid settings. The positive themes make it an engaging read.

The reviewer absolutely loves this book, highlighting the strong, likable characters and vivid settings that bring the story to life. They appreciate the positive themes that run throughout the narrative, making it an uplifting and engaging read. The emotional depth and rich descriptions create a compelling experience that resonates long after finishing the book.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I give Cutting for Stone an enthusiastic thumbs up.

    Strong, likable characters, vivid settings, and positive themes make this an engaging read.

    The emotional depth and rich descriptions create a compelling experience.

Whispering Gums · 2011-02-25
mixed 3.00

The book offers insight into social conditions and family dynamics. However, the Dickens and Waugh comparisons fall short.

The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of social conditions and family dynamics, finding it to be a rich and textured narrative. However, they feel that the comparisons to Dickens and Waugh are overstated and do not fully capture the essence of the book. The story is engaging but lacks the depth and complexity suggested by those comparisons.

Quick quotes

    It's about social conditions and family.

    The back cover (again) suggests it has flavours of Dickens and Waugh. Perhaps, but a weak flavour I'd say.

    The story is engaging but lacks the depth and complexity suggested by those comparisons.

The Guardian · Aida Edemariam · 2009-05-08
impressed 4.00

The story impresses with its depiction of Ethiopia's past half-century. The narrative is both sweeping and emotionally riveting.

Aida Edemariam finds the book to be a sweeping and emotionally riveting exploration of Ethiopia's past half-century. They are particularly impressed with how the author weaves together the personal and the historical, creating a rich tapestry of family saga and national history. The emotional depth and the vivid portrayal of characters make this a standout read.

Quick quotes

    A story of Ethiopia's past half-century impresses Aida Edemariam.

    A sweeping, emotionally riveting first novel.

    An enthralling family saga of Africa and America, doctors and patients, exile and home.

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