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Graphic: Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment
Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief, Abandonment
Minor: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Child death, Sexual assault, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Alcohol, War, Classism
I had meant to read it for ages, but it wasn't until one of my book clubs picked it up that I finally dug in. Given the length of this book (which, despite all the nice things I'm about to say about it, makes this what I would consider a poor choice for a book club), I did a slow and steady read over 2 months. I'm glad I chose to do this.
Verghese is a lovely writer, and the story is fascinating, but there is just so much medicine here. I'm not talking about a sensational Grey's Anatomy high-level treatment. We get to be in the operating rooms and scrub in on surgeries. (Figuratively speaking, of course!) I will not knock the book for the medical substance, but reading this book a little bit each day made it easier for me--not a doctor--to follow along.
The real gift of this book is Verghese's gift of creating characters. I didn't love them all. In fact, I vehemently hated a few. Yet, every emotion they evoked was intentional and I can't fault that. The details of this story may become fuzzy to me over time, but I won't forget Marion the people in his life.
While I still don't think I would suggest this for someone's book club (because of the length), I do highly recommend it. Just take your time and let it soak in.
Graphic: Child abuse, Blood, Medical content
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Death of parent, War
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent