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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
I loved the writing, the use of language. I was caught in the stories, the multitude of different stories that are the making of the lives of Marion and Shiva. I hated and I cried at the betrayals, I was captivated by the way that everything in their lives came back again to visit. But there were parts it dragged, parts where I thought "shut up and start talking, get to the point". The story is almost 700 pages long and it could have been told in fewer. Regardless, it was a story worth hearing (or reading as the case may be).
I love Verghese (and Marion) and while this was excellent, the length and boredom had me crawling to the finish line
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Engrossing, emotional, and epic. This book consumed me to the point that when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about the characters, the places, faith, poverty, and the medicine they were performing. I read it during my commute, and I was crying on the train.
The best book my incredible book club has read. Couldn't put it down.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cutting for Stone is a masterfully told family epic set against the backdrop of postcolonial Ethiopia. Abraham Verghese brings his characters to life with such nuance and depth that they feel both mythic and painfully real. Each figure is layered, complicated, and flawed — bound together by love, betrayal, sacrifice, and silence.
What struck me most as a physician was how love is shown through action — not sentiment, but sacrifice. The medical scenes are unflinchingly accurate, often making me wince in recognition, yet they’re never gratuitous. They serve as a language — one of healing, atonement, and intimacy.
This novel is a rare blend of sweeping storytelling, cultural and political insight, and emotional truth. A truly unforgettable read.
I really struggled through the first half, then loved the second half.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Warning for genital mutilation