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Book Review of Cutting for Stone

Cutting for Stone
Helpful Score: 1


Cutting for Stone is an emotional and intense novel that takes places mainly in Ethiopia. It is the coming of age story of twins Marion and Shiva. Despite the tragedy and chaos of their birth (mother dies, father abandons them), the twins grow up in warm and loving family. Whether through genetics or the influence of their adoptive parents, the twins have an affinity for medicine, which becomes their vocations. There are a lot of very descriptive medical scenes in the novel--no surprise given that the author is a physician. The story also touches upon the political upheaval in Ethiopia and its impact on the twins and their loved ones. Ghosh was my favorite character. The novel's themes are family, love, betrayal, forgiveness. At more than 600+ pages, it is not a quick read, but one that stays with you.