Bookclub-in-a-Box Presents the Discussion Guide for Abraham Verghese's Novel Cutting for Stone: The Complete Package for Readers and Leaders

by Marilyn Herbert, C.J. Verburg

Cutting For Stone is very simply one of the best books ever written and read. The narrative begins in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when twin boys, Shiva and Marion, are born to a nun (who dies) and a surgeon (who runs away). The babies, conjoined at the head, are successfully separated immediately after birth. Despite their ominous beginning, they are raised by two Indian doctors and have a relatively peaceful childhood within the environment of a mission hospital, nicknamed Missing. Their loving community consists of Matron (head of the hospital), Almaz and Rosina (two servants), Rosina s daughter, Genet (born shortly after the boys), and a host of other wonderful and memorable characters. The original conjoinment and separation of the boys becomes the operating theme of the novel and we are given situation after situation in which to consider the concepts of fusion and partition. One day, political troubles with neighboring Eritrea erupt, and one twin, Marion, is forced to escape to America. Thus begins the second half of the novel, a literary doppelganger. The plot is complex, fast-paced, and emotionally moving. Bookclub-in-a-Box looks at all that Verghese history (Ethiopia and Eritrea), medicine (blood and liver disease), psychology (the search for identity), sociology (human relationships) and philosophy (of both science and religion). The narrative s real facts and descriptions are especially interesting for their thematic implications. Every Bookclub-in-a-Box printed discussion guide includes complete coverage of the themes and symbols, writing style and interesting background information on the novel and the author.

77 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

As an educator, school librarian, writer, book-talk presenter and facilitator, Marilyn loves to read and talk about books. Her enthusiasm for reading and sharing led her to unite her two favorite things: people and pages. In turn, this led to the creation of Bookclub-in-a-Box, the ultimate discussion companion for contemporary works of literary fiction. Marilyn is always looking for a great debate about books and welcomes all feedback.

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read that will take you first to Ethiopia and then later to NY where you can take a surgical residency. The book had a lot of nostalgia for me as it was so reminiscent of my own time spent as a surgical resident.

The book is quite well written and carries the reader on with teases all the way through, starting with, the narrator's mother was a nun? Read on! How is this so? And what about his mysterious and driven father. Will we ever meet him again?

I read the book and then listened to it several times. It's a five stethoscope read for sure. Go for it. You will never regret the time investment.

It does have one serious side effect: You will want to go to Ethiopia when all is said and done.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished Cutting for Stone, and it's going on my "all-time-favorites book list"! I didn't want it to end. What fascinating characters Abraham Verghese created! They were sooooo realistic that I just know they must be real, and he must have been a twin, and he must have grown up next to a "Ghosh" in real life. What a writer! Loved every minute of it.

[Cynthia Hanna-Tarantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a fantastic book, I could not put it down...I wish it had ended differently. I love the this author's writting style.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in several years.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this guide did a fair job of pulling together the themes and threads that run through the novel, it was not at all analytical or critical.

[Carol Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! One of the best books I've read. I didn't want it to be finsihed.

[Kami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Lots of technical/medical information. Storyline was good. Too detailed for me. I skimmed a lot. Some adult situations and language.

[Louise]

I loved the way Abraham Verghese made this feel like it was an actual event rather than fiction. I was so engrossed in the story and the characters, that I honestly looked at the end of the book for a validation that it was about actual facts! Yes, he totally researches his info, and is an actual Dr., but still this story amazed me. I loved the way this story lived for me. I am anxious to see if either of his other books is as good. After the disappointment of Lief Engers second novel though, I am skeptical that it may not have the same honest ring to it.

[Mj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This saga of orphaned twins is both entertaining and informative. Most of it is set in Africa during a time of political unrest. Because most of the characters are doctors, the reader learns much about the diseases prevalent in the third world. When Marion, one of the twins moves to the U. S to escape arrest, the story begins to tie up the loose ends about the twins parents--an unlikely couple--a nun and a seemingly socially dysfunctional doctor.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book - it's a little haunting. It reminds me of a cross between the books COMPLICATIONS and ANGELA'S ASHES, yet it has its own voice. Yes, it does have language. Yes, it does have sexual situations. It is sometimes painfully graphic, but it was worth reading and I am glad I did.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, thought-provoking. The best book I have read in years. As a physician, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the medicine, but the story is so much more about family and love. I already want to read it again!

[Hazel Hindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, couldn't put it down, cannot recommend it enough.

[Terry]

Great book, I read this a few years ago

[Betty Davidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply one of my best reads.A neighbor recommend it,a book club read . couldn't quit till I finished.Should the author pen another book it would warrant looking into..

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the entire story, setting, characters from beginning to end. What a passionate and sometimes disturbing emotional venture.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most compelling stories I've read this year, which was difficult to put down. The well-developed characters grew in wisdom which emerged in unexpected places.

[Kimberly Melnyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favourite books. A wonderful story of love and sorrow.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wish I could give this more than 5 stars

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. One of the best stories I've read.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cutting for Stone is a great book. Very long however you feel as though you know the people when the book is finished. Somewhat melancholy.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. It is one of my favorites

[Suzanne Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleh! I love books that take place in Africa. This author does a beautiful job. The characters are so endearing and unique. But I can not take the sexual parts. I tried to skip them when it was here or there. But now that the twin boys are teenagers I finally had to quit. Too bad, it was an engaging story.

[David Freudenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very perceptively describes issues, themes, metaphors, symbols and meaning in "Cutting for Stone". Provides fodder for me to create discussion questions for the book club. Also good for any book club members who want to go into more depth in the book. This book provides a nice way for me to review the book which I read a year ago. I read this ebook in the Freading collection.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was like a bad dream. The fulfilment of a desire/dream of a Superior Nun which cast two younger Nuns into death, one from cholera and eventually one from childbirth. The despair in this story was overwhelming but the storytelling was excellent.

[Lisa]

Am starting at the end of my CA vacation, hope to get hooked then pick back up in CR.

[Syahira]

for this pioneer year(yeahh..for me who-newly-fall-in-love-of-english-novels-)
and i wanna read dis one!!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting twist on brotherly competition. Special, new background and geography with a good cultural immersion.

[Sharon Iberle]

This book was not my favorite - I felt that there were too many story lines and a bit too graphic at times.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this one so stopped partway through. Life is too short to read books you're not into!

[Margaret Munzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this but it was long!