Cutting for Stone -Abraham Verghese
This is a book I had been ignoring in the book group library
for over a year; this was due mainly to two things…. The cover and the setting. Books set in the misery of the
African continent tend not to be appealing to me, however, my pals implored I
read it as it was becoming a favorite of the group. So, I tackled it in late November and have
only just finished it. Since living in
an earthquake zone I would have to say reading becomes a very difficult
activity. Not because of shaking but of
your mind finding it hard to focus.
Plus, I have issues with most books I read these days as I suspect they
lack an editors hand and have between 50-100 pages too many. I find myself bogged in the middle reading
superfluous blah blah. I am sure this is
a well worn record from me so I will move on.
Marion Stone is the narrator, a twin to Shiva; he is born in
the Missing hospital in Addis Ababa during the time of Emperor Haile Selasie. Their mother, a nun, dies during the birth
and the father disappears. From here we
live through the trials and tribulations of Ethiopian politics and history as
well as those of a hospital in a poor nation and in a loving family of two
Indian Doctors who lovingly and mildly eccentrically raise these boys. The life they have with their nanny and
helpers is wonderful and warm. A lovely story of culture, history, life, love,
cultures and traditions. I really did
enjoy it and raced through the last 250 pages in a day or so. It isn’t depressing or worthy, rather a story
of love and loyalty. I really enjoyed
the extensive medical stuff. Well
written and a good holiday read with a bit more.
On another note, I picked up a ‘chic lit’ title from the
library for my real holiday reading. 40
pages in and I was furious with the character and the plot had a giant hole in
it. I am not a great reader but really,
yuk. That will teach me. I am sure there is a ton of great chic lit
out there but I obviously can’t pick them.
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