Play Book Tag discussion

Cutting for Stone 4 1/2 stars

This book had it all-Romance, Mystery, Family Drama-heartbreak, love, and war.

It is the story of Marion and Shiva Stone-twins born to an Indian Nun and an English Doctor at an Ethiopian Hospital called Missing (because the Ethiopians could not pronounce Mission). Their mother dies, their father leaves and they are swept into the arms of Hema, an Indian Doctor who loves them the minute she holds them. Her love for the twins leads her to the love of a man, Gosh another doctor, who adores her. The story Verghese weaves of the family left me laughing and crying.

The POV is Marion's, from childhood in the world of Haile Selassie-through teen-age angst and then adulthood. Verghese can get a bit long winded in some of his passages, but he connected me to these characters so deeply I was able to overlook (and skim a bit I admit) that.

I never give a book 5 stars unless I can recommend it to all. There is violence, rape, a lot of dying- but considering the time and place it is set in, the story could not be told without it. So 4 1/2 stars - and I am sorry it had to end.

I did give this a 5 star. It is one of my favorite books, but I know that many people dislike this book.

5 stars for me too. I know that is was very long and some people complained of that. And you are right that there was plenty of violence and ugliness, not really enjoyable to read. But so well written.
I may need to read it again.

This was a five star read for me decades ago, but it was unforgettable!

One of the reasons I was so drawn to this is I had a friend from Ethiopia whose whole family was in prison during the 1980's and she was rushed out of the country while she was a teenager with her nanny. She went first to Israel and she went to US.

The book reminded me of what she went through and I felt very close to her when I read it.

Booknblues wrote: "One of the reasons I was so drawn to this is I had a friend from Ethiopia whose whole family was in prison during the 1980's and she was rushed out of the country while she was a teenager with her ..."

Do you know if the rest of her family ever got out? I was so taken in when(view spoiler)[Marion runs into Tsige and she turns out to be "The Queen". The update on Genet was a total shocker to me-did not see that coming (hide spoiler)] I could totally relate to the Ethiopian Community migrating to one place. We have a similar place here in Detroit(Hamtramack-"Little Poland") where defectors came in the late 70's early 80's My aunt had a bar/restaurant there-it is where I met my husband.

A five star read for me and I've often recommended it to friends letting them know it isn't always an easy read but a wonderful one.

Barbara wrote: "A five star read for me and I've often recommended it to friends letting them know it isn't always an easy read but a wonderful one."

Well darn then-think I am going to change it to 5! I did love it.

After all the 5's here- I rounded up!

Joanne wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "One of the reasons I was so drawn to this is I had a friend from Ethiopia whose whole family was in prison during the 1980's and she was rushed out of the country while she was a..."

All but her father, but it took many years for them to make it out. I believe her father died in prison. He was a lawyer.

Joanne wrote: "Barbara wrote: "A five star read for me and I've often recommended it to friends letting them know it isn't always an easy read but a wonderful one."

Well darn then-think I am going to change it t..."

Sometimes it takes time to let things settle but I hope we didn't push you. You had a legitimate reason for your 4.5!

Barbara-this is why I love the discussions in this group-you may have seen something I missed, I may catch something you did not think of! I wavered for full day before posting-I think I needed that push!😊

I also loved this book.

Good review. Well Joanne, after reading your review, Amy's absolute love for this book and everyone else saying good things, I am adding another book to my TBR!

Add me to the list of those who loved this book. I avoided it for quite awhile knowing it would be an emotionally difficult read. The unforgettable characters and beautiful writing have made me recommend it many times. It's definitely worth reading.

Yes Rachel, this is the one I was thinking I should mention should be on your list. Its our lane. And also Olivermagnus, Joanne, JGrace, and a few more.

Amy wrote: "Yes Rachel, this is the one I was thinking I should mention should be on your list. Its our lane. And also Olivermagnus, Joanne, JGrace, and a few more."

I have added it! So far not one recommendation from you have I not liked. We are on a roll.

Rachel wrote: "Amy wrote: "Yes Rachel, this is the one I was thinking I should mention should be on your list. Its our lane. And also Olivermagnus, Joanne, JGrace, and a few more."

I have added it! So far not on..."

I don't think you will be disappointed!!