" Physician-author Abraham Verghese (born 1955) is Professor for the Theory and Practice of Medicine at Stanford University Medical School and Senior Associate Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. He is also the author of three best-selling books, two memoirs and a novel. In 2011, he was elected to be a member of the Institute of Medicine.
He was born in Ethiopia to parents from Kerala, India who worked as teachers. He was raised as a Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christian. In 2009, Knopf published his new book and first novel, Cutting for Stone. In 2010, Random House published the paperback version of the book and since that time, it has risen steadily up the bestseller charts, ranking #2 on the New York Times trade paperback fiction list on March 13, 2011. It has been on the New York Times list for well over two years. "
I came across this book as a recommendation and well, I am very glad. To be totally honest with you, this book for me was similar but also very different from what i have read before. Story line is very interesting so i wanted to give it a shot.
Everything is happening in Africa, Ethiopia. It is story about two brothers growing up and dealing with war, love, parents and life in general. It was so interesting seeing the way they develop, think and see things.
Two main characters Marion and Shia are twins orphaned by their mother’s death. It is basically all you need to know.
I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I wont give anything major. However, I just wanted to say this is a book worth reading. It is so easy to read. Most important, story is so interesting so you wont be able to stop. Also, two brothers and brilliant and interesting and their perception is so vivid. You will learn few facts about Africa, you will see Africa and Ethiopia with different eyes.
The only regret I have with this book is that I didn't learn more about Shiva. (Shiva is one of the brothers) He is so intelligent and different and they way he deal with situations is so incredible. I really fell in love with this character. He is definitely the breath of the fresh air.
“Make something beautiful of your life.”
“Life, too, is like that. You live it forward, but understand it backward. It is only when you stop and look to the rear that you see the corpse caught under your wheel.”
“I believe in black holes. I believe that as the universe empties into nothingness, past and future will smack together in the last swirl around the drain.”
Favorite quotes:
“Make something beautiful of your life.”
“Life, too, is like that. You live it forward, but understand it backward. It is only when you stop and look to the rear that you see the corpse caught under your wheel.”
“I believe in black holes. I believe that as the universe empties into nothingness, past and future will smack together in the last swirl around the drain.”
Ratings:
I rate this book 8/10.
