Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese follows the lives of twin brothers Marion and Shiva Praise Stone, who are born in Ethiopia to an Indian nun and a British surgeon. The story spans several decades, detailing their upbringing in a Catholic mission hospital in Addis Ababa, their journey into the medical profession, and the political upheavals of Ethiopia.

Abraham Verghese's Cutting for Stone is widely praised for its intricate storytelling, rich characters, and evocative portrayal of Ethiopian culture. Many highlight Verghese's medical expertise, which enhances the novel's authenticity. However, some find its length and detailed medical descriptions overwhelming. Overall, it's a deeply engaging and educational read.

Readers who cherish epic tales of love, medicine, and identity will delight in Cutting for Stone. Fans of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things will appreciate this novel's rich narrative, intricate character development, and exploration of cultural and political landscapes.

Emotional / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Inspirational / Melancholic

**Marion Praise Stone**  
Marion is the protagonist of *Cutting for Stone*. Born in Ethiopia to Indian and English parents, he becomes a trauma surgeon known for his diligence. He is separated from his conjoined twin Shiva at birth and struggles with their connection throughout his life. Marion narrates much of the story.

**Shiva Praise Stone**  
Shiva is Marion’s twin brother, born shortly after him. He is a mirror image of Marion physically but is intense, withdrawn, and insensitive to others' feelings. He is a dedicated doctor specializing in treating fistulas and is passionate about dance.

**Genet**  
Genet is the daughter of Marion and Shiva's nanny, raised alongside them. She is rebellious and becomes a love interest for Marion. Her actions, including associating with political turmoil, serve as catalysts for significant changes in Marion's life.

**Dr. Thomas Stone**  
Thomas Stone is the birth father of Marion and Shiva, a brilliant British surgeon focused on medicine. He experiences a crisis after his knowledge fails him and eventually becomes an absentee father but makes medical advancements that play a crucial role in the story.

**Ghosh (Dr. Abhi Ghosh)**  
Ghosh is the adoptive father of Marion and Shiva, an internal medicine specialist who also becomes a surgeon. He is Marion’s mentor, known for his optimism and kindness, and encourages Marion to pursue his passion for medicine.

**Hema (Dr. Kaplana Hemalatha)**  
Hema is the obstetrician and gynecologist at Missing Hospital, originally from Madras, India. She raises Marion and Shiva and is a mentor to Shiva. Hema is strong, intelligent, and independent but can be judgmental and unforgiving.

Abraham Verghese

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Cutting for Stone and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Cutting for Stone Summary and Study Guide

Background

Cutting for Stone Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue & Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Cutting for Stone Prologue & Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

Cutting for Stone Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 11-16

Cutting for Stone Part 2, Chapters 11-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 17-23

Cutting for Stone Part 3, Chapters 17-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 24-30

Cutting for Stone Part 3, Chapters 24-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 31-37

Cutting for Stone Part 3, Chapters 31-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 38-43

Cutting for Stone Part 4, Chapters 38-43 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 44-49

Cutting for Stone Part 4, Chapters 44-49 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 50-55

Cutting for Stone Part 4, Chapters 50-55 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Cutting for Stone Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Cutting for Stone Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Cutting for Stone Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Cutting for Stone Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Cutting for Stone Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Cutting for Stone Book Club Questions

Cutting for Stone

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Cutting for Stone?

Reading Age

Book Details