January 2011 Host: Colleen
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Summary
This is the epic and complex story of combined twins fathered by a talented British surgeon and an Indian nun. The twins are raised by a surrogate family in a missionary hospital in Ethiopia. The story is narrated by one of the twins, Marion, who eventually becomes a surgeon. He describes how he and his brother were loved and were raised amongst the sick and those who cared for the sick. Ever present is Ethiopian political turmoil, which eventually forces Marion to flee the country. His path takes him to a ‘rough’ hospital in the Bronx in New York City. We are privy to the culture shock he feels and what it is like to arrive in a huge modern city from Africa and the ever present longing for home, family, and culture. This is a multi-generational family saga that jumps from Africa, India, Europe, and the United States. The story also includes a huge does of medical science, often graphic, but very interesting.
Discussion
-May not be for the squeamish as some of the surgeries performed are quite detailed. This book is also heavy on medical jargon.
-Stresses importance of family and how one good or bad decision can change your life forever.
-Good descriptions of Ethiopia’s culture and politics. This was a beautifully written and well researched book.
-He also touches on the plight of Indian doctors in the U.S. being treated as second class citizens even as they treat second class citizens.
-The author manages to incorporate his own belief that patients are people first, medical condition, second
-The boys’ father’s character is based on Dr. Thomas Starzl. He performed the first liver transplant in Denver, Colorado.
Menu
Grilled Eggplant Slices with Yogurt Sauce
Indian Potatoes and Peas Salad
Curried Chicken Rice Soup from Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Magazine
Chicken Tikka Masala
Better Than Sex Cake