Cutting For Stone is very simply one of the best books ever written and read. How do you summarize a story about conjoined twins, born in Ethiopia, to a nun (who dies) and a British surgeon (who runs away)? The boys are raised by two Indian doctors and have a relatively peaceful childhood, but when political troubles with neighboring Eritrea erupt, one twin is forced to escape to America.

The story summary may be confusing, but the themes are strong, serious, and easily identified. To begin with, the plot is set up around the main premise that life is a contradiction of terms. And so, Verghese presents a nun who gives birth, doctors who don’t have verifiable credentials, first-rate medical care in a third-world country juxtaposed to third-world conditions in America, and much more. Many of these ideas are harsh and unthinkable, but Verghese does a more than credible job laying them out.

Every Bookclub-in-a-Box PDF discussion guide includes complete coverage of the themes and symbols, writing style and interesting background information on the novel and the author.

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