Cutting for Stone

I have discovered that I am becoming an adrenaline junkie when it comes to books. Quite frankly anything that doesn’t have a car chase or murder mystery scene is becoming boring. Which is kind of sad. It’s probably also reflecting on the fact that my life is boring right now, so I don’t want to read a boring book. :)

Anyways, on to Cutting for Stone.

This was a very interesting book. It did hit me hard in a lot of places, due to the sensitive nature.

This story chronicles the complete life of a pair of twins – Marion and Shiva Praise Stone from the moment they were in the womb until death. Part one of the book chronicles the life that their biological mother, Sister Mary Joseph Praise led – how she came to the country and Missing Hospital, how she loved Thomas Stone, and how she eventually gave birth to the twins. The birth scene is heart wrenching. Part Two is most about how Ghosh and Hema’s relationship evolved through taking care of the children. Part three is the chronicle of how the boys grew up with Ghosh and Hema, their caretakers and parents. It’s very interesting to read about Ghosh and Hema’s work as a surgeon and gynecologist respectively – how they deal with having the incorrect tools to do their work and no money. The country is in the midst of a war and it comes directly to their front door. The family is bullied and Marion makes a very bold move. Shiva eventually becomes a playboy and breaks Marion’s heart. After that, their relationship is never the same. In Part Four Marion eventually moves to America and becomes a surgeon at a small hospital. Through this hospital he eventually ends up meeting his father, Thomas Stone.

In the end, Marion gets what he always wanted, but in true story fashion, it ended up meaning nothing to him and actually almost kills him. Shiva makes one of the only sacrifices he makes in his entire life – but it’s a huge one.

This books does provide a lot of insight into doctors, such as

“I grew up and I found my purpose and it was to become a physician. My intent wasn’t to save the world as much as to heal myself. Few doctors will admit this, certainly not young ones, but subconsciously, in entering the profession, we must believe that ministering to others will heal our woundedness. And it can. But it can also deepen the wound.” p.7

It’s also a book of great encouragement.

          ‘ “Because, Marion, you are instrument of God. Don’t leave the instrument unexplored. Why settle for “Three Blind Mice” when you can play the ‘Gloria’?” ‘ p. 7

And even a little bit of humor every now and again.

          ‘ “Flatus, Fluid, Feces, Foreign Body, and Fetus feel better out than in.” ‘

The one aspect of life that this novel made me understand is that we are completely and utterly blessed to live in a place where we do not experience the hardships of a country in the middle of a war- either internally or externally. Even though our country is in the midst of a war, we NEVER have to even worry about either a rebel or an enemy walking up to our front door and pulling a gun. It’s just something that I do not think we as Americans can even fathom at this point in time. But, this book made it hit a little bit closer to home.

I absolutely love the fact that this was an ENTIRE story, from beginning to end. I did feel like the book was a bit slow in parts and extremely long. Much longer than I thought it was. It ended up taking me just over a week to finish it. Which is quite a while for me.

If you are looking for action and a quick read, I wouldn’t recommend this book. However, I think if you are looking for an encouraging and in depth novel, this is the perfect one for you.