Cutting for Stone remains a perennial favorite, so I eagerly dove into this new magnum opus upon its release. What an exquisitely crafted, poignant family saga spanning three generations. Verghese’s masterful character development breathes life into each figure, eliciting heartache as their all-too-human flaws spur trauma across time. Before birth, the sins of predecessors haunt descendants. Every clan harbors secrets, yet certain mysteries aim not to deceive, but defend.
The narration perfectly captures the essence of each voice with nuanced accents and tones. This sprawling narrative never lags, rewarding the time invested tenfold. Though epic in scope, it ends too soon, earning a place on my ‘to be re-read’ list.
Verghese once again transports us through richly realized, disparate eras and locales, planting the reader amongst the vivid tapestry of lives unfurling. This illuminating journey offers exposure to people, places and perspectives one may never have encountered firsthand. Profoundly moving vignettes will linger for years.
Do not be daunted by the length. Every meticulously crafted moment weaves into a powerful, cohesive mosaic. I cannot thank Mr. Verghese enough for this rewarding odyssey and highly recommend it to all who appreciate a poignant exploration of the human spirit.
