In the novel Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, Shiva, one of the main characters, dies due to complications from a botched surgery. Shiva undergoes a procedure to correct a congenital defect, but the surgery goes wrong, leading to severe bleeding and ultimately his death. This tragic event is a pivotal moment in the story, deeply affecting the other characters and the narrative’s progression.
Shiva’s death is not only a medical tragedy but also a profound emotional loss for his twin brother, Marion, and the rest of the family. The circumstances surrounding his death highlight the complexities and risks associated with medical procedures, as well as the human cost of medical errors.