The novel Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese is a work of fiction, but it is deeply inspired by the author’s own experiences and observations. The story revolves around twin brothers, Marion and Shiva Stone, born in Ethiopia to a Indian nun and a British surgeon. Throughout the book, the author weaves rich historical and cultural elements that reflect real-life situations, particularly in the context of Ethiopia’s turbulent past.
While the characters and their journeys are products of Verghese’s imagination, several aspects of the novel are grounded in factual events, particularly the medical practices and the challenges faced by health care in developing countries. Verghese, himself a physician, draws heavily on his medical background, making the medical scenes and ethical dilemmas feel very authentic.
In summary, Cutting for Stone is not a true story in the literal sense, but its themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships resonate with real experiences, making it feel genuine and relatable.