Marian and Shiva are twins joined at birth and who become orphans when their mother dies and their father abandons them. But what parents--a nun and gifted surgeon! Raised by doctors Hema and Ghosh and a loving cast of godparents, the boys reach adolescence more different than the same--or are they? Genet, daughter of one of the family amahs, figures large in this tale of love, betrayal, revenge and reconciliation--all the things that make a book very worthwhile to read. This book came to my attention from a Naples, FL, book group’s reading suggestions last year. I just finished it this morning--with a box of tissues needed, I might say. It is on many more 2009 best books lists. The characters had become like family in this 500 plus page story of a medical family set in Ethiopia and the US during the 1950’s through the 1980s. All I can say is that it has all a good book should have--great plotting with many unexpected twists, wonderful characters, well-written prose for the literate reader, lots of quotes you’ll savor and a little on art! Just read it. I hope all my New Year reading is as good as this first one.

posted Jan 2, 2010 at 12:03PM

Wonderful characterization. Compelling story. Made me cry.

posted Feb 25, 2011 at 4:16PM

Hard to put down. Characters are deeply developed and story is riveting.

posted May 19, 2011 at 6:37AM

I absolutely loved this book. It made me cry, also. I really felt I knew all the characters, and I wished that Hema and Ghosh were my parents.

posted Aug 12, 2011 at 6:57PM

This is a powerful book and as the other reviewers have said, you feel like the characters are your family. It took a bit of time for me to get into the rhythem of the book, so if you aren’t hooked at first, give it some time. You will be rewarded. I give this excellent book a very solid A.

posted Apr 14, 2013 at 10:51AM

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