Verghese's book was fascinating, and would quite possibly have been more so if I were a surgeon. While I fancy that I have many abilities, I am wise enough to stop short at internal repair work. A friend gave me this book because it is about identical twins (which I actually am one). But, it is also about a nun (which I am decidedly not), and a revolution, and Ethiopia, and surgery. Well written, and at moments perfectly executed, I would even say that it is at times surgically wrought in that the investigation into the main character's thoughts and circumstances are minute dissections of humanity, circumstance, and psychology. And, the fact that it was written by a MD makes sense yet at the same time is astounding. Slow at times, overall it was a beautiful story.
Egger's book: I think I should take a break from Eggers for a while. Not because this last book wasn't interesting, but I have to say in my small little thought processes, I have become a little tired of Egger's way of posing a problem. In this book, he calls attention to the atrocity of events surrounding one man after Hurricane Katrina and they were atrocious. And even more shocking is that what Eggers writes truthfully about happened on American soil. However, as the problem is laid bare, I got a sneaking feeling that the story was just a little more complicated than Eggers would like to admit. Yes, what happened to Zeitoun should not in any way have happened. That Zeitoun was a victim of terrible circumstances when he was doing the best he could in a horrible situation (the frightening days following the hurricane) is without question. I just want to point out one thing (by way of an example): Every day I give my kids what I feel is the best guidance I can, for their own good. For instance, just tonight, I sent the kids to bed, after bedtime prayer, with very clear instructions to GET INTO BED. Now, surprisingly, this is a difficult request, as there are other sisters to tease, toothpaste to squirt and general bedlam to be had. And once again, when they did not follow my simple request (albeit simple in MY mind, it was a post-graduate physics equation to them), someone got hurt, no big surprise. Instead of getting into bed, as directed, the two littlest decided, "Bedtime... shmedtime!" What could be more fun than a sword fight with sharp pencils!! And...I don't need to tell you any more. Back to Zeitoun. In my opinion, all of this horrible story would have never happened if he had followed the direct instructions of the officials of the city, which were to evacuate the city. It was mandatory. And the edict was for the best interest of the citizens of New Orleans. That said, Zeitoun was guided by moral principles once he was stuck in the city to help others the best way he could, and he suffered unjustly for it. It shouldn't have happened, and it wouldn't have happened if he had just evacuated as had been demanded of all. That is all I will say about that.
I will be gladly reaching for a new book and will report back soon.
