While reading the first half or so, I kept getting impatient because I couldn’t see where the book was meandering to. I even put it down for a day when I got mad at Philipose for being incredibly stupid.

But then the various threads of the story started to come together. And from that point on I felt compelled to make it through the rest of the book.

It’s a worthwhile read for so many reasons. Seeing the story come together reminded me a bit of the magic of turning a heel when you knit a sock. At first you have a plain tube, then a few rows later you suddenly see it become a sock.

The detail of life and history of Kerala is fascinating. The medical details are intriguing. And, of course, the intricate relationships among the characters are mesmerizing and surprising. There are so many important characters, I can’t remember all the names.

Even the acknowledgements are interesting. Verghese is very good at explaining where ideas and quotes came from.