Preview
  • The Tennis Partner

  • A Doctor's Story of Friendship and Loss
  • By: Abraham Verghese
  • Narrated by: Neil Shah
  • Length: 13 hrs and 50 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (275 ratings)

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The Tennis Partner

By: Abraham Verghese
Narrated by: Neil Shah
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Publisher's summary

An unforgettable, illuminating story of how men live and how they survive, from Abraham Verghese, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Cutting for Stone and The Covenant of Water, an Oprah's Book Club Pick.

“Heartbreaking. . . . Indelible and haunting, [The Tennis Partner] is an elegy to friendship found, and an ode to a good friend lost.”The Boston Globe

When Abraham Verghese, a physician whose marriage is unraveling, relocates to El Paso, Texas, he hopes to make a fresh start as a staff member at the county hospital. There he meets David Smith, a medical student recovering from drug addiction, and the two men begin a tennis ritual that allows them to shed their inhibitions and find security in the sport they love and with each other. This friendship between doctor and intern grows increasingly rich and complex, more intimate than two men usually allow. Just when it seems nothing can go wrong, the dark beast from David’s past emerges once again—and almost everything Verghese has come to trust and believe in is threatened as David spirals out of control.

©2024 Abraham Verghese (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about The Tennis Partner

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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Another great book by Abraham Verghese

Very good story with lots of details. Great narration. Dr. Virgies is such a talented writer, mixing his storyline with medical term and his personal story. Definitely a great read

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ThiS man is an extraordinary writer.

A haunting tale that is told is a very straightforward manner. There is no attempt to over dramatize the story. Presenting it as it was- makes it all the more stirring and tragic. Verghese’s writing is masterful, touching, emotional- but no more than the story itself. He has a masterful touch- every word is there for a reason.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

love all of his books

You never really know what can save an addict, or if it can be done. Family member, friend, you can only hold on, do your best, and let go when they pull you down.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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honesty

David voice was hard to hear. it should be louder on the audio as I had to turn the volumn up for his part.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Autobiographical

I love Verghese’s other books. I love how he winds his medical knowledge throughout his stories. This one was personal. About a friend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Characters

This is a deep dive into the overlapping cultures of medical education, tennis, southwest Texas, intravenous drugs, and AIDS. Difficult, sad, respectful and humble. It is beautifully and written and read.

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Heart Gripping

Abraham, you did it again another wonderful story. I could feel the main characters pain at the end. Loved it.

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Such a good story about friendship and dealing with drug abuse

Liked this a lot, preferred his other 2 books, but it was an interesting story with some insight into the author’s world. I always learn interesting things from reading his books about medical things, tennis and Indian culture. He explains things so well. I liked the narrator, but I wish that Abraham had narrated it himself.

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flawed friendship

Beautifully written, honest and completely engaging. I will read anything and everything by this author.

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Excellent Story of Friendship and Loss

You know the characters, the story is ‘real.’ I have enjoyed all of Verghese’s books

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