59 pages • 1 hour read
Abraham VergheseThe Tennis Partner
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese is a memoir recounting his friendship with medical student David Smith, a former tennis professional in recovery from drug addiction. Their bond deepens over shared tennis games while they navigate personal challenges, culminating in lessons about addiction, ritual, and the complexities of relationships. The book contains mentions and descriptions of substance use, addiction, and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Abraham Verghese's The Tennis Partner is largely praised for its poignant narrative and deep exploration of friendship and addiction. Readers commend Verghese's evocative prose and medical insights. However, some critique its pacing and find the tennis metaphor overextended. Overall, it's a heartfelt and introspective read.
Who Should Read The Tennis Partner?
Readers who appreciate The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese would enjoy introspective narratives about friendship, addiction, and healing. Fans of memoirs like William Styron's Darkness Visible and medical narratives akin to Atul Gawande's Being Mortal will find Verghese's blend of personal insight and professional experience compelling.