Haile Selassie was the Emperor of Ethiopia for over 40 years, from 1930 until 1974. Much of the novel’s timeline occurs during his rule, specifically the time when Marion lives in Ethiopia. A member of the Solomonic dynasty, which claims direct lineage from King Solomon of Israel and Makeda, Queen of Sheba, Selassie’s reign had a lasting impact on Ethiopian society and politics.

During Selassie’s rule, Ethiopia became a charter member of the United Nations, as well as leading the Organisation of African Unity. Selassie is known for establishing Ethiopia’s first written constitution, abolishing slavery, and promoting social and political reform. He led Ethiopia’s fight against Mussolini’s invasion and lived in exile in England during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936-1941). Yet, as the novel shows through Marion’s complicated feelings toward the Emperor, his reign was not unblemished. Human rights groups accused him of autocratic rule and suppressing different religions and ethnicities. In Cutting for Stone, Verghese shows several instances of violent suppression, including police beatings and hangings. In the end, Selassie was overthrown by a military coup in 1974 and died in 1975.

Much of the action in Cutting for Stone takes place during Emperor Selassie’s rule and the political upheaval that followed.