Oprah’s Book Club | New York Times Best Seller “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese
“The Covenant of Water,” the much-anticipated novel by Abraham Verghese, bestselling author of “Cutting for Stone.” This epic narrative, set in Kerala on South India’s Malabar Coast, spans centuries while ingeniously weaving themes of love, sorrow, and faith’s eternal strength. In a place where water represents both life and death, the novel narrates the narrative of a family cursed with losing at least one member to drowning every generation. The voyage begins in 1900 with a young girl sailing by boat to her planned marriage and is told through the perspective of Big Ammachi, the family matriarch who experiences the great changes of her time. From joyous celebrations to terrible losses, Big Ammachi’s story shows how resilient the human spirit is. In “The Covenant of Water” Verghese creates a breathtaking novel that crosses time and place with exquisite language and profound understanding. A moving look at understanding, progress, and the sacrifices made by prior generations is provided against the backdrop of a fast-changing India and advancements in modern health. This amazing homage to the past and celebration of the human condition is sure to become a classic, one of the best literary works of the previous few years. “The Covenant of Water” takes readers to a world of deep family relationships, beauty, and hardship that will never leave them.
Rachel ramos –
This is first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed it immensely. Looking for some of his other books.
Evelyn ripp –
This is a complicated story of a unique family and the many decades of hidden secrets. It is a book everyone should read.
chris karen –
Beautiful story and characters.
erin womack –
Excellent writing,of course, but it felt long. I was ready for it to end. Beautiful and tragic tale of generations.