Book Title: The Covenant of Water
Author: Abraham Verghese
Publisher: Grove Press
Number of Pages: 736
ISBN: 978-1804710432
Date Published: May 18, 2023
Price: INR 681

Book Review

“The Covenant of Water,” Abraham Verghese’s masterwork, transports readers to the vivid tapestry of Kerala, India. This intriguing historical tale spans the years 1900 to 1977. It looks into the lives of three generations of the Parambil family, who are linked by a terrible affliction that haunts their existence—the horrible history of drowning deaths.

The story begins with the birth of Ammachi, the family’s tenacious matriarch. Ammachi witnesses her people’s sufferings against Kerala’s shift from a feudal to a modern society. Verghese depicts the joys of love, family, and faith intertwined with Kerala’s struggles during this changing age. Ammachi’s daughter, Kalyani, is a fascinating character—a skilled doctor committed to helping the marginalized. Her steadfast support for women’s rights and participation in school and the workforce is a ray of optimism. Meanwhile, Kalyani’s son, Unni, continues on the family heritage as a bright physicist and a gifted artist who captures the subtle subtleties of the human experience.

“The Covenant of Water” delves into universal topics such as love, grief, religion, and the eternal links of family, sensitive issues such as colonialism, discrimination, and addiction. Verghese masterfully elicits a wide range of emotions, giving readers a lasting impression beyond the final page. The novel’s dense web of relationships and the profound significance of water as a metaphor provide layers of depth to the plot.

Verghese’s prose is magical, efficiently transporting readers to Kerala’s rich surroundings. His incredible attention to detail brings the characters to life, making them multifaceted and fully realized. With its surprising twists and turns, the story keeps us captivated until the very last syllable, anxious to uncover the truths that lay under the surface.

Though the book is primarily appreciated, many readers have contrasting reviews. The critical readers mentioned that although this information is not extensively promoted in marketing, the book appears to pander to a faith-based audience. Faith is shown as a significant element throughout the novel, presented in a typical and approved manner, at least up to the point I have read.

However, the motivations behind this attention create concerns. Also, the author’s attempt to propagate obsolete and inappropriate practices is even more dubious. The story begins with a 12-year-old girl marrying a 40-year-old guy, a relationship depicted as respectable and beneficial despite inevitable setbacks.

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Well, to argue, this practice is still happening in the highly remote places of India in some states, but to non-Indian readers, this comes as a shocker. The novel contains various medical details, which is to be anticipated given that one of the main characters is a doctor and the author is also a doctor. This felt somewhat inconvenient.

“The Covenant of Water” is a literary jewel that will appeal to readers of historical fiction and multi-generational sagas. Each painstakingly designed page reflects Verghese’s ability as a storyteller, crafting a tapestry of emotions and insights that touch deeply. This tale makes an unforgettable mark on the reader’s psyche and will become a treasured addition to any bookcase.

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