A Mesmerising Saga of Family, Fate and Water in Kerala

The Covenant of Water: An Oprah's Book Club Selection

The Covenant of Water: An Oprah's Book Club Selection

Abraham Verghese's 'The Covenant of Water' unfolds as a grand narrative that traverses nearly eighty years of Indian heritage, chronicling the saga of a family from Kerala beleaguered by an extraordinary curse: every generation witnesses at least one family member drowned. This intricately woven tale commences in the year 1900 with the arranged union of a youthful bride and evolves into a vivid panorama of affection, heartache, and tenacity. Viewed through the lens of Big Ammachi, the formidable matriarch, readers experience the seismic shifts within the realms of healthcare, societal norms, and human comprehension, all set against the verdant and ever-present waters of Kerala. Verghese’s lyrical style sparkles with poignancy and wit, offering an insightful examination of evolution and the tributes paid by those who came before. Selected for Oprah's Book Club, this novel stands as a powerful homage to the unbreakable ties of kinship and the resilience of the human spirit, solidifying its status as one of the most enthralling literary achievements of recent memory.

  • Author: Abraham Verghese
  • Publisher: Grove Press UK (18 May 2023)
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
  • ISBN: B0BN2P475V