The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club) Book Summary

by Abraham Verghese102

TL;DR

The Covenant of Water is an epic novel by Abraham Verghese, spanning three generations of a family in Kerala, South India, who grapple with a peculiar affliction where at least one member in each generation drowns. It's a blend of love, faith, and the evolution of medicine.

What is The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club) about

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is a sweeping epic set in Kerala, South India, spanning from 1900 to 1977. The novel follows three generations of a family that endures a strange curse: in every generation, at least one person drowns. The story begins with a twelve-year-old girl from a Christian community in Kerala, who, after the death of her father, is sent to marry a forty-year-old man she has never met. This girl eventually becomes known as Big Ammachi. Through her eyes, readers witness vast changes and challenges, illustrating a poignant mix of love, faith, and the evolution of medicine. Verghese masterfully evokes the essence of a bygone India and the relentless march of time, creating a deeply human and moving narrative.

The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club) 6 Key Takeaways

Arranged Marriage

At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala is sent to marry a forty-year-old man she has never met. This marks the beginning of her extraordinary life as Big Ammachi.

Family Curse

The family suffers from a peculiar affliction where at least one member in each generation drowns. This curse haunts the family and significantly impacts their lives.

Three Generations

The novel spans from 1900 to 1977, covering three generations of the family. Each generation faces its own set of challenges, triumphs, and losses.

Big Ammachi's Life

Big Ammachi witnesses unthinkable changes, enduring both joy and hardship. Her faith and love remain the constants throughout her life.

Evolution of Medicine

The book also delves into the progress of medicine over the decades, highlighting its impact on the family and the broader community in Kerala.

Cultural and Historical Context

The narrative provides a rich evocation of the cultural and historical backdrop of Kerala, offering a window into the region's past and its transformations.

The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club) Videos

Oprah Book Club: Author Abraham Verghese discusses ... - YouTube

Top The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club) Quotes

  • "It’s epic. It’s transportive . . . It was unputdownable!" — Oprah Winfrey
  • "A hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding." — New York Times
  • "A humbling testament to the difficulties undergone by past generations." — The Guardian

Who should read The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club)?

The Covenant of Water is ideal for readers who appreciate multi-generational family sagas, historical fiction, and richly layered narratives that delve into cultural and medical progress. It will particularly resonate with those interested in Indian history and the complexities of familial bonds.

About the Author

Abraham Verghese is a renowned physician and author, best known for his bestselling novel Cutting for Stone. Born in Ethiopia to Indian parents, Verghese brings a unique cultural perspective to his writing. He is a professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to literature and medicine. His works often reflect his profound insights into the human condition, blending medical narratives with rich, emotive storytelling.

The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club) Best Reviews

  • "One of the best books I’ve read in my entire life. It’s epic. It’s transportive . . . It was unputdownable!" — Oprah Winfrey, OprahDaily.com
  • "A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself. A hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding." — New York Times
  • "A humbling testament to the difficulties undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. It is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years." — The Guardian

The Covenant of Water (Oprah's Book Club) FAQs

What is the book of Covenant of Water about?

The Covenant of Water spans from 1900 to 1977 and follows three generations of a family in Kerala, South India, who grapple with a peculiar affliction where at least one member in each generation drowns.

Did Oprah recommend The Covenant of Water?

Yes, The Covenant of Water is Oprah's 101st Book Club pick, and she has praised it as one of the best books she has ever read.

Is The Covenant of Water Based on a true story?

The novel was inspired by a 157-page illustrated document created by Verghese's mother, Mariam Verghese, to share her life experiences with her granddaughter.