Summary of The Covenant of Water
Free Audible Credits for this Masterpiece
Abraham Verghese is a unique figure in the literary world, having achieved success as both a doctor and a writer. He is known for his profound moral compass, rooted in personal experiences that have shaped his perspective on compassion and kindness. Verghese’s dedication to benevolence is evident in all his work, as he aims to inspire others to bring out their best selves.
In “The Covenant of Water,” the focus is primarily on virtuous characters who endure various hardships. Given the complexity of human nature, the abundance of grace portrayed in the book may feel unrealistic and even pretentious, as if Verghese aligns himself with standards that ordinary individuals cannot attain. The absence of malice or ambivalence among the numerous heroes in the story can become excessive and overly sentimental. The novel lacks subtle psychological insights and humor, both from the characters and about them.
However, despite these criticisms, “The Covenant of Water” is a grand, captivating, and sweeping tale. Verghese displays a talent for suspense, and his effortless writing style effortlessly carries readers through the narrative, spanning decades and countless pages. The story commences in 1900 in Kerala, India, as a young girl reluctantly prepares for an arranged marriage. It concludes in 1977 when her granddaughter, a physician, makes a shocking discovery. The family depicted in the novel is of Indian Christian descent, tracing their roots back to the first-century conversion by St. Thomas. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, they lead resilient and often joyful lives, steadily progressing in the world. Providing a detailed plot summary would be both lengthy and spoil the enjoyment of the book, but it should be noted that this family experiences love and suffering in a myriad of ways.
The book occasionally adopts a didactic tone, as it delves into the medical world. Verghese’s writing on medical topics is particularly skillful, showcasing his profound knowledge of the human body as a notable strength. While the personalities of the numerous physicians may not be fully developed, their identities as doctors are well portrayed. Additionally, the book imparts a wealth of knowledge about India, including aspects that readers may already be familiar with, such as the caste system, social changes in the 20th century, various cuisines, architectural styles, farming practices, family dynamics, the role of faith in society, and the country’s transition towards socialism.
The idea is to read the book as a fantasy rather than as a realistic work. The early parts of “The Covenant of Water” have a reassuring air of emotional recollection, and they were inspired by a notebook that Verghese’s mother wrote for a curious granddaughter. The novel is replete with extremes, unlikely coincidences, heightened emotions, and an abundance of drama that deviates from reality even as it moves into more modern times, reflecting the author’s personal experiences and beginning to recognise a troubled world. This deviation is purposeful and irrelevant, though. We are given access to Cochin and Travancore as they may have been or as they may never have been by Verghese, who also exposes us to a family whose story is sad but somehow comforting.
Reading well-known Indian expatriate literature about India frequently causes readers to feel traumatised. Although this particular book may not be as literary as Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake” or Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things,” I found myself crying when it was over. I would happily immerse myself in this book for months. Even if I don’t totally identify with Verghese’s characters, I am moved to tears by his obvious love and devotion for them, which encourages the reader to feel the same way.
