Abraham Verghese, a well-known figure in the medical and literary world, brings “The Covenant of Water,” a sweeping novel that explores three generations of close-knit and very haunted families in southwestern India. Dr. Verghese, who successfully straddles the worlds of medicine and literature, weaves a narrative that is as grand and spectacular as it is heartwarming.
About The Novel
The story timeline spans from 1900- 1977, situated in the state of Kerala. The novel revolves around a family of Indian Christians, descendants of those first converted by St. Thomas in the first century A.D. The family’s experiences, while often joyful, are subjected to an array of challenges and suffering.
Abraham Verghese writes with a heavy tone of suspense. His storytelling style is engaging and readers are drawn through the decades and the pages without even realizing it. Despite the grand scope of the story, the novel remains utterly absorbing the beginning to end. The novel some places adopts a pedagogical tone, especially concerning medical details, as many of the characters are doctors. Verghese’s deep understanding of the human body shines through and his descriptions of medical procedures and interventions are both informative and engaging. This mastery of medical knowledge is one of the novel’s strengths.
“The Covenant of Water” is not however a book known for its nuanced character development or humor. The abundance of virtuous characters who always exhibit goodwill, occasionally come across as unrealistic and even pretentious. The absence of complex psychological insights and humour in the story can leave readers wanting more depth. Verghese’s portrayal of India is patronizing to worldly readers, offering a populist perspective that while ambitious in plot, lacks the depth of character. The story is studded with archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.
Verghese’s characters, may not necessarily reflect real-life individuals, but they do provide a refreshing contrast to the cynicism and darkness that often permeate modern fiction. In a world that often rewards malice, the novel offers a respite and reminds us that kindness and loveliness are just as powerful.
The Take-away
“The Covenant of Water” will probably follow in the footsteps of Verghese’s previous best-seller. “Cutting for Stone,” and maintain a prominent place on the best seller list. While it may not delve into the dark and fantastical complexities of India as Salman Rushdie does in “Midnight’s Children,” it offers readers a window into the beauty and culture of South Asia. In a time of division and racial tensions, this is a significant achievement, as it exposes readers to the richness of a different culture.
In the end, it is important to approach this novel as a fable rather than a work of realism. It offers an entry to a world of nostalgia, a family saga of grief but imbued with hope. Despite any reservations about the character’s depth, it is impossible not to be moved by the genuine affection Verghese has for his creations.
“The Covenant of Water” captures the reader’s heart with its enduring message of hope in the face of tragedy. Abraham Verghese’s storytelling invites readers to fall in love with the characters and leaves them longing for the world he has created. It is a testament to the power of hope in literature and a beautiful addition to the literary landscape.
