Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
This multi-generational, sweeping tale begins with the arranged marriage of a young girl. Her wedding day commences with a long journey by river, with her mother, and ends in the village of Kerala. The girl is quickly joined by marriage to the Parambila family, a Malayali family living in southwest India. The groom, who she has never seen before, is a 40 year-old widow, with a young son.
Unbeknownst to the young bride, her husband’s family has a mysterious “Condition.” A genetic trait causing certain members to have strange reactions to water. An affliction of which no one speaks. It is only through tragedy that she learns the true reach of the “Condition” and spends her lifetime praying for someone who can shed light on its true nature and cause.
Through the lens of the Parambila family, the author uses his extraordinary command of lyrical prose, to weave together a multi-part, compelling family drama. One that also includes information on Indian life, medicine, the elements, colonial and post-colonial rule, the country’s social, political and economic climate, the caste system, religion, and much more. All of this must have been complicated by the novel’s seventy-seven year time span, but Verghese makes it look effortless. He cleverly employs the young bride, who eventually becomes known as Big Ammachi, as the story’s anchor and matriarch of the family.
In addition to the loving, generous, down-to-earth character of Big Ammachi, the author builds a large cast of richly drawn characters that possess depth and humanity. They are the highlight of the book. Each character, and there are many, is complex and unpredictable, just like people in real life, but the author manages to avoid making villains. There are choices along the story’s path, and the characters make them, for better or worse.
Much of the novel has to do with the training and practice of medicine, and Verghese, a physician himself, does an excellent job of explaining technical medical issues and terms in a practical and easy-to-understand way. These elements only add to the story.
This is a story of family, love and life. As with real life, the story is occasionally marred by loss and tragedy, but overall Verghese has created a prevailing sense of optimism and hope. Also, as the title suggests, the theme of water is a central focus of the story – its destructive nature is showcased, as well as its ability to create and sustain life.
At over 700 pages, or 30 hours of listening, THE COVENANT OF WATER is an undertaking. It requires a commitment, but once started it is nearly impossible to put down. Eager readers will be rewarded with a richly layered narrative that is as unforgettable as the characters who inhabit its pages. Fans of literary epic fiction should be thankful to have another tome to add to their shelves. There is much to love in this sprawling, informative, heart-gripping historical-fiction tale.
Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director
