The Covenant of Water” is the highly anticipated new novel by acclaimed author Abraham Verghese, renowned for his extraordinary bestseller “Cutting for Stone,” which has captivated millions of readers worldwide, spending over two years on the New York Times bestseller list and selling over 1.5 million copies in the United States alone.
Set against the backdrop of Kerala, a coastal region in South India, spanning the years 1900 to 1977, this captivating story delves into the lives of a family grappling with an unusual affliction: a recurring pattern of drowning deaths that haunts each generation. In a land surrounded by water, this peculiar fate looms over their lives. At the cusp of the 20th century, a twelve-year-old girl, hailing from Kerala’s long-established Christian community and mourning the loss of her father, embarks on a boat journey to meet her forty-year-old husband-to-be for the first time. This singular and poignant beginning sets the stage for the remarkable life of the young girl, who will later become known as Big Ammachi—the matriarch of the family. Her journey unfolds with unfathomable changes, encompassing moments of joy, triumph, hardship, and loss, where her unwavering faith and love remain steadfast.
“The Covenant of Water” paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era in India, weaving together the passage of time with the evocative essence of the Malabar Coast. It celebrates the advancements in medicine, illuminating the ever-evolving understanding of humanity. Additionally, it serves as a humbling testament to the sacrifices endured by previous generations, paving the way for the present. With its masterful prose, this literary masterpiece stands as a timeless ode to the complexities of life, resonating with readers as one of the most profound novels of recent years.
More ebooks, here.
