Prepare to be captivated by “The Covenant of Water”, a multi-generational masterpiece by renowned author Dr. Abraham Verghese. This New York Times bestseller and Oprah’s Book Club pick transports readers to a poignant tale of love, tragedy, and resilience in the heart of India.
**A Journey Back in Time to 1900, Travancore**
The story unfolds in 1900 in the serene landscapes of Travancore, South India. We meet a young girl on the cusp of her wedding day, a moment clouded by both anticipation and trepidation. Her beloved mother, a source of both comfort and veiled sorrow, confides, “The saddest day of a girl’s life is the day of her wedding. After that, God willing, it gets better.”
As the night descends, the girl’s thoughts race through the sounds of the wooden walls exhaling the day’s heat and the scuffing of a dog in the courtyard. The plaintive cries of a brainfever bird echo through the darkness, “Kezhekketha? Kezhekketha? Which way is east? Which way is east?”
**The Morning of the Wedding**
Before dawn breaks, the girl awakes to find her mother sleeping soundly. Through the window, the shimmering waters of the paddy field paint a picturesque silver backdrop. On the verandah, her father’s ornate lounging chair stands empty, a silent testament to his presence.
As the girl settles at her writing pallet, she feels her father’s ghostly impression lingering in the cane weave. Outside, four coconut trees grace the banks of the lagoon, their swaying fronds dipping gracefully into the water. In their reflection, she bids farewell to her childhood home, whispering, “Goodbye, lagoon. Goodbye, creek.”
**A Matter of Allied Concern**
The girl’s upcoming marriage has been arranged by her uncle, a man known for his oiled-tongue and a hint of deception. Despite her age of just twelve, he has found a suitor who values her lineage as a priest’s daughter. Yet, amidst the excitement, a sense of unease lingers in the girl’s heart. She questions why a man of means would seek her hand in marriage, a girl with no dowry.
Rumors have surfaced that the groom’s aunt drowned, a tragedy that has raised the brow of her mother. But her uncle dismisses it as mere gossip, declaring that this marriage is a match made in heaven.
**The Covenant of Water**
In the heart of this poignant tale, the water – the lagoon, creek, and paddy field – serves as a powerful symbol. It represents the fluidity of life, the ever-changing nature of human relationships, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
The girl’s journey through marriage, motherhood, and widowhood is mirrored in the constant flow of the water, its gentle rhythms echoing the ebb and flow of her emotions.
**About the Author: Dr. Abraham Verghese**
Dr. Abraham Verghese is a renowned physician and author whose work has captured the hearts of millions of readers. As a professor at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, he seamlessly blends his medical expertise with his literary prowess, creating narratives that illuminate the human condition with both compassion and clarity.
“The Covenant of Water” is a testament to Dr. Verghese’s exceptional storytelling abilities. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish its final pages, a testament to the enduring power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative nature of water.
Don’t miss the exclusive interview with Dr. Abraham Verghese on “LA News Center Sunday Morning” on April 21st!
Data sourced from: cbsnews.com
