The Covenant of Water

By: Abraham Verghese

Narrated by: Abraham Verghese

OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK • INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • SUBJECT OF A SIX-PART SUPER SOUL PODCAST SERIES HOSTED BY OPRAH WINFREY

From the New York Times-bestselling author of Cutting for Stone comes a stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret

“One of the best books I’ve read in my entire life. It’s epic. It’s transportive . . . It was unputdownable!”—Oprah Winfrey, OprahDaily.com

The Covenant of Water is the long-awaited new novel by Abraham Verghese, the author of the major word-of-mouth bestseller Cutting for Stone, which has sold over 1.5 million copies in the United States alone and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over two years.

Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on South India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala’s long-existing Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl—and future matriarch, known as Big Ammachi—will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants.

A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself, The Covenant of Water is a hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding, and a humbling testament to the difficulties undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. It is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years.

©2022 Abraham Verghese (P)2022 Recorded Books

Wow. Just wow.

I don’t think I’ve ever bothered to review an audible novel. But, this novel was amazing. It’s like an Indian version of Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo Trilogy for which Mahfouz won the Nobel Prize for Literature (Palace Walk). Verghese should be similarly honored. Hand to God, if I could choose one person to take to dinner to pick their brain- it would be Dr. Verghese. I’m in awe of his intelligence and his talent. It’s ironic that after immersing oneself in his descriptive prose, we mere mortals are rendered illiterate. Hence, all I can say is wow. Just wow.

AMAZING!

When 31 hours isn't a long enough story. I loved Cutting For Stone and if possible, this was even more incredible. While it spans many years and generations, it moves quickly. I fell in love with each character, flaws and all. There is very little that is predictable in this story and it may feel there are loose threads, but it all comes together in the end. I am shocked that Audible couldn't muster up a better summary of this in depth, complex story, than 2 simple lines. I heard about it on an NPR feature and had to have it.

It has been many many years since I have come across a book that has brought me to actual tears…

It has been many many years since I have come across a book that has brought me to actual tears. I just completed the very lengthy audible version of “The Covenant Of Water” by Abraham Verghese. At the close of which I had silent tears streaming down my cheeks both from the story itself and for the loss I feel coming to a close. It stands so far above any other book that I find it hard to even give a review. This is a generational experience and a window into the lives and world of so many. The fact that these are characters and not living breathing people is merely a passing thought - in fact they live and breathe within me now. This book burrows deep within my soul lingering in a place that no other book has even come close to reaching. It is a commitment in time, to say the least - but well worth the hours invested!
Wow! Wow! Wow!!

Can't quit thinking about it

I can't remember a book that has engulfed me like The Covenant of Water. I have become consumed with recommending it to anyone who will listen. I was driving while listening to the end and started sobbing so much that I had to pull over! The way the author interlocked all of the characters was genius. His narration is very soothing. No one else could've narrated.

Wish I could give 10 stars

This is another beautiful book by Abraham Verghese. it is a long story- but I could have listened for another 20 hours to Dr. Verghese read in his perfect, lyrical voice his lovely, heart wrenching story. Sometimes I am not thrilled by an author reading their own story- but this is a definite exception to that thought. This is not a book, in my opinion, that can be “half listened” to. I had to pay close attention as it involves many characters over several generations. I really loved this story and its wonderful characters.

Didn't want it to end

I love books that take me to another time, another place, filled with fascinating characters and a rich narrative. This book did just that. Despite its length, I was so engaged in the story that I never wanted it to end. Verghese populates the story with a multi-generational cast of characters and follows several different medical afflictions with fascinating details. The place, Kerala, is beautifully described. The main characters are compelling, each in his or her own right. I've now read all of Verghese's four books, two non-fiction books (excellent), and his two novels, Cutting for Stone, and Covenant of Water. I am amazed by the medical details he can seemingly effortlessly carry in his head, and the breadth of his knowledge. He's an inspiring writer. As a narrator, initially I was skeptical, as his diction can sometimes be a little less than crisp, but I got over that quickly, as his nuanced understanding of the characters shines through and overshadows any other little quibbles I might have had.

An exceptional story-like no other

Engrossing from start to finish; I would listen again. I read the book while listening at increased speed (1.2) and that helped me to deepen my understanding the many complicated layers of this book. Abraham V created a unique tone for each of his many characters and his narration is to be savored!
I learned so much from reading/listening. Each character is so beautiful, they’re never to be forgotten. I miss them all!!!

Highly recommend

At first I didn’t like the narration but it grew on me. The story is engrossing and the writing is wonderful. I’m sorry it ended

A masterpiece.

This book is a treasure beyond words. I have loved every word and hate to leave it. Thank you Doctor Verghese. I can only hope you will somehow find another book in your heart.
I will now listen to Cutting ForStone which I read years ago.
BRAVO !!!

I almost gave up

Halfway through this book I looked myself in the mirror one morning and said out loud - you know guy, you don't need to finish this book, you can quit it. The opening is slow, SO slow. And the narrator speaks slowly in various accents. The end of the book was a really nice surprise, worth slogging through the first half in retrospect. I recommend speeding up the narration, but stay with it.