Finding Depth in Complexity: A Review of The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
From the moment I learned that Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water was chosen as Oprah’s latest book club pick, I felt compelled to dive in. Verghese, a celebrated author known for weaving intricate narratives around human experiences, has a way of bringing the heart of medicine and culture alive. However, I must admit—I’m not entirely swimming with accolades for this one. In fact, I found it to be a bit over-written for my taste. Still, the allure of exploring Kerala and its rich tapestry of history was hard to resist.
Set against the backdrop of Kerala’s stunning landscapes on India’s Malabar Coast, The Covenant of Water spans a sweeping 77 years, chronicling the life of Big Ammachi and her family. Through this lens, Verghese delves into complex themes of love, loss, and the haunting legacy of drownings that plague the community, embedding a sense of generational fear within the narrative. The tragic death of young JoJo early in the story sets the stage for what characterizes "The Condition"—a seemingly cyclical doom that intertwines with the characters’ lives.
Despite the educational richness of the novel—rooted deeply in Kerala’s culture, societal structures, and religious influences—I found myself wrestling with Verghese’s dense prose. While I appreciated the depth of detail surrounding everything from the caste system to medical practices, the sheer volume of information often overshadowed the narrative flow. I found myself re-reading passages and losing track of the plot, which sometimes felt secondary to the elaborate descriptions and historical digressions. It became a laborious effort to plow through the scholarly prose, and I frequently wished for a glossary to help untangle the many unfamiliar terms that dotted the text.
Yet, Verghese is an undeniable craftsman with words. I encountered moments of beauty amidst the complexity, such as when characters show tenderness or vulnerability in their relationships. One passage I particularly enjoyed captures an intimate moment between a couple, reflecting the quiet foundations of love: “He expresses his affection indirectly in those acts of caring…” This heartfelt tone stands out in a sea of medical jargon and historical exposition.
Even with my frustrations regarding pacing and characterization—where I found key characters somewhat underdeveloped—the backdrop of Kerala offered a fascinating landscape for exploration. It’s a place described as “God’s Country,” rich in flora and fauna. From elephants to coconut trees, my appreciation for this paradise only deepened as I encountered the vibrancy of its cultural practices and culinary delights.
In the end, I can’t shake the feeling of disappointment mingled with admiration. While I learned a significant amount—from the trials of Kerala’s drowning epidemic to the intricacies of its caste system—the journey felt more arduous than it needed to be. I found myself caring less about the narrative and more about the educational experience, which ultimately took away from what could have been a more emotionally engaging story.
For readers intrigued by historical narratives rich in cultural context, The Covenant of Water may still resonate. However, if you’re seeking a light and breezy read, this might not be the best fit. Personally, I felt a mixture of weariness and satisfaction; I struggled through pages, yet emerged with newfound insights into a fascinating region. Verghese’s ability to educate is commendable, but I wished for a balance that favored story over exposition.
In reflecting on this experience, I’d rate The Covenant of Water three stars—a valuable contribution to literature, albeit challenging. For those drawn to Verghese’s previous works like Cutting for Stone, they might find this journey worthwhile, but be prepared to put in the effort to wade through the depths of its narrative complexities.