A family and a curse

Heralded by Oprah Winfrey as one of her favorite stories and named a best of the year by Barnes & Noble, The Covenant of Water (Grove Press 2023) is one of 2023’s most anticipated novels. But is the Dostoevsky-length tome worth the read?

Set in the Catholic community of Kerala in the early 1900s, the book traces the history of a family that believes they are under a curse: Every generation, someone drowns. Big Ammachi, the matriarch, watches many loved ones succumb to “the Condition” and prays for a miracle. While characters frequently quote Scripture, some seem to blend Catholicism and Eastern mysticism.

National Humanities Medal recipient Abraham Verghese wrote the book, which explores the development of medicine in rural India, and his expertise really comes through. Verghese narrates the book on Audible, and his facility with accents makes for a very enjoyable listen.

Because several passages are devoted to complex surgeries, pre-epidural childbirth, and exploratory human dissection, sensitive readers might want to pass. The author isn’t shy about describing human anatomy, even in some sex scenes. That makes for uncomfortable reading and, frankly, it distracts from the narrative. There’s also some strong language in the book, though that’s infrequent.

While many contemporary authors pen odes to politically correct ideology, Verghese seems to suggest that history is a complicated affair. Some characters balk at British colonialism, but the author does not diminish the value of resulting medical and technological advances. At times, male-oriented ­critiques are a bit heavy-handed and sound a little like Taylor Swift lyrics. “I’m ashamed for all men,” says one character after his female friend is harassed. “You should be,” she replies. “You’re all [scoundrels].” Several women make bad decisions but seem to get off scot-free because men are just a bad lot.

Despite these multiple cautions, Verghese has written a story that is quite beautiful. He describes Indian cuisine, traditions, and clothing so vividly that readers will feel transported to a world where elephants wander right up to houses like pets and a monsoon sweeps in like a welcome outdoor shower.

Packed with mystery, romance, and humor, The Covenant of Water will make readers laugh aloud, weep with mourning characters, and relish the exotic allure of a bygone India.