The Covenant of Water

Written by Abraham Verghese

Narrated by Abraham Verghese

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

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 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 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, 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 humanunderstanding, and a humbling testament to the hardships undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. Imbued with
humor, deep emotion, and the essence of life, it is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781705070246

Abraham Verghese

A practicing physician and a professor of medicine at Stanford University, Abraham Verghese is the author of My Own Country and Cutting for Stone. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Granta, and other publications. He lives in Palo Alto, California.

Reviews for The Covenant of Water

[Val Menzies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an education for me on the cast system of India, the cruel imperialism of the British and the horrible reality of leprosy. In this beautifully told story , we see the commonality of the human condition . We all love, mourn, fear, suffer emotional and physical pain, make mistakes, and even hate. This book has it all .

[Farai Mutusva · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'll remember this for a very long time! Captivating.
The stories of each character are engaging and very funny. Laughed out loud alone in the car multiple times. Highly recommend the book.

[TCHillis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Listening to the author narrate this monumental book was very impactful. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Vilasini N · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The amount of painstaking detail on every topic shows the amount of hard work put in by this writer
I enjoyed every bit of if

[monica meade · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it. The use of language and the story line kept me interested. I did not want it to end!

[Wendi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing, so much detail and beauty. I loved this book.

[Therese Doyle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was one of the most delicious books that I have ever read.. and listened to. Do not miss the audio version either… the author’s voice brings the characters to life. Absolutely loved it! Highly recommend.

[Addison Martin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Highly recommend! Brilliant story telling! Culture, history, medicine! Will not disappoint!

[Leslie Cohen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The knowledge and research that went into writing this book is impressive. That, combined with a very interesting story, mades this book exciting and absorbing from beginning to end.

[Michelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I feel inspired by the author and his story.

[Tiffany Wade · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don’t think I can say enough good thing about this audiobook. The characters are well fleshed out. You can root for and admonish them all within chapters. The ending is so well done. Plus this authors voice is just lovely. LISTEN! You will not be disappointed.

[Karen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing saga of three generations, meandering interconnections, outstanding writing.
My only issue is there are many subplots & descriptions which were not needed, especially those with precise details of medical procedures . I’m queasy with a lot of this kind of narrative. If surgery, disease, blood and gore aren’t your thing, it might be better to read the actual book so you can more easily skip those parts, and there are many… urg.

[Timothy Blair · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Riveting listening from start to the last drop…a very inspiring …historical…spiritual…educational trans continental journey…very captivating and engaging…has to be taken in bite sizes…and enjoyed in a reflective mode…one of the best easy listening I’ve ever experienced…highly recommended

[Leandri Harmse · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A book I will listen to again and again. Was an experience and an encounter.

[Brook Lemley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read… ever!!

[gregory schmidt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite writers did not disappoint, I loved it!!

[andrew · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartbreaking and beautiful this book is a true work of art.

[Janice Chaff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An absolute favourite! A detailed masterpiece! I thoroughly enjoyed the narration by the author.

[Gladys Ongayo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best book I’ve read. I’ve loved every bit of it

[Chambers Stevens · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A real Masterpiece! Beautifully read. This is a must read!

[Anthea-Ann Mills · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Quite easily one of the best books I have ever read. An endlessly human, poignant and sad story, absolutely beautifully written,loved it!

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Glorious book I could not put down. I am grateful to you, Dr. Verghese - I didn't think anything could be better than Cutting for Stone. I am recommending to all the readers in my life!

[Mary Murphy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful, thought provoking engaging tale that holds one’s interest easily over its 700+ pages

[robipowmac · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This saga was so immersive. The author was adept at conveying what it was like to be in places I have never experienced and of which I had little knowledge. Listening to the audiobook on Scribd prompted me to purchase the book.

[amoswilliam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very emotional and the descriptions of the traditions and people provided a vivid narrative. I felt that I was there living their lives.

[Amy Webster · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved the Southern Indian setting. The story had a lot of details and people, but somehow they all came together at the end. The audio is well done. I enjoy the author reading the story. This book is a commitment though at 30 + hrs.

[Victoria Mathis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I did not finnish this book even though Scribes wants a review already.

[Lenore Sullivan Trammell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was amazing! Such a beautiful story and so beautifully written. I never wanted it to end.

[Moni Abraham Kuriakose · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of most mesmerizing novel I’ve ever listened. Abraham varghese at its best- pure poetry in 87 chapters.

[Dave Slabe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Engrossing story and excellent narration by the author. Much too long though. I had to take a break every few days and listen to something else.