OH MY GOSH. Do I feel happy for me that I got to read this book with an advance readers copy or do I feel sad for me that you have this whole, wonderful, big book ahead of you waiting to be read? So first, worth the wait. I LOVED "Cutting for Stone" and would read anything this author writes. This novel does not disappoint -- set in India, it tells the multigenerational story of a family with a strange medical affliction that everyone knows, but does not understand and is unable to prevent. Many times, this story broke my heart and many times, it warmed my heart with depictions of the families we create, the power of art to heal and bonds between parent and child. It has powerful depictions of grief, addiction, political activism/extremism and the power of medicine to heal the body and the spirit. I am so grateful for this big beefy read and only hope there is another novel in the works from Verghase. I am a serious fangirl That said, i was a little disappointed by the ending, which felt a little too full circle and also a little unsatisfying. But that may be a hallmark of an excellent novel, which this is. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

THE COVENANT OF WATER
BY: ABRAHAM VERGHESE

To say that this 736 page new novel by Abraham Verghese is epic in scope and fantastic storytelling is an understatement. His last well known novel that is also beloved by many readers including me was called, "Cutting for Stone," and it was published on February 3, 2009. It has been a long wait for us fans of his stellar "Cutting for Stone," that took place in Africa about two twins and so much more was ambitious at 560 pages, and beautifully written. His newest literary fiction novel that I also loved every bit as much, if not more is called, "The Covenant of Water." This newest offering by a practicing Doctor who also teaches is Brilliant, also. The writing is beautiful, and this very accomplished Author/Doctor/Teacher attended the IOWA Writer's Workshop, where Abraham Verghese earned his MFA. I have loved the work of all the Authors who attend IOWA Writers Workshop, and I have never been more impressed with the quality of writing of their graduates.

This one is huge and is densely packed with short chapters spanning the year 1900-1977. It begins with a young girl of twelve years old that has a marriage arranged for her to a forty year old widower. He has a young son by his deceased wife named JoJo. This wedding takes place at the very beginning of this novel. The young twelve year old girl is sad to be leaving her mother and she is told that her mother and grandmother got married at age nine. This gorgeous sweeping novel takes place in Southern India. She will go on to become the matriarch of the family who she finds out has a secret called, "the Condition." The condition involves someone from each generation drowning or dying.

Little Molay will become very attached to JoJo and they will both sleep on each side of her groom's sister. JoJo is only two years old and she will get attached to him as I was. At the time she travels by boat one half day to be met at the church. Christianity plays a role as does diseases and medicine. This twelve year old girl is leaving a two acre home for a 500 acre home. Her deceased father was a Priest and she will continue to believe in God and have a strong faith. I learned so much about the different Caste systems in India. The bride comes from the highest Caste and her mother tells her that the marriage broker has made her a good match, and that the saddest day of her life will be her wedding day, but this young twelve year old thinks her saddest day was when her father died.

This twelve year old will have JoJo, a daughter who remains a child who can intuitively predict bad things as well as good. Her daughter is a happy one. A tragedy takes place. Well, to be precise there will be multiple tragedies. The bride will be called Big Ammachi and she will have a son who she hopes will be a doctor, but instead he will make his art as a writer. He will pick his own bride and a tragedy or two will happen to her son. Big Ammachi--the matriarch will have a granddaughter that will be named after her who will become a neurosurgeon. Big Ammachi's household is a loving environment, and Big Ammachi will be a kind mentor to her granddaughter, all three children and a big extended family.

I really loved this so much and I loved the characters. Brilliant and stunning character development, and a stunning plot and so much humanity is imbued within this historical, and literary novel. It is a commitment to read a novel of this length. But I was fully absorbed while reading it and the depth and humanity that went into crafting this is masterful. I will be thinking about this forever as each person introduced is fully fleshed out. If you are in the mood for reality and substance, then this should leave you feeling like you have read a masterpiece. As "Cutting for Stone," was on the bestsellers list for two years, I predict that this one to be just as successful, if not more. I'm afraid my review doesn't do this justice. It deserves to win many awards and I can see this being a Pulitzer Prize winner. Abraham Verghese is one of the finest writers that I have come across in a long, long time. Unforgettable, Haunting, Poignant and Intimate! A Lifetime Favorite!

Publication Date: May 2, 2023

Thank you to Net Galley, Abraham Verghese and Grove Atlantic-Grove Press for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheCovenantofWater #AbrahamVerghese #GroveAtlanticGrovePress #NetGalley

I have not fallen so deeply in love with a novel in a very long time. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me; I’ve admired and loved all of Verghese’s previous books. At over 700 pages, across eight decades and three generations, The Covenant of Water weaves history and medicine into an enormously powerful story of human connection and frailty, of secrets and triumphs. Set in Kerala in South India, Big Ammachi and her extended family suffer from a peculiar malady involving an aversion to water, a medical mystery that ties together much of the narrative. Verghese adds to the mix an exploration of love, caste, and poverty, of farming and art, of faith and activism. This is a novel to read and reread, to think about and ponder, to keep close.

I adored Cutting for Stone, and was wondering how this one would be. I loved this book. Original storytelling and beautiful writing throughout.

What an amazing fantastic heart-wrenching book. A masterpiece. Dr. Verghese has written several books, but I believe this one might be his best yet! This book is an exceptional piece of literature, one that will be not-only a best-seller, but a best book of the year - guaranteed. Wonderful, captivating writing and original plot gives this novel the depth and ability to pull in any reader. I highly recommend this author and all of his other books, especially 'Cutting for Stone'. Everything have read from Dr. Verghese has been nothing less than fantastic. I can't wait to own this novel in print. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the publisher for granting me the honor of reviewing this book. It was one that will stay with me for a long time.