There was a lot of buzz about Abraham Verghese’s new book The Covenant of Water, his first novel since Cutting For Stone (2009), but I was daunted by its hefty size—more than 700 pages. Finally, one cold, gray day, I cracked the book open… and could not put it down!
The landscape is rich–and hot–a welcome break from winter in New England. The characters are complex and interesting. The story is surprising, with unexpected (and not always welcome) twists. In short, this long novel is both engaging and challenging.
Set on the Malabar Coast in India, we learn about three generations of a Christian family and the communities that surround them. We puzzle over a peculiar aversion to water that afflicts some of them. We sit bedside in heartbreaking situations and rejoice at small epiphanies and advances. We miss the elephant when he goes away on business...
Often, my critique of a good novel is that it would have been improved had an editor been more ruthless. When considering the length of The Covenant of Water, I am not sure that it could have been cut much without comprising the story.
I don't belong to a formal book group at the moment because I resist required reading; my to-be-read pile is stacked high and growing steadily. But I do like to discuss what I am reading and look forward to the Norman Williams Public Library's “One-off” Book Discussion on Verghese’s novel, Tuesday, February 6 at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome to join in person or via zoom. Please email [email protected] for the link or with questions.
Liza Bernard is a voracious reader who enjoys both printed volumes and audiobooks. Formerly co-owner of the Norwich Bookstore, she maintains her connections with readers and writers as the Programming and Marketing Librarian at the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock, Vermont.