75 pages • 2 hours read
Abraham VergheseThe Covenant of Water
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese follows a multi-generational Indian family from 1900 to 1977, centering on Big Ammachi, a child bride turned family matriarch, as they grapple with a hereditary condition causing many of its members to drown. The novel intertwines the story of Scottish surgeon Digby Kilgore, whose life intersects with the family through various tragedies, impacting their fates. The book depicts child marriage, suicidality, drug use, and sexual assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Abraham Verghese's The Covenant of Water excels in rich, evocative storytelling akin to his previous works. Readers appreciate the intricate character development and historical depth. However, some critique its length and pacing. Overall, it’s a compelling narrative that intertwines human resilience with cultural heritage.
Who Should Read The Covenant of Water?
Readers who enjoy intricate family sagas, rich historical contexts, and evocative prose would be captivated by Abraham Verghese's The Covenant of Water. Fans of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things and Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance will appreciate Verghese's depth of character and culturally nuanced storytelling.