The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Indian boy named Shiva who must navigate the complexities of family, culture, and religion in post-colonial India. As he grapples with his own identity and struggles to find his place in the world, Shiva learns the importance of love, loyalty, and the sacred bond of water. Verghese’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Indian culture.”

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

…::::: Summary :::::…

“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese is a novel that tells the story of a young boy named Shiva who is growing up in post-colonial India. Shiva’s parents are both deeply religious, and his mother is particularly devoted to the Hindu goddess Ganga, who is associated with the sacred river that flows through India.

As Shiva grows up, he is torn between his parents’ religious beliefs and the secular world that he encounters outside of his home. He becomes friends with a Muslim boy named Musa, and together they explore the city of Madras and the surrounding countryside.

As the years go by, Shiva becomes increasingly aware of the political and cultural divisions that are tearing India apart. He witnesses the violence and hatred that erupts between Hindus and Muslims, and he struggles to understand how people can be so blinded by their differences.

Throughout the novel, water is a recurring motif that symbolizes both life and death. Shiva and Musa share a deep connection to the water, and they both feel a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world. In the end, it is this connection to the natural world that helps Shiva find a sense of peace and belonging in a world that is increasingly fractured and divided.

Verghese’s writing is both lyrical and evocative, and he paints a vivid portrait of India in the decades following independence. “The Covenant of Water” is a powerful meditation on the forces that shape our lives and the enduring power of human connection in the face of adversity.

…::::: My Review :::::…

“The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese is a beautiful and poignant novel that left a lasting impression on me. Verghese’s writing is exquisite, and his descriptions of India and its people are both vivid and insightful.

What I loved most about this novel was the way it explores the themes of identity, culture, and belonging. Shiva, the protagonist, is a complex and multi-dimensional character, and his struggles to reconcile his religious beliefs with the secular world around him are both relatable and moving.

The relationship between Shiva and Musa is also a highlight of the novel. Their friendship is a testament to the power of human connection and the ability of people from different backgrounds to find common ground.

Overall, I would highly recommend “The Covenant of Water” to anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of Indian culture and the enduring power of human connection. Verghese is a masterful storyteller, and this novel is a true work of art.

…::::: Book information :::::…

  • Book Title: The Covenant of Water
  • Book Author(s): Abraham Verghese
  • Total Pages: 736 pages
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: Grove Press
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0802162177
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0802162175
  • Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5

…::::: View or Download / Buy This Book :::::…

Updated: May 8, 2023 — 10:57 pm