The Covenant of Water

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I must confess I haven’t read many Indian authors, but I think I have been missing out.

Why should I be surprised that Indian authors can write so well? Growing up, I was always fascinated by the essays published in The Hindu. Indians are such natural storytellers—we are introduced to stories almost from the cradle. All the mythological stories, the folktales, and the numerous texts we had to read and learn in middle and high school. Storytelling was simply part of growing up for most of us. This book has definitely motivated me to read more Indian authors.

The Covenant of Water is a story of three generations, and it is beautifully written. A person’s life goes on, punctuated by births, deaths, experiences, joys, and sorrows—just like water that keeps flowing. It is always moving, and as it flows, you experience all of it and are affected by it all. But standing still is not an option; one has to carry on.

It was very intimate and beautiful. A wonderful story, and I learnt so much about Kerala, Malayalee Christians, and their ways and practices.

It was clearly well researched, and though I am not in the medical field myself, a lot of it sounded very plausible.

Will definitely recommend this book.

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