jill_holly 's review for:

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
5.0
emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is truly one of the most beautiful books I have read. Multi-generatiobal family epics aren't usually my go-to genre, but I'm so glad this was recommended to me!

A 12-year-old girl in Southern India leaves her family to live with her new husband in 1900. What follows is the incredible story of her family navigating the political and social changes in India over the next 70+ years as well as their inherited Condition - at least one of each generation will die by drowning. 

It's a sweeping novel exploring faith, love, medicine, and connection. While it has many tragedies, it always somehow felt joyful and full of gratitude. I was mesmerized from the first pages, especially with Big Ammachi, the matriarch we meet at 12. She is beautiful and complex and inspiring. A new entry to my favourite literary characters. 

When I finished it, I was so satisfied I actually hugged the book to my chest, just to try and soak up its last bits of beauty!

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