By Book Club Team 
The Covenant of Water is an excellent choice for a book club reading list, especially if your group loves stories that have deep emotional depth and a lot to unpack. Multigenerational in scope, this family drama has discussion points galore: a hereditary mystery, personal struggles, triumphs, and richly crafted characters. It’s one of those stories that lingers in your head afterward and initiates meaningful conversations.
Other reasons it’s perfect for a group setting are the themes in the book. Love, faith, grief, colonialism, cultural identity, and even the intersection of medicine and spirituality are all sewn into the narrative. Each member of your club is bound to find a theme or character arc that resonates with them, making for a wide range of perspectives during your discussion.
Set amidst the lush landscapes of Kerala, this book throws its readers into a unique cultural and historical environment. The beautiful descriptions and the atmosphere make you feel as though you are stepping into another world, which can be great to explore with your group. While the size of the book may be more than a little daunting-over 700 pages, after all.-it is also a lot to go through. Your group could read it in sections over the course of a few meetings if they prefer.
Ultimately, this is a heart-wrenching story, and one which makes you change your mind. You could also add some fun and plan snacks or drinks around the state of Kerala to enhance the setting of your meeting!
20 The Covenant of Water Book Club Questions
Here’s a list of 20 book club questions for The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, along with possible answers to spark discussion. These are designed to get your group thinking, debating, and connecting with the book.
- What did you think of the opening chapters and the introduction of Big Ammachi as a young bride? Answer: It set the tone beautifully, showing her strength and resilience. Her journey from a young bride to the matriarch of the family is inspiring.
- How does the family’s “Condition” drive the narrative? Answer: It’s a mysterious thread that ties generations together and creates a sense of shared fate. It also raises questions about destiny and science.
- How does the setting of Kerala shape the story? Answer: The lush landscapes, water imagery, and cultural backdrop are deeply intertwined with the plot and give the story its rich, immersive atmosphere.
- Did you find the novel’s exploration of faith and spirituality compelling? Answer: Yes, it explores how faith sustains the characters, even as they face unimaginable loss. It’s a nuanced portrayal of belief.
- What role does water play in the novel, both literally and metaphorically? Answer: Water represents life, death, and the flow of time. It’s a constant force that connects generations and underscores the family’s struggles.
- Which character did you connect with the most, and why? Answer: Big Ammachi is a favorite for many readers because of her resilience and compassion, but each character brings something unique.
- How does the novel address the themes of love and loss? Answer: Love is portrayed as enduring, even in the face of loss. The characters’ relationships evolve and deepen through their struggles.
- How does the historical context, including colonialism and independence, influence the story? Answer: It’s subtly woven in, shaping the characters’ experiences and highlighting the changes in Kerala over the decades.
- What did you think of Verghese’s writing style? Answer: Many find it lyrical and deeply emotional, drawing readers into the characters’ lives and the setting.
- How does the novel handle the intersection of medicine and humanity? Answer: Verghese, being a physician, brings authenticity to these scenes, showing how science can both heal and divide.
- What role does Big Ammachi play in holding the family together? Answer: She’s the glue of the family, offering wisdom and support even during the darkest times.
- How does the story portray generational trauma and healing? Answer: The “Condition” is a metaphor for this, showing how struggles are inherited but can also lead to resilience.
- What do you think the title, The Covenant of Water, signifies? Answer: It could represent the family’s bond, their shared struggles, and the ever-present role of water in their lives.
- How did you feel about the ending? Was it satisfying? Answer: Many readers find it bittersweet but fitting, tying together the themes of love, sacrifice, and legacy.
- Did the book make you think differently about family dynamics? Answer: It highlights the complexities of family, including duty, love, and the weight of shared history.
- How do the women in the novel shape its narrative? Answer: The women are the heart of the story, often showing the most strength and resilience in the face of challenges.
- What role does forgiveness play in the novel? Answer: Forgiveness is crucial, helping the characters move forward and break cycles of pain.
- How does the novel explore the idea of legacy? Answer: It shows how the family’s choices and struggles ripple through generations, shaping their future.
- Did you notice any parallels between characters in different generations? Answer: Yes, traits like resilience, compassion, and curiosity seem to echo across the family tree.
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not? Answer: Most would recommend it for its beautiful prose, emotional depth, and rich storytelling.
The Covenant of Water: Discussion Topics
Expanding on these topics offers rich, layered conversations for your book club. With such a multifaceted novel, your group is sure to uncover unique insights and connections!
The Role of Water in the Novel
Water is more than a recurring motif—it’s a character in its own right. From the family’s mysterious hereditary condition tied to drowning, to the life-giving rivers and monsoons of Kerala, water is ever-present. Discuss the symbolic meanings of water in the novel. Does it represent life, death, or perhaps something more complex, like continuity or fate? How does water shape the family’s identity and their experiences? Consider how the title, The Covenant of Water, ties into the broader themes of the book. What promises or agreements do you think the water embodies, and how do the characters fulfill or struggle against them?
Big Ammachi’s Journey
Big Ammachi is the heart of the novel, and her character arc is one of strength, love, and quiet power. Reflect on her transformation from a young girl thrust into marriage to a resilient matriarch. How does her journey reflect the challenges faced by women of her time and culture? What qualities make her such a compelling figure? Consider her role as the glue that holds the family together, even as they face tragedy after tragedy. How does her faith, wisdom, and compassion influence not only her children but also the legacy of her family?
The Interplay of Science and Faith
The novel masterfully weaves together themes of science and spirituality, particularly through the family’s hereditary condition. How do the characters grapple with this mysterious ailment? How does medicine, portrayed through the lens of Verghese’s expertise, act as both a solution and a source of tension? Discuss moments where faith or spirituality provide solace or answers in ways science cannot. How does the novel invite readers to think about the coexistence of these two seemingly opposing forces, and what message does it ultimately convey about the human condition?
Love and Loss Across Generations
One of the most poignant aspects of the novel is how love and loss are experienced across different generations. From romantic love to the bonds of family and friendship, the story is rich with relationships that endure despite immense challenges. How do the characters navigate grief and find ways to carry on? Discuss the ways love is shown as a sustaining force, even in the darkest moments. How do acts of love ripple through generations, shaping the family’s future? What do these stories teach us about resilience, healing, and the enduring power of connection?
The Impact of Setting and Historical Context
Kerala, with its lush landscapes, waterways, and unique cultural backdrop, plays a significant role in the story. How does Verghese bring the setting to life, and how does it shape the characters’ lives and choices? The historical context—spanning colonialism, India’s independence, and the shifting social norms of the 20th century—provides a rich tapestry against which the family’s story unfolds. What did you learn about Kerala’s history and culture from the book? How do the changing times affect the family, particularly in terms of gender roles, class, and tradition?
How to make Your The Covenant of Water Book Club more Interactive?
Making your The Covenant of Water book club more interactive can elevate the experience, deepening engagement and sparking meaningful conversations. Here are some sophisticated ideas to create a memorable discussion:
Thematic Immersion with Cultural Elements
- Host in a Kerala-Inspired Setting: Decorate with elements like tropical greenery, candles, or lamps to mimic the lush, serene environment described in the book. Incorporate sounds of water or soft Carnatic music in the background.
- Serve Authentic Cuisine: Prepare or order Kerala dishes like appam, fish curry, or banana chips, and pair them with refreshing coconut water or spiced tea. Share brief cultural insights about the food and its significance in Kerala.
Visual Storytelling
- Photo and Map Exploration: Print or display maps of Kerala, highlighting key locations mentioned in the book. Show images of the Kerala backwaters, traditional boats, or historic architecture to provide context for the setting.
- Character Collage: Create a visual representation of the family tree, helping members connect the characters and their relationships more easily.
Multi-Sensory Experiences
- Symbolic Art Project: Have members paint or sketch something inspired by the story, such as water, a boat, or an emotion tied to a specific scene. Discuss how the art reflects their interpretation.
- Water Ritual: Begin the meeting with a symbolic water ritual. For example, pour water into a shared bowl to represent the connections and challenges within the family, then reflect on its significance.
Interactive Discussions and Activities
- Quote Reflections: Share impactful quotes from the book and ask members to reflect on how they relate to their own lives or the story’s themes.
- Generational Trauma Discussion: Create small groups to explore the theme of generational trauma and resilience, then reconvene to share insights.
- Debate Questions: Pose thought-provoking questions like “Was Big Ammachi justified in her decisions?” or “Does water symbolize fate or freedom in the story?” Divide the group for a formal debate.
Historical and Cultural Deep Dives
- Guest Speaker: Invite an expert in Indian history or culture to provide context about Kerala during the time periods covered in the book.
- Research Presentations: Assign members to research and present topics like Kerala’s backwaters, colonialism, or traditional family dynamics, tying them to the novel’s themes.
Technology Integration
- Virtual Kerala Tour: Use online resources or videos to take a virtual tour of Kerala, focusing on locations that evoke the novel’s atmosphere.
- Interactive Tools: Use apps like Mentimeter or Slido for live polls, quizzes, or word clouds to collect everyone’s thoughts on characters, themes, or favorite moments.
By blending cultural immersion, creative activities, and thoughtful discussions, your book club can create a truly interactive and enriching experience that does justice to The Covenant of Water’s depth and beauty.