One of my favorite contemporary writers. Abraham Verghese.
Covenant of Water makes me homesick for Kerala. Stunning novel. An unforgettable experience... this reading. This beautiful novel is nothing like what I've read before. Covenant of Water makes you weep, pray and smile. We will never forget this world and these beautiful, kind and loving characters. Big Ammachi, Philipose, Digby... I am also from the Kerala Syrian Christian community. This is my ancestry, my inheritance. I've loved books since I was a child. I've never seen my world--its landscape, history, people and faith--so vividly realized in a novel. This is Abraham Verghese's offering to literature. This seminal beautiful offering is among all the other work he does as an eminent Stanford physician. Thank you. Dr. Abraham Varghese is an inspiration. He has now carved a path for so many us. It is a gift to see ourselves represented in English literature. He has marked a path that we can follow because it is now there. Unquestionably there. I am left wanting to walk the path to Big Ammachi's house in Parambil. It is there now for all of us. Thank you Oprah Winfrey for the part you played in bringing this novel to so many. Your book club pick and 6 part podcast is a gift to all of us. You have given this novel the attention it deserves.
This book deserves this conversation. I Love delving deeper into the minds and hearts of the characters as well as hearing the author’s thoughts and intentions.
Thanks for capturing and sharing these conversations. So rich and meaningful. I am in awe of Abraham Verghese’s writing, along with his hard work and dedication to being a physician.
Abraham puts life to common events that allows me to experience them- i love hearing the background of where the stories come from. Thank you Oprah for recommending this book!
Dr AV: "...I'm not writing something that's not happened somewhere today. This beautiful beautiful world we live in has its other side, its underbelly. Most people don't see that. But in a big, busy general hospital, there are sights that you leave work and you feel that you have nothing in common with anybody you see because until they've seen that sight, there's just nothing you can relate to them." Amen, thank you Dr Abraham Verghese.
I felt exactly the same watching Oprah giggle like a little girl...can almost be mistaken for a small crush for the author. Its Beautiful to watch her come alive in the interviews.
“ Joy and woe are woven fine. “ Why does anyone drown⁉️ Quite simple : where there is water, people will drown. I simply do not understand the lack of understanding that there is death and horrors in life and life and victories in death. What I see in this man is acceptance of and compassion for the human condition. For those, I am most grateful. Lovely that he also teaches the history and practice of medicine to future physicians. Any increase in help and compassion for suffering people is a step toward the world peace we all deeply desire. I look forward to experiencing this book.
I just completed this novel, and now I’m watching this podcast, cause I want more!❤❤I just went to the dictionary. This novel is Epic!! I did great interpreting the language.
Page 62 is my favorite. Reunion with her mother, who has been treated without love or compassion by her uncle, is the great scene for me; and that her taciturn husband has not spoken, but has connected deeply with her, and goes to bring her mother to her. And now, new life begins to grow in her, as we learn with joy that she is pregnant! And he tells it with the darkening of the skin over her nose and cheeks, in the masque of pregnancy! Joyful, tender, so sweetly told! THANK YOU!
Thank you both so.much for this podcast. I felt so alone with my grief about Jojo ; and so alone with my horror regarding Celeste as my husband and friends haven't read that far into the book as yet. Thank you for discussing those events and sharing those feelings with me. The connection I feel now is soothing to this broken heart. WHEW!! So looking forward to next week's podcast. 😢❤Namaste'
Abraham we are not only destined or shaped by geography but cultured . I am moved by that journey .You took us gently to that society which we cherish Being from Sudan you reminded me of our great Sudanese writer EL-Tayeb Salih
I took a leap of faith & am in Kochi, Kerala now .. Thank you Dr Varghese .. Thank you Oprah .. I feel the characters weaving a tapestry in my heart as i watch the glistening water Such complete beauty ! .. my heart is full
I am mesmerized by this book, it took me back to time when I read God of small things, my fav book & the style of writing & story around similar community. Thank u for your amazing work. ❤
A kind and charming gentle Man. I met him as a host, an ordinary bookseller at Books, Inc in San Francisco. Best job I’ve ever had and I’ve been senior staff in NPO. Nothing like putting a sought after book in a hand. Anyway, Read Cutting for Stone first! You won’t regret it.
You are magnificent. Thanks to Oprah, your book, maybe? is now a phenom. I was so taken by your comment that being on the podcast with Oprah ranked up with the birth of your child? ?????? 😔😔😔 You are, your life, you've helped so many people; you've done incredible work and your soul speaks to those of us who only wish we could have a physician like you...Oprah? is another human being. Please step into your own. You are much more "powerful" than your interviewer.
Want to watch more of OWN's shows? The network is available via most cable providers, the Watch OWN app, Discovery+, and other major streaming services. Click here to learn more on where to find OWN: www.oprah.com/sp/watch-own.html
The fiery death of Celeste. It caused me to put the book down for a good long time. I was blindsided and felt...betrayed! Of course I recovered but I needed to walk away first!
There is a very large element of Hinduism and its influence in this book. I studied Indian history at UCLA many moons ago under the preceptorship of the late Stanley Wolpert. For me, the issue of T'AT VAM ASI or THOU ART THAT WHICH I AM is an undercurrent of the waters of life. Although as humans we live in the world of Maya - or illusion - at the base of our construction is the basis of life....or thou art that which I am. Release, or Moska, into the oneness of Brachman, is the hope of all castes in India....of everyone. I am aware that we are talking about the generational effects of a Christian family in Kerala, which also brought me to the study of Jewish families in Kerala. That said, the cultural diffusion of Hinduism is prevalent in all that I can see. I am wondering if that is what I am getting out of this book and not your conscious intent, or if I am correct at the many LAYERS of the different plot arcs that result in the truth of T'at Van Asi or thou art that which I am? Adria Folb Schumann (Mrs.)
Great podcast! It's wonderful to see so many viewers showing interest in the region. Just wanted to provide some feedback regarding the video: the music in the initial part doesn't seem reflective of the kerala region. It might be worth considering a more fitting soundtrack. Keep up the good work!
These are lovely conversations about a beautifully written book. But a word of caution: Do not listen to even thus episode if you haven't finished the book!! Even though she says "We will be discussing Parts 1 & 2," they jump all over and spoil things at the end!! I'm on Part 8 & very unhappy with the misleading intro...Will have to come back when I've finished the whole book.
This man is of a profound example that is being missed by Oprah or is definitely not being recognized by Oprah. It is even more scary that he himself may not understand the diverse impacts of Krishnianity independent of the conservativness that is present in heterosexual open intimacy. I am learning from the experience he has had from the traditional spiritual cultural hummings in church and the Saint Thomasism of Kirshna Culture of Church doctrine guiding moral conduct. The Doubting Thomas is a representative of a Twin but not because it is in Doub-ting. But because the apostle represents to To & Mor of the North African and Southern African unity in Mizraim cobtextulailzed historiography. The proselytizations were not what you would expect ToNoon. This was a desperate attempt to increase monotheism which has failed in that half and the other half as well. The Bible is a historical account but it is affected by intentional miscommunication and group miseducation as a fact experienced with simply The word Crusade; Cross, Sade is movement. D.N.U.N. 1212 Non Coincidental Non Autonomous to me in predetermination or request or attention. Just so happens to be even my former number 666. Pay Attention. Tell the Leaders save the world and have a plan. Nuclear containment reduction and geological fallout. It is possible. Nations work with Nations. To do other is stupidness. Forget tech.
What are you talking about⁉️ Please make it plain. The reader shouldn’t have to guess at what you mean. Btw: I have heard in Muslim circles that Jesus was taken down and spirited away to India. That he did not “ die” as it were. Just make your extraordinary claims plain for a better understanding, please. Two questions : Firstly, what makes you think we were any less violent as indigenous polytheists than we are in these times as diverse monotheists? Secondly, define technology. A hammer is technology.
Watch The Covenant of Water Podcast - Episode 1 Now: ua-cam.com/video/9JESD6vnvcs/v-deo.html
One of my favorite contemporary writers. Abraham Verghese.
Covenant of Water makes me homesick for Kerala. Stunning novel. An unforgettable experience... this reading. This beautiful novel is nothing like what I've read before. Covenant of Water makes you weep, pray and smile. We will never forget this world and these beautiful, kind and loving characters. Big Ammachi, Philipose, Digby...
I am also from the Kerala Syrian Christian community. This is my ancestry, my inheritance. I've loved books since I was a child. I've never seen my world--its landscape, history, people and faith--so vividly realized in a novel.
This is Abraham Verghese's offering to literature. This seminal beautiful offering is among all the other work he does as an eminent Stanford physician. Thank you.
Dr. Abraham Varghese is an inspiration. He has now carved a path for so many us. It is a gift to see ourselves represented in English literature. He has marked a path that we can follow because it is now there. Unquestionably there. I am left wanting to walk the path to Big Ammachi's house in Parambil. It is there now for all of us.
Thank you Oprah Winfrey for the part you played in bringing this novel to so many. Your book club pick and 6 part podcast is a gift to all of us. You have given this novel the attention it deserves.
Verghese deserves the Nobel Prize for Literature and a Pulitzer as well...phenomenal book!!
This book deserves this conversation. I Love delving deeper into the minds and hearts of the characters as well as hearing the author’s thoughts and intentions.
Thanks for capturing and sharing these conversations. So rich and meaningful. I am in awe of Abraham Verghese’s writing, along with his hard work and dedication to being a physician.
Abraham. Compassionate wisdom in human form. thank you.
Abraham puts life to common events that allows me to experience them- i love hearing the background of where the stories come from. Thank you Oprah for recommending this book!
Dr AV: "...I'm not writing something that's not happened somewhere today. This beautiful beautiful world we live in has its other side, its underbelly. Most people don't see that. But in a big, busy general hospital, there are sights that you leave work and you feel that you have nothing in common with anybody you see because until they've seen that sight, there's just nothing you can relate to them." Amen, thank you Dr Abraham Verghese.
I've never seen Oprah so touched by a book. So glad she finds deep joy and healing in the book.
I felt exactly the same watching Oprah giggle like a little girl...can almost be mistaken for a small crush for the author. Its Beautiful to watch her come alive in the interviews.
“ Joy and woe are woven fine. “ Why does anyone drown⁉️ Quite simple : where there is water, people will drown. I simply do not understand the lack of understanding that there is death and horrors in life and life and victories in death. What I see in this man is acceptance of and compassion for the human condition. For those, I am most grateful. Lovely that he also teaches the history and practice of medicine to future physicians. Any increase in help and compassion for suffering people is a step toward the world peace we all deeply desire. I look forward to experiencing this book.
I just completed this novel, and now I’m watching this podcast, cause I want more!❤❤I just went to the dictionary. This novel is Epic!! I did great interpreting the language.
Page 62 is my favorite. Reunion with her mother, who has been treated without love or compassion by her uncle, is the great scene for me; and that her taciturn husband has not spoken, but has connected deeply with her, and goes to bring her mother to her. And now, new life begins to grow in her, as we learn with joy that she is pregnant! And he tells it with the darkening of the skin over her nose and cheeks, in the masque of pregnancy! Joyful, tender, so sweetly told! THANK YOU!
Thank you both so.much for this podcast. I felt so alone with my grief about Jojo ; and so alone with my horror regarding Celeste as my husband and friends haven't read that far into the book as yet. Thank you for discussing those events and sharing those feelings with me. The connection I feel now is soothing to this broken heart.
WHEW!!
So looking forward to next week's podcast.
😢❤Namaste'
Abraham we are not only destined or shaped by geography but cultured . I am moved by that journey .You took us gently to that society which we cherish
Being from Sudan you reminded me of our great Sudanese writer EL-Tayeb Salih
Thank You 🙏🏽 Thank You 🙏🏽! I started the audio book today. It’s speaks to my soul! I am in tears of the words soothing my soul!
I took a leap of faith & am in Kochi, Kerala now .. Thank you Dr Varghese .. Thank you Oprah
.. I feel the characters weaving a tapestry in my heart as i watch the glistening water
Such complete beauty !
.. my heart is full
I am mesmerized by this book, it took me back to time when I read God of small things, my fav book & the style of writing & story around similar community. Thank u for your amazing work. ❤
I'm so moved by these conversations. The hard questions, the metaphors of water and hands...the eloquence of silence.
A kind and charming gentle Man. I met him as a host, an ordinary bookseller at Books, Inc in San Francisco. Best job I’ve ever had and I’ve been senior staff in NPO. Nothing like putting a sought after book in a hand. Anyway, Read Cutting for Stone first! You won’t regret it.
Thank you for sharing such a powerful story. It blesses and uplifts.
I'm in Kerala !! Going to see the elephants tomorrow.. ahhhh... I have been listening to the Covenant of Water audio book during my time here
Lucky!
Great discussion! I thought the same thing about tragedy. COVENANT is a beautiful telling of family, community, life, loss, and healing.
You are magnificent. Thanks to Oprah, your book, maybe? is now a phenom. I was so taken by your comment that being on the podcast with Oprah ranked up with the birth of your child? ?????? 😔😔😔 You are, your life, you've helped so many people; you've done incredible work and your soul speaks to those of us who only wish we could have a physician like you...Oprah? is another human being. Please step into your own. You are much more "powerful" than your interviewer.
Thank you both.
That is so true. As a writer, you can go to the dead and report how things are. I love this interview
Want to watch more of OWN's shows? The network is available via most cable providers, the Watch OWN app, Discovery+, and other major streaming services. Click here to learn more on where to find OWN: www.oprah.com/sp/watch-own.html
Great discussion!
Interestingly in traditional Indian culture - the kitchen is considered to be a sacred place and the fire that cooks our food is revered by all! 15:09
Can’t wait thank you
The fiery death of Celeste. It caused me to put the book down for a good long time. I was blindsided and felt...betrayed! Of course I recovered but I needed to walk away first!
I also had to put the book down and recover after this tragedy.
There is a very large element of Hinduism and its influence in this book. I studied Indian history at UCLA many moons ago under the preceptorship of the late Stanley Wolpert. For me, the issue of T'AT VAM ASI or THOU ART THAT WHICH I AM is an undercurrent of the waters of life. Although as humans we live in the world of Maya - or illusion - at the base of our construction is the basis of life....or thou art that which I am. Release, or Moska, into the oneness of Brachman, is the hope of all castes in India....of everyone. I am aware that we are talking about the generational effects of a Christian family in Kerala, which also brought me to the study of Jewish families in Kerala. That said, the cultural diffusion of Hinduism is prevalent in all that I can see. I am wondering if that is what I am getting out of this book and not your conscious intent, or if I am correct at the many LAYERS of the different plot arcs that result in the truth of T'at Van Asi or thou art that which I am? Adria Folb Schumann (Mrs.)
Great podcast! It's wonderful to see so many viewers showing interest in the region. Just wanted to provide some feedback regarding the video: the music in the initial part doesn't seem reflective of the kerala region. It might be worth considering a more fitting soundtrack. Keep up the good work!
What a co incidence to listen this on indian christian day about st thomas
Thank you Sajan.
thanks again
Thank you
These are lovely conversations about a beautifully written book. But a word of caution: Do not listen to even thus episode if you haven't finished the book!! Even though she says "We will be discussing Parts 1 & 2," they jump all over and spoil things at the end!! I'm on Part 8 & very unhappy with the misleading intro...Will have to come back when I've finished the whole book.
Beautiful
The way Oprah pronounced Kerala made me laugh a bit.
Affectionately respect for seniority
I Mrs Toshonda Gray really love Mr😢😊🎉 Bryshere Gray
Dowry death/ murder still exist a lot in certain regions in India. Also forced abolitions. Women have a long way to go in that part of the world.
25:49 part 2
Deeply sounding
Wow
Interesting
Oprah, Tom, and others why aren't you offering a safe place to stay at your Hawaiian vacation homes? Or to camp out on your lawns for God sake?
Guyana Connect thank you
Some so missed, no one like him
This man is of a profound example that is being missed by Oprah or is definitely not being recognized by Oprah. It is even more scary that he himself may not understand the diverse impacts of Krishnianity independent of the conservativness that is present in heterosexual open intimacy.
I am learning from the experience he has had from the traditional spiritual cultural hummings in church and the Saint Thomasism of Kirshna Culture of Church doctrine guiding moral conduct.
The Doubting Thomas is a representative of a Twin but not because it is in Doub-ting. But because the apostle represents to To & Mor of the North African and Southern African unity in Mizraim cobtextulailzed historiography.
The proselytizations were not what you would expect ToNoon. This was a desperate attempt to increase monotheism which has failed in that half and the other half as well.
The Bible is a historical account but it is affected by intentional miscommunication and group miseducation as a fact experienced with simply The word Crusade; Cross, Sade is movement.
D.N.U.N.
1212
Non Coincidental Non Autonomous to me in predetermination or request or attention. Just so happens to be even my former number 666.
Pay Attention.
Tell the Leaders save the world and have a plan. Nuclear containment reduction and geological fallout. It is possible. Nations work with Nations. To do other is stupidness. Forget tech.
What are you talking about⁉️ Please make it plain. The reader shouldn’t have to guess at what you mean. Btw: I have heard in Muslim circles that Jesus was taken down and spirited away to India. That he did not “ die” as it were. Just make your extraordinary claims plain for a better understanding, please. Two questions : Firstly, what makes you think we were any less violent as indigenous polytheists than we are in these times as diverse monotheists? Secondly, define technology. A hammer is technology.
😢😢😢
Merton Thomas?
Thomas Merton
♾️