“We are merely renting these bodies of ours. You came into this world on an in breath. You will exit on an out breath.”
That’s right, Abe. We have limited time before breath becomes air, so let me take this opportunity to thank you for writing beautiful literature. We’ve recommended a lot of books over the years. And we feel good about nearly all of our picks. Had we but world enough and time, we’d write a featured post that spotlights novels which achieve the beautiful lit accolade. One thing’s for sure: The Covenant of Water would definitely make the cut.
We’re not alone. Oprah, resident billionaire bookworm, revealed that The Covenant of Water is “one of the best books I’ve read in my entire life…. It’s transportive. Many moments during the read I had to stop and remember to breathe.” O also highlighted Verghese’s masterpiece as an “epic” novel when it comes to teaching important life lessons about death. Beautiful literature is rarely an easy read. In other words, Covenant is not for the faint-of-heart reader. Set in South India’s Malabar Coast, Verghese’s story eddies around a family beset by a mysterious affliction. A Parambil family is haunted by waters. With each new generation, the inexplicable curse—death by drowning—rages on. Memorable characters remind us that loss is part of life. You cannot have one without the other. Grief and faith should be inseparable friends. While I may be renting this body of mine, I own my faith. I’m sure I just heard Big Ammachi whisper this truth to the universe: Faith will give you strength to survive debilitating hardship. Press on!
This Thanksgiving week, I’m especially grateful for beautiful literature that supplies me with significant reminders. And for each of you who compel me to write about it.