Renowned Author and Doctor, Abraham Verghese, Reflects on the Success and Impact of His Latest Novel

Renowned author and doctor, Abraham Verghese, known for his expertise in bedside manner and teaching medical students, recently reflected on the success and emotional impact of his latest novel, ‘The Covenant of Water‘.

The novel is set in Kerala, India, spanning from 1900 to 1970, and centers on a family plagued by tragic drownings throughout generations.

Verghese, Vice Chair of Education at Stanford University School of Medicine, is deeply invested in the power of connection, both in his medical practice and his writing.

His journey as an author began in the 1980s during his residency in Tennessee, treating patients with HIV, which inspired him to share their stories with the world.

‘My Own Country’ and ‘Cutting for Stone’, his previous works, paved the way for ‘The Covenant of Water’, a novel dedicated to his late mother, Mariamma.

After a decade of writing, Verghese’s deeply personal novel received widespread acclaim, landing on The New York Times bestseller list for 37 weeks and garnering the attention of Oprah Winfrey and former President Obama.

Oprah personally championed the novel and announced plans to adapt it into a movie. ‘CBS Sunday Morning‘ recently featured Verghese, adding to the accolades and recognition his work has received.

Reflecting on the success of his book inspired by the heroic women in his family, Verghese humbly attributes his achievements to a stroke of luck and the powerful narratives that emerge from personal experiences.

The novel’s widespread impact, reaching readers across the globe in countries like Italy and South Africa, has left Verghese in awe, underscoring the profound influence of storytelling beyond borders.