Book Review Title: The Covenant of Water Author: Abraham Verghese Publisher: Grove Press UK, 2023 Pages: 724 “What defines a family isn’t blood but the secrets they share.” This massive book explores the intricacies of human relationships with a plot that spans almost a century. The story begins in 1900 with 12-year-old Mariamma being wedded to a 40-year-old widower in whose family runs a curse: death by drowning. The story ends in 1977 with another Mariamma, the granddaughter of Mariamma the First who becomes Big Ammachi [grandmother]. A lot of things happen in the 700+ pages of the novel which has everything that one may expect from a popular novel: suspense, mystery, love, passion, power, vulnerability, and also some social and religious issues. The only setback, if it can be called that at all, is that too many people die in this novel. But then, when death by drowning is a curse in the family, we have to be prepared for many a burial. The Kerala of the pre-Independ...
The gates, the watch tower with gunmen sporting AK-47. OUCH! Really hurts.
ReplyDeleteRE
Our security personnel actually don't carry an AK-47; but they were invested with certain powers which were later rescinded.
DeleteWhile the new cream colour is ok, the change in the colours of the wall and the gate is rather atrocious.
It's easy to relate to the emotions here. In Kolkata also, colors are rapidly changing from red to Mamata Banerjee's favorite color - azure..!Crazy~
ReplyDeleteExactly, Panchali, more than the colours themselves, what actually matter are the undertones.
DeleteIt is sad to see this happen. Sadder still that it is in education. Nothing remains the same. I have seen this happen to organizations I have built from scratch, built on conviction, but I was powerless when it began to change, perhaps for the greater good, I do not know. I only know that it set me free to do what I needed to do at that time. If it had not changed, I too would have remained closeted. Best wishes, Tomichan.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, Subhorup, perhaps for the greater good. I'm ready to keep that open mind.
DeleteThe gate actually look like a prison gate. Keeping out the children will still do, imagine what children inside would feel like!!
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I just checked out the gates of Tihar jail on a website. They look far more colourful and welcoming!
Deletewould anyone student be able to bunk classes , jump across these walls and go for a movie ? thats one of the best memories of my school days :D
ReplyDeleteThe colours are a different matter, TTT. Colours can mean many things.
DeleteSchools too camouflage!
ReplyDeleteHow much camouflage is necessary?
DeleteBlack indeed!
ReplyDeleteWell the school is on a main road so I guess some security is necessary.
ReplyDelete