Added: Jul 19, 2023
In this episode of "The Covenant of Water Podcast," Oprah engages in a captivating conversation with the author, Dr. Abraham Verghese, about his novel, "Covenant of Water." They delve into the hard truths conveyed in the book, as well as the themes of adventure, family secrets, medical mysteries, romance, and resilience. The episode focuses on parts seven and eight of the book, exploring the significance of following the straight path, the empowerment of lighting the lamp, the challenges of addiction, the impact of caste, and the beauty of living in the present moment.The conversation begins with a question from a reader named Mary, who asks about a moment in the book where a character accepts their impending death with peace and love. Dr. Verghese reflects on his experiences as a physician and how he has witnessed people facing the end with equanimity. He also shares the importance of living each day to the fullest and making peace with God, drawing inspiration from the advice of William Osler, a famous physician. The discussion then moves on to chapter 63 of the book, where Dr. Cowper talks about the transience of life and the importance of being aware of it. Oprah asks if doctors, due to their exposure to disease and mortality, are more conscious beings than others. Dr. Verghese acknowledges that while some doctors may develop a heightened sense of awareness, there is also a tendency for them to be arrogant and believe that disease only happens to others. He emphasizes the need for humility and the recognition that no one is exempt from illness. The conversation takes a turn towards a powerful scene in the book where a character is sexually assaulted. Dr. Verghese explains that he drew inspiration from his observations of unwanted attention and experiences shared by women in his environment. He highlights the importance of addressing such issues, even if they may have been more accepted in the past. Oprah then reads a favorite quote from a reader, which speaks to the importance of insisting on being treated well. Dr. Verghese shares his love for quotes and mentions one from Ecclesiastes that resonates with him. He also discusses the inspiration behind the rare familial disorder featured in the book, which he discovered in a collection of medical index cards. The conversation shifts to the dramatic death of a character named Philippos, which deeply affected Dr. Verghese during the writing process. He explains the significance of the scene and the emotional journey he went through while writing it. The host reads a passage from the book that describes the character's final moments, leaving the fate of a child uncertain. The discussion then touches upon the role of medicine and disease in the book. Dr. Verghese explains that while he didn't have the entire plot mapped out from the beginning, he drew from his experiences as a physician and his fascination with medical anomalies to shape the story. He expresses a desire to become more efficient in his writing process if he were to write another novel. Overall, this episode of "The Covenant of Water Podcast" provides a comprehensive exploration of the themes and events in the book, offering insights into the author's inspirations and writing process. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the novel's characters, the challenges they face, and the profound impact of their journeys.