The Covenant of Water, set in Kerala on South India's Malabar Coast, spans the years 1900 to 1977. The novel revolves around three generations of an Orthodox Saint Thomas Christian family, particularly the life of Mariamma, a twelve-year-old girl who marries a 40-year-old widower and becomes the matriarch known as Big Ammachi. The family is plagued by 'The Condition', a mysterious affliction where at least one member of each generation dies by drowning. The story intertwines with the life of Digby Kilgore, a Scottish doctor, and explores themes of family, faith, love, loss, and medical progress. The novel is a testament to the hardships of past generations and the interconnectedness of lives through time and space[2][4][5].
The novel tells the story of twin brothers Marion and Shiva Stone, born of a secret union between an Indian nun and a British surgeon. Orphaned at birth, they grow up in Ethiopia, bound by a deep connection and a shared fascination with medicine. The story follows their journey through love, loss, and the complexities of family, as they navigate their lives from Ethiopia to New York City. The book delves into themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of family, set against the backdrop of medical miracles and the tumultuous history of Ethiopia[3][4][5].
The Citadel follows the life of Andrew Manson, a young and idealistic Scottish doctor, as he navigates the challenges of practicing medicine across interwar Wales and England. The novel confronts traditional medical ethics and highlights issues of social and health inequalities, drawing from Cronin's own experiences as a physician. It is noted for its influence on the formation of the National Health Service.
My Own Country: A Doctor's Story by Abraham Verghese recounts his time as an infectious disease specialist in Johnson City, Tennessee, during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. The book explores themes of empathy, prejudice, and the human condition as Verghese becomes deeply involved in the lives of his patients. It is a powerful narrative that blends medicine with personal reflection, highlighting the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers in a conservative community.
Published in 1852, 'Uncle Tom’s Cabin' is a seminal work by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicts the harsh realities of slavery in the United States. The novel follows the story of Uncle Tom, a dignified and religious enslaved man, and Eliza, a fugitive slave, among other characters. It highlights the cruelty and injustices of the slave system and the emotional toll on enslaved individuals and their families. The book was a massive success, selling over 300,000 copies in its first year and becoming the second-best-selling book of the 19th century after the Bible. It played a significant role in fueling the abolitionist cause and is credited with influencing public opinion on slavery[2][3][5].
John Gray's *Gray's Anatomy* is a collection of essays spanning three decades, critiquing the notion of progress and exploring themes such as liberalism, conservatism, and environmentalism. Gray argues that the pursuit of progress often leads to disastrous consequences and suggests embracing a more present-focused life. His work draws on diverse philosophical influences, including Schopenhauer and Lao Tzu.
People I (Mostly) Admire 
