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Nectar in a Sieve By: Kamala Markandaya

Synopsis: Nectar in a sieve is a romantic novel written by Kamala Markandaya. This is a story depicting the Indian life in a woman's perspective. This story follows twelve year old Rukmani from the moment she gets entangled in an arranged marriage with a complete stranger.Rukmani was an outcast in her village since her early childhood, first because she was educated and could read and write and secondly because she wasn't as beautiful as her older sisters. From her young childhood she had a comfortable life and in her perspective her parents were rich. Those riches did not last long because of the immense dowry that her parent's had to pay for her older sisters. Fortunately Rukmani got married to a younger man close to her age who had build a house for her. She adjusted quickly to her new life and she really loved and appreciated her husband. Nathan who is Rukmani's husband was a very calm and understanding man, he had respect for his wife and he took great care for her. "My spirit ached with pity for her, I longed to ... be able to comfort her, to convince her that in a few months’ time her new home would be the most significant part of her life, the rest only a preparation"… (Markandaya 6.9).Life for Rukmani was amaizing when she first got married because they had plenty and were living a good life this was until people started waiting and being concerned as to why Rukmani was not conceiving a child yet. "Why do you not demand—cry out for help—do something? There is nothing in this country, oh God there is nothing!" (Markandaya7.44)This was a quote by Kennington or "Kenny" he was trying to convince Rukmani to cry out for help, why was India so desperate yet no one was crying out for help?She went out to seek help from a white doctor that she knew from childhood and she soon conceived a daughter. After her daughter she conceived more children and the drought season came, she sacrificed everything for her children and one of her sons died because of hunger. Rukmani and her husband Nathan faced many more challenges throughout their relationship but they endured and kept their friendship and relationship alive till death drew them apart.

Criticism: This book was an outstanding book and it was creatively written to engage and inform the reader about a different culture and lifestyle. This book was on the outstanding books list because of the way this book engages the reader and the author's creative use of words and placing of events to help the reader understand more and think deeply about every symbol that appears in the book. Some strategies that the writer used that worked tremendously were her use of suspense that always kept the reader wondering what's next? The writer also played with the readers emotions bringing in really intense scenes then happy scenes. i would recommend this book to any student who is an intense reader because this book gives you a lot to think about while your reading it also expounds your vocabulary and understanding of inner meanings. This book is outstanding because it brings in a different culture from a perspective that is usually put down. Reading and following the book from a woman's perspective gives the reader the inner look to a secret life that is never revealed in a culture where women were oppressed.

Style: This Novel was a romance. It was a romance because it was mainly about relationships and choices and the lifestyle people choose to live. Rukmani and her husband were not the average Indian couple. they had respect for each other they loved each other. Unlike the typical "norm" during those days when a woman disobeyed the husband had the right to do whatever he wished with her, Nathan listened to his wife and valued her. He didn't marry any other women nor did he try or desire to. This book was also a romance because it was about faithfulness and how the decisions that a couple makes could jeopardize their relationship.

Author's Biography: Kamala Markandaya is a writer from India. She graduated from Madras University and started working as a writer. The book Nectar in a Sieve was her first work and also her most recognized one. This book received a lot of attention and praise. Kamala Markandaya has also written many other books and is currently working on books that depict the struggle of Indians and the strive to move forward in technology.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamala_Markandaya

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