A Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya

Growing up in a rich family and then getting married to a tenant farmer. Having to work in the fields, growing your own crops and raising 7 children, these are the troubles that Rukmani went through in A Nectar in a Sieve. In this novel by Kamala Markandaya, Rukmani is the daughter of a wealthy man. Being of the Indian culture, Rukmani has to get an arrange marriage. Her marriage is to a tenant farmer named Nathan. Nathan and Rukmani live in a village where they make their own food and clothes. They grow crops and sell them to earn money (rupee). Sometimes the crops don't grow and they don't have money. Having no money causes many problems for them, and these problems of theirs cause them to risk their life so they go on a journey to find some.

Rukmani and Nathan have 7 children together. One child is Kuti. Kuti is a young 5 year old, weak boy. During this time in the novel, there is a drought and the crops don't grow. The family has to survive on little rice because the paddy won't ripen for another three weeks. Kuti can't sleep at night because he is covered in a horrible rash which he can't stop itching. Kuti is also losing his eyesight. His mother Rukmani is worried that he will die soon. As the days go by, Rukmani sees a change in his condition. The rashes go away and he looks healthier. At night, Rukmani sees a girl walking by her hut. Thinking it's Kunthi, her friend who tries to steal her rice from her, Rukmani furiously attacks the woman and realizes it's her daughter Ira. Rukmani sees Ira wearing bangles and she wonders where she got them. While washing Ira's sari, Rukmani finds a rupee. Ira says that she has earned that rupee. She has been escaping at night to be a prostitute to earn money. "Tonight and tomorrow and every night, so long as there is need. I will not hunger anymore."(Chapter 16, pg 98) She uses the money to buy food for her brother Kuti. If the family had money, Ira wouldn't have to risk her health to earn money to help her younger brother.

After Rukmani and Nathan are forced out of their home by the tannery, they need a place to stay. Their other children Irawaddy and Selvam decide to stay in the same village. Rukmani and Nathan sell most which they do not need and take the money earned to go live with their son who moved to the city. They use the money to get a bullock cart to get them there and they pack some items for their journey. When they get to the city, they feel tired so they sleep on the streets. While sleeping, someone takes their money and they can't buy food. "But how? We have no money. My husband can till and sow and reap with skill, but here there is no land. I can weave and spin, or plait matting, but there is no money for spindle, cotton or fiber. For where shall a man turn who has no money? Where can he go? Wide, wide world, but as narrow as the coins in your hand. Like