Nectar In A Sieve by Kamala Markanddaya, an Indian classic, poor farming family fights for survival during droughts, and floods. A daughter turns to prostitution in desperation to save her baby brother from dying. No help from the government, lack of clothing, shoes. Makes me want to read about the modern-day poor of India.

It is amazing how they did not give up even though the circumstances became devasting. People became homeless as a result of the weather and companies took the land from which they made a meager living. Even though it was a traditional marriage, arranged, between an older man and very young woman and their marriage had threats, their love for each other endured.

I hope that you read it. ( )

A poignant portrayal of woman's struggles and persistence in the face of deteriorating conditions, illustrating the will to live and the power of love and compassion. ( )

This story is moving and beautiful. The poetic simplicity of the writing is ingenious. One critic found the voices somewhat stilted because lacking dialect - but they felt very true to me and the characters were very much alive. It is difficult to ponder this existence. But, it is an inspirational story of one family's determination, kindness, generosity, and persistent optimism that you come to hope may be the core of human nature - when all else is taken away. ( )

Reminded me of the Good Earth by Pearl Buck. Moving in its simplicity, the narrative was fast-paced, filled with the pathos of a peasant's life and the cruelties of life itself. ( )

I found the story compelling and very sad but the ending felt like it just dropped me. I actually went back and made sure some pages hadn't stuck together or something, but there was nothing else except for an ad for more books I might like. If the ending had just been better and more finished I would've given this 4 stars. ( )