Nectar in a Sieve (Signet Classics)

This is a beautiful novel that captures the story of unwavering hope despite many trials and tribulations for a family living in an Indian village. I fell in love after reading this book many years ago. I've re-read it recently and fell in love with the story all over again. This is a must read! I absolutely recommend this book to everyone.

I was assigned this book to read for my English class. At first I was dreading reading it, but once I started the words just flowed and I became completely immersed in the story. It spoke of tragedy and triumph and everything one would go through in life. The authors simplistic yet rigid writing style was very intriguing to say the least.

I had to read this book for a seminary graduate class in foundation for missions class. This semi-autobiography book is well written and sad story of India. I enjoyed the book as the purpose for class was to see the different cultural values and aspects in play. It was an overall sad story but inspiring story of a woman who overcame all the things set against her.

I am still in the process of reading the book. I only gave it 3 stars because I'm not thrilled with the way in which the book is printed. Pages are about the size of an 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper and the print is extremely small. I've never experienced this before. Had I known this in advance and I'd have looked for a large print book, although upon searching after the fact I found the large print copies of this book are rather expensive, $20 being the minimum cost and in excess of $40 at the high end. As far as the content, it is an interesting presentation of life in India at that time in history. It almost feels like a literal translation of the native language to English, hence it feels a bit stiff or formal at times, but I do feel like I'm hearing the voice of an person from that part of the world. I understand the book is a classic, and has won many awards, but it doesn't have me at the throat. It was, in fact, difficult for me to get into at the start. Perhaps when I complete the book I will feel differently about it, but so far, three stars is the best I can give it.

Very reminiscent of the The Good Earth. The layers of sorrow outweigh the happiness in the lives of these peasant farmers. The writing is simple in accordance with the character telling the story. An excellent book for young American high school students who suffer from 1st world problems like poor cell phone reception. Every day revolves around finding enough food to avoid starvation and stay alive. Rice is the center of their universe and to read of these people on the verge of starvation is heartbreaking. The author keeps places and times vague enough to maintain a universality of the peasant's plight in India. This book is the 2015 US Academic Decathlon selection novel and it provides an great introduction into Indian literature.

I first read this during summer break when I was a young teen, I seemed to have gone through a period when I read women's stories (The Good Earth, etc.). Nectar is one of those books that stays with you, quietly. I now am rereading it because I am old enough to be grandma now and have my own lifetime of experiences, want to see how my evolving life feels about the book now. I got from the book, long ago, how strong women can be, how quiet can sometimes speak louder then anything, how no matter what trials life throws at you, you just continue to do the best you can, you continue to live. I don't particular agree with the Indian (and other cultures) where they marry off their daughters at such a young age, but I have to admire women like Rukmani. She was lucky to be married to a man who respected and honored her--so many girls are married to men who never appreciate what they have, who hate women. I'm glad they came out with a Kindle version too.

I am a big reader - and this book was on my daughter's summer reading list for 9th Grade. I totally enjoyed this book - the author was very descriptive, making the scenes lift off the page. The main character was a strong, but humble woman -- with the book taking you on her life's journey from childhood (12yrs) to that of a grandmother. I would recommend for a preteen/teenager.

I read this book for school. Having never heard of it, I assumed it would be boring. I was greatly surprised at how interesting it was. This story takes the reader through Rukmani`s life as a poor Indian woman, wife, and mother during the time that England was in charge of India. It is certainly NOT boring, as I assumed it would be. Easy to follow and easily teaches a lot about the social classes and life in that time period in India. I finally would recommend this fascinating book to readers of all ages.

A must Read !

OMG a MUST READ

Poignant tale of an Indian family.

Well written and very readable account of a woman in rural India living through the changes of industrialisation.

Poignant and heart wrenching. I have been delving into the ocean of Indian classics for a while now.this definitely is marked one of my favourites in the category.