A Handful Of Rice

The novel "A Handful of Rice" tells the story of a young Indian couple, Rukmani and Nathan, who struggle to make a living as tenant farmers in a rural village in South India. Their life is marked by poverty, hardships, and the challenges of raising a family in a harsh environment. Rukmani and Nathan face various trials and tribulations, including crop failures, the exploitation of moneylenders, and the changing social and economic landscape of their village. Despite these challenges, the couple remains deeply committed to each other and their family. The novel explores themes of resilience, poverty, the impact of modernization on traditional ways of life, and the enduring human spirit. Kamala Markandaya's storytelling provides a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in rural India.