Nectar in a Sieve is a novel by Kamala Markandaya about Rukmani and her marriage to Nathan, living in India during an explosion of urban development. Though they have a loving marriage, their prosperity begins to crumble after a tannery is built nearby. They sink into poverty, suffering from famines and floods, accepting some help from Dr. Kennington, an English doctor. After Nathan dies, Rukmani moves in with her son, a doctor at Kennington's hospital. Central to the novel's thematics is the coexistence of fear and hope.
From the heartfelt novel Nectar in the Sieve a story of hope and suffering is told by a courageous woman by the name of Rukmani She not only shows her love and honor to her family but also goes through many trials and tribulations throughout the story Faced with countless tragedies Rukmani nevertheless stayed humble to herself and strong for her family The poor woman did everything she could to transform her obstacles into something positive An essential theme thoroughly demonstrates her action