Rukmani, a peasant from a village in India, lives a life of constant struggle, yet she is a source of strength for many. At age twelve she marries a man she has never met and moves with him to his rented farmland. Over the years their marriage fills with love, mutual respect, and children: one daughter and many sons. A tannery built near their village forever alters Rukmani's life, for the tannery takes away farmland and silence, and while it provides jobs, they come with great costs. The changes in village life from an agricultural to an industrial community frighten Rukmani; her life becomes one of "Hope and fear. Twin forces that tugged at us first in one direction and then in another...Fear, constant companion of the peasant. Hunger, ever present to jog his elbow should he relax. Despair, ready to engulf him should he falter." Kenny, a white doctor in Rukmani's village, watches with a palpable foreboding his patients' daily struggle to survive. He leaves the village suddenly and often, and just as suddenly reappears, as if life there is too much for him yet he can't stay away. Rukmani and Kenny's conversations make apparent their individual and shared suffering, and while their experiences of the world are completely different, their friendship is based on respect and mutual reliance.

reserved for eicuthbertson

RELEASE NOTES:

A BookObsesedd VBB book going to eicuthbertson. Enjoy!

Just received - this was in rootmartin's virtual Passport to the World book box.
Thanks tribefan

A memorable and moving story....set in India, originally published in 1954, a few years after India's independence.

A tribute to the author,Kamala Markandaya, 1924-2004,(Kamala Purnaiya Taylor): Homage to Kamala Markandaya
by Francis C. Assisi

RELEASE NOTES:

Releasing at the Lower Mainland's Bookcrossing March Burnaby Meetup
Come & join us!

When: Monday, March 24 at 7:00 PM

Who: At least 9 BookCrossers.

Where:
Bread Garden
4575 Central Boulevard
Burnaby BC V5H 4J5

Picked up at the meet-up tonight. Looks interesting.

This was such a moving story that really packs a punch. I highly recommend it. Despite all the hunger, the poverty, the sorrow and the suffering, Rukmani and Nathan have a deep love and loyalty to each other. And once again, the political situation in the country pervades so much of peoples lives.

Enjoy!