"Rice Without Rain" is a novel written by Minfong Ho that tells the story of a young woman named Jinda living in a village in Thailand. The novel takes place during a time of great political and social upheaval in Thailand, as the country is struggling to modernize and industrialize while also dealing with issues of corruption and government oppression.
Jinda is the main character of the novel and is a strong and determined young woman who is determined to make a better life for herself and her family. She is a hard worker and is constantly striving to improve her circumstances, even in the face of great adversity. Jinda is also deeply connected to her culture and traditions, and she values the importance of maintaining her community's way of life.
Another important character in the novel is Jinda's mother, Da. Da is a strong and capable woman who has worked hard all her life to provide for her family. She is deeply devoted to her children and will do whatever it takes to protect and support them. However, she is also struggling with the changing times and the challenges that come with modernizing and industrializing the village.
Another significant character in the novel is Jinda's grandfather, Pa. Pa is a wise and respected elder in the village, and he is deeply connected to the land and the traditions of the community. He is a source of guidance and wisdom for Jinda and the other characters in the novel, and he helps them to understand and navigate the complexities of the changing world around them.
Finally, there is Jinda's love interest, Chai. Chai is a kind and compassionate young man who is deeply in love with Jinda. He is also deeply connected to his culture and traditions, and he values the importance of preserving the way of life in the village. However, Chai is also struggling with the challenges of modernity and the pressure to conform to the expectations of society.
Overall, the characters in "Rice Without Rain" are complex and well-developed, and they face a range of challenges as they navigate the rapidly changing world around them. Despite the many obstacles they face, they remain determined and resilient, and they ultimately find a way to thrive in the face of adversity.
