THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

Sandra Brown departs from her more typical style of thriller fiction with the novel, “Rainwater”.  The compelling story is not only a beautiful love story, but a novel of substance concerning racism, government interference in appropriation of cattle, and the consequences therein.  “Rainwater”, also sheds light on the illness of autism, and the power of love and kindness.

The vivid descriptions of all characters, so drawn tightly, from the two biddies that rent from Ella, to the racist Conrad, to the hidden, loving relationship shared between David and Ella, clearly depict the social norms of the era.  This beautiful, intense, action packed love story, pleads that good triumphs over evil and that love endures.  Brown’s choice of name, David Rainwater, fills the perfect symbolism of his character.

Details: 

The era of the Dustbowl, dry unrelenting heat and drought cause crop failure and water shortages for cattle.  The government forms a plan, which only worsens the poverty, already rampant.

Ella Barron runs a boarding house and lets a room to David Rainwater.  Ella takes care of her autistic son, Solly, whom David takes an interest in.  David also takes note of the tension in the town caused by the drought and the poverty left in its wake.  David Rainwater instantly dislikes Conrad, a racist who discriminates against the poor.  Ella and David develop a relationship in spite of strict social convention, and steal secret moments together.  The moments are all the more precious as Ella knows that David is ill.

 “Rainwater” is Sandra’s Brown’s best work.  Five star rating.  Highly recommended.