Rainwater

By: Sandra Brown

Narrated by: Victor Slezak

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The year is 1934. With the country in the stranglehold of drought and economic depression, Ella Barron runs her Texas boardinghouse with an efficiency that ensures her life will be kept in balance. Between chores of cooking and cleaning for her residents, she cares for her 10-year-old son, Solly, a sweet but challenging child whose misunderstood behavior finds Ella on the receiving end of pity, derision, and suspicion.

When David Rainwater arrives at the house looking for lodging, he comes recommended by a trusted friend as "a man of impeccable character". But Ella senses that admitting Mr. Rainwater will bring about unsettling changes.

However, times are hard, and in order to make ends meet, Ella's house must remain 100 percent occupied. So Mr. Rainwater moves into her house...and impacts her life in ways Ella could never have foreseen.

The changes are echoed by the turbulence beyond the house walls. Friends and neighbors who've thus far maintained a tenuous grip on their meager livelihoods now face foreclosure and financial ruin. In an effort to save their families from homelessness and hunger, farmers and cattlemen are forced to make choices that come with heartrending consequences.

The climate of desperation creates a fertile atmosphere for racial tensions and social unrest. Conrad Ellis -- privileged and spoiled and Ella's nemesis since childhood -- steps into this arena of teeming hostility to exact his vengeance and demonstrate the extent of his blind hatred and unlimited cruelty. He and his gang of hoodlums come to embody the rule of law, and no one in Gilead, Texas, is safe. Particularly Ella and Solly.

In this hotbed of uncertainty, Ella finds Mr. Rainwater a calming presence. She is moved by the kindness he shows other boarders, Solly...and Ella herself. Slowly, she begins to rely on his soft-spokenness, his restraint, and the steely resolve of his convictions.

©2009 Simon & Schuster (P)2009 Sandra Brown Management, Ltd.

Not your usual Sandra Brown story.

Brown's male protagonist is usually hard and sometimes merciless. David Rainwater is not. The story is enthralling and thoroughly enjoyable.

A lovely story

If you could sum up Rainwater in three words, what would they be?

A sad and at the same time, uplifting story. It identifies the many hardships of living in the '30s and the kindness as well as meanness of people in a small town.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rainwater?

The ending - brought tears to my eyes.

What does Victor Slezak bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Victor Slezak is a wonderful narrator. I have listened to other stories he's narrated and they are always wonderful. I can picture the characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I don't know, but it would make a wonderful film. I would go to see it the day it came out.

A good story

Rainwater is not the best book I have ever read but it was a very good story. I was pleased with the originality of the story. It pushed me to purchase another Sandra Brown novel which turned out to be way more predictable.

good story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, good story & keeps your interest

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No made me cry at times

Any additional comments?

Had to go back to the start after the end of the book

Best novel by Sandra Brown

I've long been a fan of Ms. Brown's. But when I read Rainwater, I was at once aware that this novel was very different from her usual style. I loved it. I was moved to tears and filled with joy. It is a lovely story and I would recommend it highly. The narrator, Mr. Slezak, did a wonderful, poignant, and sensitive oral presentation. Truly a beautiful story.

My First Sandra Brown Novel was Wonderful

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sometimes I just want a book that lets me root for the good guys and hate the bad guys, and this book delivers beautifully. The author took time to develop her characters to the point where I could imagine how they looked and felt, but she did not lose the flow of the story by going into too much detail. I also loved how she began and ended the book. I'm going to look at other books by this author. As for the narrator, I love it when I forget that the book is being read to me and instead lose myself in the characters and the story. This narrator definitely succeeded at this!

A MUST read (or listen!)

Oh my! If there were 6 stars to be given, I would gladly give them!! This book was amazing! I am still in awe of how absolutly captivating it is. I usally read books, but I listened to this on audio (my first audio book). I caught myself crying at intersections when listening to it in the car. The characters are wonderfully developed. It's hard not to feel conected to each of them. The ending was a perfect closing to the story and lives that were portrayed. This was my first Sandra Brown book and I am impressed with her writing talents. There is so much description in this book, you can almost taste and feel the things that are happening. For those concerned with content, there is some language in the story (the bad guys cuss :). But the story line is wonderfully written. Often stories have some holes in the plot, this one does not. I HIGHLY recommend this book. This is the best book I have read in years!!! I cried..many times...like the kind of cry you do when watching Steel Magnolias!!! The narrator is wonderful! He has a great voice that matches wonderfully to the story.

Good Book, Good Movie

Enjoyed the story and the narration by Victor Slezak. I was mentally seeing a movie as the story progressed. Knowing there could be a sad ending didn't deter me from wanting to experience the story. I'm glad I did.

Not the usual but LOVED this book

What did you like best about this story?

As I started to listen I wasn't sure I would like this book. However, the longer I listented I couldn't stop. This was a wonderful story and a great listen. Thanks!

Good, fast, listen

When I buy an audiobook, I don't want it to be "work". I desire something to pass the time during my commute or while I do my housework. This totally fit the bill. It is fast moving and kept my interest. If you want fine literature to expand your mind, this isn't it. If you want a good story told by an excellent narrator, it is worth the credit/money.