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.

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!

Rainwater

Very sweet story. Predictable at times, could possibly make a great movie. A bit heartbreaking at times, but, that's to be expected based on the short description. Just the right length.

life during the depression

What did you love best about Rainwater?

I loved the fact that it told you a different aspect of life during the depression, how life continued with it's own personal problems,problems that had nothing to do with the depression.

What did you like best about this story?

The intertwining love story in the back ground and what resulted because of it. The intense love for a child lost in his own mind with a yet unnamed syndrome.

Which scene was your favorite?

Ella helping Mr. Rainwater who was covered in blood from butchering the cows that would help feed the starving people of shanty town.

Any additional comments?

This book was well written and kept my interest through out. It was difficult hearing about the corruption and abuse that was dealt to the poor white folks but even more to the poor black folks at that time. I didn't see the ending coming but was pleased that it ended the way it did.

Unexpectedly loved it!

I began listening to this book with an attitude of "let's see whether I'll become engaged in the story." Boy - did I ever! Now I'm ready to listen to another Sandra Brown title with Victor Slezak as the narrator. This should be made into a movie - with Sam Elliott as Rainwater! And, the book cover illustration was perfect too.

Tantalizing

A memorable and entertaining experience. Real-life effect was easy to identify with and appreciate.

Good read.

Who was the most memorable character of Rainwater and why?

Mr. Rainwater was a true gentleman.

Any additional comments?

I loved the ending. I didn't see it coming.