Rain of Gold

By: Victor Villaseñor

Narrated by: Johnny Rey Diaz

Length: 30 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

Rain of Gold is a true-life saga of love, family and destiny that pulses with bold vitality, sweeping from the war-ravaged Mexican mountains of Pancho Villa's revolution to the days of Prohibition in California. 

It all began when Villaseñor’s maternal grandmother sat him down in their little home in the barrio of Carlsbad, California, gave him sweet bread and told him the story of their past. Of his mother Lupe, the most beautiful girl in the whole village who was only a child when Villa's men came shooting into their canyon. And of his father Juan and his family, reduced to rags and starvation as they sought refuge across the border, where they believed that endless opportunity awaited. 

Lupe and Juan met and fell in love in California, but they found that the doors to the Promised Land were often closed to those from south of the border. His father was forced to take the law into his own hands, in spite of his wife's objections. With love and humor, Villaseñor shares this passionate love story that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. 

An all-American story of struggle and success, Rain of Gold focuses on three generations of Villaseñor’s kin, their spiritual and cultural roots back in Mexico, their immigration to California and overcoming poverty, prejudice and economic exploitation. It is the warm-hearted and spirited account of the wily, wary and persevering forebears of Victor Villaseñor.

©1991 Victor Edmundo Villaseñor. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic Reviews

"...a grand and vivid history...[Villasenor's] characters are keenly drawn.... Often I felt like a family member quietly watching from a corner stool." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Villasenor is a born storyteller, and this Latino Roots...is a gripping inspirational epic full of wild adventure, bootlegging, young love, miracles, tragedies, murder and triumph over cultural barriers." (Publishers Weekly)

"The brisk, down-to-earth prose sweeps the reader through often fantastic events in a compelling narrative. This is a big book, but one that moves swiftly. It is a story that deserves to be told, bringing to life a cultural heritage of all Americans." (The Washington Post)

Thank you Victor again!

I first read this book in 1994 and I was so moved and brought to tears and today I’m still moved to tears as I listened to this book. I thought of my own parents and grandparents and uncles and aunts from Mexico and all of the stories my father and mother would tell me of their childhood. I cried and cried thinking of my parents and the beautiful life they lived and gave me and my siblings. I would highly recommend this book to everyone especially those of you who love rich history of their families. Vallen con Dios- Cynthia Gandara

My absolute favorite story!

I read this back In college and it instantly became my favorite book. I have been wanting to re read for so long so I was so happy when I saw that it was on audible. The story was even better than how I remembered it. The narrator Johnny Rey Diaz did an amazing job reading the story and portraying the characters too!

One of my favorites

I read this book many years ago and was thrilled when Audible made it available in the audio version. It's one of those stories that stays with you and I know I'll re-listen to it again. The fact that it's true makes it all the more enjoyable. Such a pleasurable work of art!

She said, he said. Abrazo.

It drove me crazy was the excessive use of “he said, she said.” As if you would be lost in a two person conversion in the book. Almost didn’t finish it just for that. Same with abrazo. I think it would have shaved an hour to three of the time if they were cut out.

Narrator was mediocre at best. Good story.

I believe this narrator has a lot to learn about reading a book. Too many pauses at the wrong time, changing the intended effect of the author. Kept changing the pronunciation of characters names. Being Mexican I found it offensive, especially because we all DO NOT speak English or Spanish with that accent or tone. In this case I would have preferred to read it and narrate myself. Narration is acting, this fellow needs lots of practice and discipline. I would give this narrator a NEGATIVE 5 stars if only it was possible.

AMAZING

You will not be disappointed, it was a fantastic journey! It was fun getting to know all the characters and at the end knowing who helped him piece together this wonderful story!!!

A Mexican American story for the ages

I’m so sorry I had dismissed this book when it came out. I didn’t believe the hype. Well, that was my loss. The people in this story are some of the bravest I have ever read about. They have taught me so much about overcoming the worst kinds of struggles. This book is about those the rise up despite being born with both the Mexican and American governments boots on their throats. It’s about the power of love and family.

Touched the depths of my soul.

Muchas, muchas Gracias!! Your story made me laugh, cry and think of my grandparents and familia!!

still a wonderful book

I read this book back in high school as an assignment. But it did not read like an assignment.This story hasn't wavered in 12 years since I last read it and now listening to it I still haven't changed my mind on it being a great book.

outstanding

Victor Villaseñor I applaud both yourself and Johnny Rey Diaz. Your story is amazing and I can relate in some ways to the struggles yourself and your family experienced. I can go on and on but will not bore you with those things. johnny Rey Diaz thank for bringing this book to life with your delivery and narrative of this beautiful story written Mr Villaseñor.