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eurekaitsmika's review against another edition
4.0
A fantastic, though undoubtedly flawed, eco-fable I tore through in a few sittings. While I get and 100% agree with the comparisons to Jeff Vandermeer's Annihilation, I was also strongly reminded of Sarah Moss's Ghost Wall and--weirdly--Heather Hansman's nonfiction Downriver, both of which I also adored (I'm beginning to sense a theme of "self-admittedly unreliable female narrators have intense, bordering on spiritual, experiences in beautifully described wildernesses" in many of my favorite books). Aforementioned nature descriptions are particularly awe-inspiring in the case of The Rain Heron: mountain scenes so crisp you can smell the pine, a frigid coastal town vivid enough to cut to the bone, a road trip montage of moors and mountains and overgrown farmlands that feels more like a cherished personal memory than an author's creation. Arnott's descriptions are poetically succinct without feeling sparse, immersive without feeling cloying, and innovative without feeling overdone or conceited.
Though I loved the natural imagery, I thought this story was a bit thematically underdeveloped as Arnott fails to fully deliver the promised commentary on human-nature relations beyond "human greed and entitlement are detrimental to the environment." Without that extra critique, the beautiful imagery loses some of its teeth and direction and I found myself wishing for that extra bit of wit to really drive the point home. Still, well worth reading and I do hope Arnott keeps writing in this vein because I'd gladly read his next.
Though I loved the natural imagery, I thought this story was a bit thematically underdeveloped as Arnott fails to fully deliver the promised commentary on human-nature relations beyond "human greed and entitlement are detrimental to the environment." Without that extra critique, the beautiful imagery loses some of its teeth and direction and I found myself wishing for that extra bit of wit to really drive the point home. Still, well worth reading and I do hope Arnott keeps writing in this vein because I'd gladly read his next.
ceejeffe's review against another edition
4.0
I loooooooove when magical realism is done well! This was wonderful! A quick listen/read!
mhorton510's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book in 2 sittings. A very unique novel and really gripping, leaves you to think a lot.
bianca89279's review against another edition
4.0
The Rain Heron was original and quite imaginative. As someone who’s got no imagination, I’m in awe and a bit jealous of those who possess it. Paradoxically, while I admire and respect highly imaginative writers, I seem to still prefer realistic literature. I was a bit reluctant to read this, but my curiosity and the fact that so many GR friends loved it encouraged me to get to it. It paid off.
This novel blends beautifully the imagined and the surreal with realistic characters, who find themselves in unique, richly imagined environments and situations.
The writing was simple yet highly evocative; I could easily picture the different environments, the mountains, the sea town and being on the sea, the road trip through a variety of landscapes, I could feel the cold, the humidity, the heat, the wind.
If you’re after something accessible yet different and original, then you should try The Rain Herron.
I’m happy to jump on the Arnott bandwagon. I’ll go find his debut novel.
This novel blends beautifully the imagined and the surreal with realistic characters, who find themselves in unique, richly imagined environments and situations.
The writing was simple yet highly evocative; I could easily picture the different environments, the mountains, the sea town and being on the sea, the road trip through a variety of landscapes, I could feel the cold, the humidity, the heat, the wind.
If you’re after something accessible yet different and original, then you should try The Rain Herron.
I’m happy to jump on the Arnott bandwagon. I’ll go find his debut novel.
alainral's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Violence, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, and War
nina_reads_books's review against another edition
4.0
Robbie Arnott’s debut book Flames made it to my top reads of last year list so I was very excited to pick up a copy of The Rain Heron, his follow up novel released last year.
The book is crafted in parts with the initial section almost fable like. The story of the rain heron and how it bestows its benevolence and its malice was an almost bewildering start to the book. This initial part is peak magical realism and I loved it!
The story then shifts to a mountainside where Ren lives a life of solitude hiding out from the world that has been rocked by a military coup. Ren hunts and secretly trades goods with a local villager until one day soldiers arrive. When she can no longer hide from them she discovers that led by a young woman, they have come in search of the myth of the rain heron.
The next part flashes back to the young solider Zoe’s childhood down south in a remote coastal town. Her aunt introduces her to the secret way locals harvest the coveted squid ink. This section has to be experienced to be believed - wow is all I will say!
Then it’s back to Ren and Zoe alternately in the present day. Both have to confront aspects of their past and grapple with things they have done in order to find peace.
Throughout the book, the coup that impacts on all the characters is not dwelled on, it becomes part of the background rather than the main event. This brought a general sense of unease which was cleverly done.
The Rain Heron is a sublime example of writing. Arnott depicts nature in such vivid and imaginative ways. The harsh landscapes echo the dark and sometimes violent events that thread throughout the book. The magical realism is subtle and not overdone. The symbol of the rain heron affecting the climate allows the theme of man’s impact on the land to be explored.
This is my kind of writing for sure but I have to say I didn’t love it quite as much as Flames. I’m not sure why as the writing was gorgeous and the magical realism certainly makes my heart sing. Still it is a book I would recommend and I’m looking forward to reading more from Robbie Arnott in the future.
The book is crafted in parts with the initial section almost fable like. The story of the rain heron and how it bestows its benevolence and its malice was an almost bewildering start to the book. This initial part is peak magical realism and I loved it!
The story then shifts to a mountainside where Ren lives a life of solitude hiding out from the world that has been rocked by a military coup. Ren hunts and secretly trades goods with a local villager until one day soldiers arrive. When she can no longer hide from them she discovers that led by a young woman, they have come in search of the myth of the rain heron.
The next part flashes back to the young solider Zoe’s childhood down south in a remote coastal town. Her aunt introduces her to the secret way locals harvest the coveted squid ink. This section has to be experienced to be believed - wow is all I will say!
Then it’s back to Ren and Zoe alternately in the present day. Both have to confront aspects of their past and grapple with things they have done in order to find peace.
Throughout the book, the coup that impacts on all the characters is not dwelled on, it becomes part of the background rather than the main event. This brought a general sense of unease which was cleverly done.
The Rain Heron is a sublime example of writing. Arnott depicts nature in such vivid and imaginative ways. The harsh landscapes echo the dark and sometimes violent events that thread throughout the book. The magical realism is subtle and not overdone. The symbol of the rain heron affecting the climate allows the theme of man’s impact on the land to be explored.
This is my kind of writing for sure but I have to say I didn’t love it quite as much as Flames. I’m not sure why as the writing was gorgeous and the magical realism certainly makes my heart sing. Still it is a book I would recommend and I’m looking forward to reading more from Robbie Arnott in the future.
laceyslibrary's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. It read like a gorgeous environmental fable and the language was absolutely stunning. I was both enchanted by the author's lush description of the environment and equally sickened by the human characters actions. I would highly recommend this book - one of the best books I've read this year.
riverss's review against another edition
1.0
I'm tempted to give this book one star because of the rampant ableism. At no point is it addressed or challenged by anyone; the other characters are there only to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. The last drop for me was the At least you're seeing clearer comment, at which point I almost laughed because it's just ridiculously stereotypical.
I could write an essay about the disability representation in this book because it's just that awful. I'll highlight two of the worst tropes here: the link between blindness and insight, as illustrated by the quote above, ages-old but just as harmful. The second is disability/disfigurement as punishment for actions/sins. Near the end of the book, the character states that she would finally receive the blindness my actions had earned. YIKES
The author uses the moment the character becomes impaired as an opportunity to write some rather grotesque imagery, including: From up there, I could see the bleeding, screaming cyclops I had become. DOUBLE YIKES
There's much more, but I don't want to give any more energy to this book. It didn't enthrall me at any point, and the ableism only made it worse, so there's that. I'm glad it's not that popular, and I hope it stays this way.
And the truth is, I probably wouldn't have noticed or questioned these things two years ago in the same way they seem to have gone unnoticed by most readers, meanwhile (consciously or not) perpetuating harmful stereotypes about disability.
Just kidding, it's one star; it's awful with and without the ableism
I could write an essay about the disability representation in this book because it's just that awful. I'll highlight two of the worst tropes here: the link between blindness and insight, as illustrated by the quote above, ages-old but just as harmful. The second is disability/disfigurement as punishment for actions/sins. Near the end of the book, the character states that she would finally receive the blindness my actions had earned. YIKES
The author uses the moment the character becomes impaired as an opportunity to write some rather grotesque imagery, including: From up there, I could see the bleeding, screaming cyclops I had become. DOUBLE YIKES
There's much more, but I don't want to give any more energy to this book. It didn't enthrall me at any point, and the ableism only made it worse, so there's that. I'm glad it's not that popular, and I hope it stays this way.
And the truth is, I probably wouldn't have noticed or questioned these things two years ago in the same way they seem to have gone unnoticed by most readers, meanwhile (consciously or not) perpetuating harmful stereotypes about disability.
Just kidding, it's one star; it's awful with and without the ableism
ceredonia's review against another edition
5.0
Wow.
I can't find any fault in this story. It's crafted perfectly. Every piece ties together. The prose is beautiful, the choice to not break dialogue out is masterful, the visuals and imagery are astounding. It feels timeless and could be set in so many beautiful regions in the world. Just overall incredible. The storyline is simple, magical, intriguing, believable.
I will definitely be reading this again and adding it to my personal collection of favorites.
I can't find any fault in this story. It's crafted perfectly. Every piece ties together. The prose is beautiful, the choice to not break dialogue out is masterful, the visuals and imagery are astounding. It feels timeless and could be set in so many beautiful regions in the world. Just overall incredible. The storyline is simple, magical, intriguing, believable.
I will definitely be reading this again and adding it to my personal collection of favorites.
erikofthenorth's review against another edition
4.0
4.25/5 Stars
Knowing little about this book beyond some general positive praise from a friend, I dove in and found it to be an absolute gem of a story. Compelling characters and palpable depictions of tense interactions between them made for a brisk and arresting read. The mysticism and folklore elements similarly proved to be captivating. The most surprising aspect of this book? The seeming lack of readers given it's quality! This one gets high marks all around from me.
Knowing little about this book beyond some general positive praise from a friend, I dove in and found it to be an absolute gem of a story. Compelling characters and palpable depictions of tense interactions between them made for a brisk and arresting read. The mysticism and folklore elements similarly proved to be captivating. The most surprising aspect of this book? The seeming lack of readers given it's quality! This one gets high marks all around from me.