A review by schnaucl
Nothing but the Rain by Naomi Salman

dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I enjoyed it, although the more I think about it the less reliable I find the narrator.  

I can't imagine how terrifying it would be if any time you came into contact with water it cost you some of your memory.   And how long would it take to figure out that's what happened, especially if you lived alone?

While I understand why people would want to try and leave, their plan to do so was never quite clear to me other than maybe they can't shoot all of us?  Except it seemed like they all expected to make it past the military barricade but without explaining how.  Or what they planned to do once they were past it.    It's set in modern times and I would imagine it's hard to prove you are who you say you are without some kind of proof.  I get that a lack of birth certificate for the child isn't the most pressing concern in that situation but eventually it'll come up.

I also wonder how many people deliberately stood outside in the rain and deliberately lost themselves, particularly if they thought they couldn't make it past the military blockade.   Would that be better or worse than being shot?   The death would certainly be prolonged and death by starvation isn't pretty but if you're not aware enough to know that's what's happening or to be aware of your hunger maybe that's kinder?

As to the ending, if time is of the essence, I'm not sure it makes sense that she let the child cry for her mother for three minutes.   It certainly makes for a dramatic end though.  I'm also wondering how old the kid was supposed to be when she was allowed to read the journal/diary.


Anyway, it's a really interesting concept.
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