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The Promise of Rain
A treasured necklace that could unlock a family mystery. But why has it been hidden away for sixty years?
With her thirtieth birthday on the horizon, Anna Kotze has accepted that there are some family secrets she’ll never know. While her mother’s Zimbabwean roots are woven into her life, all her father will say is that he was adopted. But when she finds an engraved necklace hidden among his things, a surprise piece of the puzzle finally falls into place: her father wasn’t just adopted—he was abandoned.
The only clue to her grandmother’s identity is the inscription, ‘Indira’, Anna’s own middle name. But who was her namesake and where is she now?
Anna knows she must do whatever it takes to find answers. But when clues finally begin to emerge between the thunderstorms of Zimbabwe and the monsoons of India, she realises the necklace could take her deeper than she imagined. Is she ready for what she might find? And will the truth finally chase away the dark clouds hanging over her family’s past?
With her thirtieth birthday on the horizon, Anna Kotze has accepted that there are some family secrets she’ll never know. While her mother’s Zimbabwean roots are woven into her life, all her father will say is that he was adopted. But when she finds an engraved necklace hidden among his things, a surprise piece of the puzzle finally falls into place: her father wasn’t just adopted—he was abandoned.
The only clue to her grandmother’s identity is the inscription, ‘Indira’, Anna’s own middle name. But who was her namesake and where is she now?
Anna knows she must do whatever it takes to find answers. But when clues finally begin to emerge between the thunderstorms of Zimbabwe and the monsoons of India, she realises the necklace could take her deeper than she imagined. Is she ready for what she might find? And will the truth finally chase away the dark clouds hanging over her family’s past?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
532 people are currently reading
4252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 2, 2025
3.5⭐️ = Quite Good.
Paperback.
This was my monthly book club read.
I enjoyed the setting immensely and the descriptive side was quite good. For me, it started really well but then I lost a little interest about halfway through. I very much enjoyed the diary section about Indira and wish there had been more of this. The ending felt ever so slightly rushed and I would like to have read more about their continuing relationships.
This might be for you if you enjoy reading about other cultures and don’t mind a small section involving a dual time line.
Paperback.
This was my monthly book club read.
I enjoyed the setting immensely and the descriptive side was quite good. For me, it started really well but then I lost a little interest about halfway through. I very much enjoyed the diary section about Indira and wish there had been more of this. The ending felt ever so slightly rushed and I would like to have read more about their continuing relationships.
This might be for you if you enjoy reading about other cultures and don’t mind a small section involving a dual time line.
April 9, 2024
I received an AD PR copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the readalong hosted by Tandem Collective UK.
The Promise of Rain is a beautiful emotional story about finding out who you really are and where you came from.
Anna is a doctor and has always felt like something was missing from her life. After a break-up, she goes with her parents to Zimbabwe, where her mother is from. Her father is Indian but knows nothing of his heritage or family as he was adopted as a baby after being abandoned outside a church. Anna longs to teace her father's family and roots, but he has closed the door to the past and doesn't want to re-open it. I found Anna very pushy about the subject as she didn't honour her father's wishes in the matter, but I could at the same time understand her need to find out for herself. The backstory of her fathers family is heartbreaking and made me both angry and upset for his paternal mother.
The book was very well researched, and I couldn't put it down, especially after the diary entries.
This is the second book by Vasundra Tailor that I've had the pleasure of reading, and I can't wait to read what she writes next.
The Promise of Rain is a beautiful emotional story about finding out who you really are and where you came from.
Anna is a doctor and has always felt like something was missing from her life. After a break-up, she goes with her parents to Zimbabwe, where her mother is from. Her father is Indian but knows nothing of his heritage or family as he was adopted as a baby after being abandoned outside a church. Anna longs to teace her father's family and roots, but he has closed the door to the past and doesn't want to re-open it. I found Anna very pushy about the subject as she didn't honour her father's wishes in the matter, but I could at the same time understand her need to find out for herself. The backstory of her fathers family is heartbreaking and made me both angry and upset for his paternal mother.
The book was very well researched, and I couldn't put it down, especially after the diary entries.
This is the second book by Vasundra Tailor that I've had the pleasure of reading, and I can't wait to read what she writes next.
March 12, 2024
I got this book free from Amazon First Reads and chose it because it sounded interesting, but I was too taken with the book. It was OK is really the most I can say about it. The story line was interesting enough - about a woman, Anna, living in London of mixed heritage - mother and father is from Zimbabwe but her father is of Indian heritage and had been adopted by a Zimbabwean couple. It comes to light that he was actually a foundling and has no interest in finding out about his background. Anna on the other hand is determined to find things out as she feels incomplete without knowing more about her Indian heritage, despite the pain and anguish of her father. Although the book does go into the reasons for his feelings I didn't feel it explored this in any depth and all the writing about how she felt just gave me the impression of a selfish woman. There were times I really disliked her. The writing and the story did seem to drag at times, overall I felt the book lacked depth.
Want to read
May 29, 2024As Anna Kotze approaches her thirtieth birthday, she resigns herself to the fact that certain family secrets may forever remain shrouded in mystery.
While her mother's Zimbabwean heritage colours her existence, her father's past remains elusive, with only the cryptic mention of adoption. However, a chance discovery of an intricately engraved necklace nestled within her father's belongings suddenly unravels decades of uncertainty, revealing a startling revelation: her father wasn't merely adopted; he was abandoned.
Etched with the name Indira - Anna's middle name, the necklace becomes a tantalising clue to her grandmother's identity. Yet, it raises more questions than answers. Who was Indira, and what became of her?
Determined to unearth the truth, Anna embarks on a quest for answers, her journey leading her from the tumultuous storms of Zimbabwe to the mystical monsoons of India. Along the way, she grapples with the realisation that the necklace holds the key to a deeper, more profound truth than she ever imagined.
As clues slowly materialise, Anna finds herself confronting not only the enigma of her family's past but also the shadows that have long haunted her lineage. Will she have the courage to face the revelations that await her? And can the truth she seeks finally dispel the darkness that looms over her family's history?
What occurs next, is a journey of self-discovery, concealed secrets and an unravelling of a mystery that spans generations and continents. Thank you so much to the author - Vasundra Tailor and the team at @tandemcollectiveuk @amazonpublishing for running this book tour!
While her mother's Zimbabwean heritage colours her existence, her father's past remains elusive, with only the cryptic mention of adoption. However, a chance discovery of an intricately engraved necklace nestled within her father's belongings suddenly unravels decades of uncertainty, revealing a startling revelation: her father wasn't merely adopted; he was abandoned.
Etched with the name Indira - Anna's middle name, the necklace becomes a tantalising clue to her grandmother's identity. Yet, it raises more questions than answers. Who was Indira, and what became of her?
Determined to unearth the truth, Anna embarks on a quest for answers, her journey leading her from the tumultuous storms of Zimbabwe to the mystical monsoons of India. Along the way, she grapples with the realisation that the necklace holds the key to a deeper, more profound truth than she ever imagined.
As clues slowly materialise, Anna finds herself confronting not only the enigma of her family's past but also the shadows that have long haunted her lineage. Will she have the courage to face the revelations that await her? And can the truth she seeks finally dispel the darkness that looms over her family's history?
What occurs next, is a journey of self-discovery, concealed secrets and an unravelling of a mystery that spans generations and continents. Thank you so much to the author - Vasundra Tailor and the team at @tandemcollectiveuk @amazonpublishing for running this book tour!
March 17, 2024
In need of an editor
I picked this as my Amazon First reads as I had enjoyed The Secret of Elephants. This story is inferior. The writing is amateurish and immature, the story predictable and there are continuity errors. This is a disappointment as the blurb had potential. Part 3 was the best part of the book, it is a shame the rest wasn't up to this standard.
I picked this as my Amazon First reads as I had enjoyed The Secret of Elephants. This story is inferior. The writing is amateurish and immature, the story predictable and there are continuity errors. This is a disappointment as the blurb had potential. Part 3 was the best part of the book, it is a shame the rest wasn't up to this standard.
January 3, 2025
I do not know how I finished this. I didn’t engage with the storyline or the characters. I thought the protagonist self obsessed.
May 10, 2024
I really struggled with what rating to give this book. On the face of it, it's a beautiful story of a woman's tenacious search for her roots. Bi-racial characters are few and far between in literature and it is great to have different cultures represented.
But (and it's quite a big but I'm afraid)
The protagonist is not really a likable person. She puts her own desire to learn more about her history ahead of the very real and understandable feelings of her father. I think we're supposed to feel that it all works out well in the end, but I couldn't imagine being so selfish as to completely dismiss my parents repeated requests to stop. She also bares no mind to how her search will impact her grandmother or her family. I found all of the relationships she has throughout the book to lack balance and depth. Plus, for someone SO desperate to learn more about her heritage she seems to have made b*gger all effort to do any research.
The writing felt a little immature at times, by which I mean the author is still honing her craft. Descriptors felt unnecessary and even forced at times. As if she wanted to make sure you knew about something - do we need an explanation for what a street kid is? It just didn't flow quite right for me.
I do see the potential and I decided to keep reading (I was coming off a thriller binge and I think I kept expecting a big reveal at the end - the circumstances of conception were not much of a twist!). However, I'm not sure I'd reach for another book by this author unfortunately. Sorry 😐
(I downloaded this book as part of Amazon Prime First Reads)
But (and it's quite a big but I'm afraid)
The protagonist is not really a likable person. She puts her own desire to learn more about her history ahead of the very real and understandable feelings of her father. I think we're supposed to feel that it all works out well in the end, but I couldn't imagine being so selfish as to completely dismiss my parents repeated requests to stop. She also bares no mind to how her search will impact her grandmother or her family. I found all of the relationships she has throughout the book to lack balance and depth. Plus, for someone SO desperate to learn more about her heritage she seems to have made b*gger all effort to do any research.
The writing felt a little immature at times, by which I mean the author is still honing her craft. Descriptors felt unnecessary and even forced at times. As if she wanted to make sure you knew about something - do we need an explanation for what a street kid is? It just didn't flow quite right for me.
I do see the potential and I decided to keep reading (I was coming off a thriller binge and I think I kept expecting a big reveal at the end - the circumstances of conception were not much of a twist!). However, I'm not sure I'd reach for another book by this author unfortunately. Sorry 😐
(I downloaded this book as part of Amazon Prime First Reads)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2024
I don't even know why I finished this. Maybe it was because I didn't really have anything lined up to read afterwards. It seemed too feeble a read for it to take me longer than a couple days to finish.
It was a weak book wherever I looked at it. Plain, one-dimensional characters moved by a single purpose. Shallow personalities, toughts and decisions. Anna wanting to find the truth behind her father's adoption story because she HAD to? Excuse me, but you don't HAVE to do anything, especially mess with someone else's adoption trauma, and even more especially after repeatedly being told to stop messing with it. The whole plot based on the "I have to" presmise was icky and cringey. I hated it.
Also, the main character was completely devoid of introspection. Instead, she would just imagine different scenarios. What a way of filling up page space with crap.
And don't get me started on the happy ending where she finds everything she was looking for and everyone ends up being happy. Put a ribbon on it, why don't you.
It was a weak book wherever I looked at it. Plain, one-dimensional characters moved by a single purpose. Shallow personalities, toughts and decisions. Anna wanting to find the truth behind her father's adoption story because she HAD to? Excuse me, but you don't HAVE to do anything, especially mess with someone else's adoption trauma, and even more especially after repeatedly being told to stop messing with it. The whole plot based on the "I have to" presmise was icky and cringey. I hated it.
Also, the main character was completely devoid of introspection. Instead, she would just imagine different scenarios. What a way of filling up page space with crap.
And don't get me started on the happy ending where she finds everything she was looking for and everyone ends up being happy. Put a ribbon on it, why don't you.
April 16, 2024
3.5⭐️
This book was an emotional story of self discovery, following the FMC Anna as she delves into her family history to discover more about her Dads birth family, who they were and where they came from.
I loved the travel references within this book, it was really well researched and well written.
I did dislike the FMC at points though, she didn’t seem to have much regard for her father’s feelings and wishes and the ending was slightly disappointing, the whole story led up to the ending for it to be over so quickly.
Overall an enjoyable read, but a few things were lacking for me.
This book was an emotional story of self discovery, following the FMC Anna as she delves into her family history to discover more about her Dads birth family, who they were and where they came from.
I loved the travel references within this book, it was really well researched and well written.
I did dislike the FMC at points though, she didn’t seem to have much regard for her father’s feelings and wishes and the ending was slightly disappointing, the whole story led up to the ending for it to be over so quickly.
Overall an enjoyable read, but a few things were lacking for me.
April 6, 2024
Oh dear
After having read The Secret of Elephants, which I loved, I was looking forward to reading another book by this author. However, it's difficult to believe that this is by the same person. The writing is awful, the dialogue stilted and awkward. I couldn't get past the first score of pages. Very disappointing.
After having read The Secret of Elephants, which I loved, I was looking forward to reading another book by this author. However, it's difficult to believe that this is by the same person. The writing is awful, the dialogue stilted and awkward. I couldn't get past the first score of pages. Very disappointing.
July 3, 2025
I enjoyed the detail that the author put into the various settings of this book - I could smell the curry and feel the heat of India. My genealogy heart also loved the plot.
July 5, 2024
Sometimes the KindleUnlimited books (this had text and audio) can be hit or miss. This was a miss for me, I had to push to finish. I can't say exactly what it was I didn't like ... it just seemed very distant, it didn't pull me in. I never really cared about the characters. The writing was just dry. "With sensitivity she gave the explanation ..." It wasn't the writing that evokes emotions and visualizations. Just stark. Stilted. I looked to see if this had been translated, but that didn't appear to be the case (wondering of some flow had been lost in translation). Anna's parents were referred to by their names as much or more than "her dad/mom" and at times I'd forget that "Matthew" was Anna's father, etc. More disconnect.
The title ... after a search for "rain" I suppose I can sort of see the possible title connection ... "the rains will start soon, then everything will change" "Everything will change when the rains come" ... but really, what did rain have to do with anything? I like a title that really comes into play. This didn't, and it's a very general title with dozens of other books with this title or something very similar. Add to that the generic "back of a woman walking" ... and again, what does this image have to do with the book? While I know there's the whole "don't judge a book by it's cover" ... while this cover is pretty, it's nonsensical.
There were four "parts" with 41 chapters running chronologically. Chapter one gives the reader a location/date of North London/July 2018. These helpful headers were not on every chapter and not included on the Table of Contents (to do a quick track of changes). Part 3 was a major shift ... up until that point, everything had been from the POV of Anna, 3rd person/past tense.
In Part 3, we change to Indira, in India/1954 ... this is written journal style, 1st person/present tense. If there was any part I felt more connected to, it was here. The other parts, with Anna and her quest ... the 3rd person made it distant, and she just wasn't a very likeable character. I guess I'm lucky, having my own family history recorded and at my fingertips (thanks to a family into genealogy and https://www.familysearch.org/ ... and while I find it interesting, I'm not obsessive about it, or feel incomplete (again, maybe not a fair comparison). But Anna's "I HAVE to find out" was very annoying ... not caring at all the emotional impact that reveals have on her father, or other possible family out there.
In Part 3, we find out more history of Indira ... it a rape can be barely mentioned ... that was the case here, although ... was it? Again, it's barely addressed, and at times sounded consensual (if not fully understood). I'm trying to understand how sheltered a girl could have been to not understand ANYTHING. Her father calls her simple and mentally handicapped ... and I actually wondered for a bit if she was. The marriage reminded me a bit of the one in The Covenant of Water (a relief to actually have one that isn't horrible).
There were times I wondered if the author was getting a product placement kickback from "What's App" ...
No proFanity. There is a rape and some domestic violence.
The title ... after a search for "rain" I suppose I can sort of see the possible title connection ... "the rains will start soon, then everything will change" "Everything will change when the rains come" ... but really, what did rain have to do with anything? I like a title that really comes into play. This didn't, and it's a very general title with dozens of other books with this title or something very similar. Add to that the generic "back of a woman walking" ... and again, what does this image have to do with the book? While I know there's the whole "don't judge a book by it's cover" ... while this cover is pretty, it's nonsensical.
There were four "parts" with 41 chapters running chronologically. Chapter one gives the reader a location/date of North London/July 2018. These helpful headers were not on every chapter and not included on the Table of Contents (to do a quick track of changes). Part 3 was a major shift ... up until that point, everything had been from the POV of Anna, 3rd person/past tense.
In Part 3, we change to Indira, in India/1954 ... this is written journal style, 1st person/present tense. If there was any part I felt more connected to, it was here. The other parts, with Anna and her quest ... the 3rd person made it distant, and she just wasn't a very likeable character. I guess I'm lucky, having my own family history recorded and at my fingertips (thanks to a family into genealogy and https://www.familysearch.org/ ... and while I find it interesting, I'm not obsessive about it, or feel incomplete (again, maybe not a fair comparison). But Anna's "I HAVE to find out" was very annoying ... not caring at all the emotional impact that reveals have on her father, or other possible family out there.
In Part 3, we find out more history of Indira ... it a rape can be barely mentioned ... that was the case here, although ... was it? Again, it's barely addressed, and at times sounded consensual (if not fully understood). I'm trying to understand how sheltered a girl could have been to not understand ANYTHING. Her father calls her simple and mentally handicapped ... and I actually wondered for a bit if she was. The marriage reminded me a bit of the one in The Covenant of Water (a relief to actually have one that isn't horrible).
There were times I wondered if the author was getting a product placement kickback from "What's App" ...
No proFanity. There is a rape and some domestic violence.
April 12, 2024
The Promise of Rain is a compelling and well-written narrative that delves into the complex themes of family and culture. It follows the story of Ann Kotze, who embarks on a journey to India to learn more about her roots and the impact of her cultural heritage on her identity.
Throughout the story, the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride, following Ann's quest to uncover the truth about her father's past. He was abandoned as a baby and left for adoption at a church, and Ann is determined to find out more about his family and the circumstances that led to his abandonment.
The author does an excellent job of immersing the reader in Ann's journey, and her storytelling is both engaging and insightful. The book provides a unique perspective on the impact of culture and heritage on family relationships, and the challenges that can arise when one tries to uncover their past.
While Ann's determination to uncover the truth is admirable, there are moments where she comes across as disrespectful of the wishes of others. However, this flaw only serves to make her character more relatable and human, and it does not detract from the overall impact of the story.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex themes of family, culture, and identity. It is a moving and thought-provoking narrative that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
#thepromiseofrain #thepromiseofrainreadalong #bookreview #tandemreadalong
Throughout the story, the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride, following Ann's quest to uncover the truth about her father's past. He was abandoned as a baby and left for adoption at a church, and Ann is determined to find out more about his family and the circumstances that led to his abandonment.
The author does an excellent job of immersing the reader in Ann's journey, and her storytelling is both engaging and insightful. The book provides a unique perspective on the impact of culture and heritage on family relationships, and the challenges that can arise when one tries to uncover their past.
While Ann's determination to uncover the truth is admirable, there are moments where she comes across as disrespectful of the wishes of others. However, this flaw only serves to make her character more relatable and human, and it does not detract from the overall impact of the story.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex themes of family, culture, and identity. It is a moving and thought-provoking narrative that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
#thepromiseofrain #thepromiseofrainreadalong #bookreview #tandemreadalong
April 5, 2024
The premise of this story was an interesting one - Anna is our main character who goes on an adventure with the purpose of trying to find out more about her father’s history. She discovers that he was a foundling, his family are from Zimbabwe and she is keen to learn more about her heritage and culture.
I found the main character in this story interesting - she is a very determined women. She knew what she wanted and very little was going to distract or deter her from achieving that. At times that meant I found myself getting quite cross with her as it seems like her own needs and feelings completely trumped those of her father. While I think she was good intentioned and felt she was doing the right thing for her father, I thought this was too important a decision to make and overrule his wishes.
The book does take us on an interesting journey and I did enjoy getting to know the various characters and learning more about Zimbabwe.
The writing is beautifully descriptive and the author is skilled at bringing the scenes to life - I could really close my eyes and just imagine I was right there alongside the characters.
Despite my frustration with the main character, this was an enjoyable read
I found the main character in this story interesting - she is a very determined women. She knew what she wanted and very little was going to distract or deter her from achieving that. At times that meant I found myself getting quite cross with her as it seems like her own needs and feelings completely trumped those of her father. While I think she was good intentioned and felt she was doing the right thing for her father, I thought this was too important a decision to make and overrule his wishes.
The book does take us on an interesting journey and I did enjoy getting to know the various characters and learning more about Zimbabwe.
The writing is beautifully descriptive and the author is skilled at bringing the scenes to life - I could really close my eyes and just imagine I was right there alongside the characters.
Despite my frustration with the main character, this was an enjoyable read
March 9, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's split into four parts. I felt like the third and fourth parts were better than the first two parts. In the first two parts, our main character, Anna, is way too pushy and seems bratty. I feel like she thinks it's all about her during these two parts. I really enjoyed part three, and I think part four was better than the first two parts.
The dialogue felt a bit off. It just really didn't feel like how people would talk. There were also several places where the characters seemed to have over-the-top responses to minor situations. That's the best way that I can explain it.
This book has a handful of words that some people would consider swear words, including at least one or two uses of the Lord's name in vain. As a warning to readers, there are several sensitive topics covered in this book. I felt like these topics were handled in a sensitive way. There's no graphic sexual content or graphic violence in this book.
The dialogue felt a bit off. It just really didn't feel like how people would talk. There were also several places where the characters seemed to have over-the-top responses to minor situations. That's the best way that I can explain it.
This book has a handful of words that some people would consider swear words, including at least one or two uses of the Lord's name in vain. As a warning to readers, there are several sensitive topics covered in this book. I felt like these topics were handled in a sensitive way. There's no graphic sexual content or graphic violence in this book.
April 11, 2024
4.5 stars
We start this book with a necklace that is the key to a family secret that has been hidden for sixty years.
Anna Kotze knows all about her mothers Zimbabwean roots but nothing about her fathers side of the family as he was adopted. The only clue she has is the necklace which has the name Indira inscribed into it, this is also Anna’s middle name. With a determination to find out who she is she goes on a mission to find out more.
Ok for me at the start of the book I felt annoyed at Anna as her father doesn’t want to know and she goes against his wishes which upsets him. The more I read the more I understood but yes it was tough. I loved all the setting and family in both Zimbabwae and India and you really felt you were with Anna which is a sign of good writing. The history element was also written so well and put in place perfectly. I loved how protective Anna’s mother was of her father and the family was great. If you enjoy books about family then definitely pick this up.
May 2, 2024
4⭐️
Anna has been surrounded by her mothers Zimababwean heritage her whole life but never knew much regarding her father’s heritage other than that her father was Indian. She finds a necklace engraved with her middle name ‘Indira’. It also happens to be her estranged paternal grandmother’s name.
All her life she believed her father was adopted from birth but he’s very hush hush regarding any details.
With it all being an off-limits subject, she only become more persistent and determined for answers about her heritage and roots.
Anna was pretty pushy regarding answers her father wasn’t necessarily willing to give and personally believe she should have respected her father’s choice to keep the door closed but I do also understand the level of curiosity she had to find herself.
The backstory of Anna’s father is both heartbreaking and quite honestly got a tear or two from me for her grandmother.
This book had me angry, sad and so many other emotions but I enjoyed it alot.
April 23, 2025
hmmmm….
While I really enjoyed another book by this author, this book was a tad disappointing. I really did not care for the main character, Anna. She was overly pushy and dismissive, and went against her father‘s wishes even though it was obvious that it was causing him great pain. Although in the end things worked out nicely, I just couldn’t understand how this author could think that a character that was as pushy and demanding as Anna was would be likable. She did what she did for selfish reasons that I couldn’t quite understand. Then again, I am not a mixed race woman. Also, the book tries too hard to be a lesson in history. It could’ve been shorter in my opinion. Anyway, that will not put me off on this author because I do enjoy the way she writes and I did enjoy the other book. I read by her.
While I really enjoyed another book by this author, this book was a tad disappointing. I really did not care for the main character, Anna. She was overly pushy and dismissive, and went against her father‘s wishes even though it was obvious that it was causing him great pain. Although in the end things worked out nicely, I just couldn’t understand how this author could think that a character that was as pushy and demanding as Anna was would be likable. She did what she did for selfish reasons that I couldn’t quite understand. Then again, I am not a mixed race woman. Also, the book tries too hard to be a lesson in history. It could’ve been shorter in my opinion. Anyway, that will not put me off on this author because I do enjoy the way she writes and I did enjoy the other book. I read by her.
March 17, 2024
A very touching story of someone in search of their past and never giving up despite the difficulties.
Anna Kotze is a doctor in London. All she knows about her past is that her father was adopted and he does not want to know anything about his past and refuses to talk about it.
When Anna treats a women who is involved in domestic abuse, she arranges for her to go to a shelter where the person who is on reception when Anna goes to visit is very similar race to her. As it happens the workers mother is visiting and when Anna meets her she finds out that the mother grew up in Zimbabwe and turns out to be a classmate of her fathers. She introduces the woman to her father and Anna decides to visit Zimbabwe and meets up with her and together with another member of her family goes in search of her fathers family and that leads her to Mumbai and Anna eventually finds her grandmother.
Anna Kotze is a doctor in London. All she knows about her past is that her father was adopted and he does not want to know anything about his past and refuses to talk about it.
When Anna treats a women who is involved in domestic abuse, she arranges for her to go to a shelter where the person who is on reception when Anna goes to visit is very similar race to her. As it happens the workers mother is visiting and when Anna meets her she finds out that the mother grew up in Zimbabwe and turns out to be a classmate of her fathers. She introduces the woman to her father and Anna decides to visit Zimbabwe and meets up with her and together with another member of her family goes in search of her fathers family and that leads her to Mumbai and Anna eventually finds her grandmother.
May 1, 2024
What a beautifully written story. It's an emotional read. This was the first story I've read written by Vasundra and won't be the last.
The story follows Anna, who after a relationship break up goes to Zimbabwe with her parents; where her mother originates from. Her father is Indian but doesn't know anything about his family as he was left outside a church as a baby.
Anna is eager to learn more about her father's heritage but he just wants to leave the past in the past. As the story progresses and we learn more about Anna's father, the story is pretty heartbreaking to say the least.
I loved the way the author writes as the story is brought to life by her words and skillful writing. Really did enjoy reading it
The story follows Anna, who after a relationship break up goes to Zimbabwe with her parents; where her mother originates from. Her father is Indian but doesn't know anything about his family as he was left outside a church as a baby.
Anna is eager to learn more about her father's heritage but he just wants to leave the past in the past. As the story progresses and we learn more about Anna's father, the story is pretty heartbreaking to say the least.
I loved the way the author writes as the story is brought to life by her words and skillful writing. Really did enjoy reading it
May 2, 2024
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I recently took part in the Tandem Collective readalong for The Promise of Rain by Vasundra Tailor.
Anna Katze is nearing thirty and has begun to accept that there is a side of her family that she will never know about.
Her mother’s Zimbabwean roots are an integral part of her life, but she knows barely anything about her father’s childhood or his family.
When she comes across an old necklace engraved with the name Indira, she is determined to piece together the history of her family.
Independent doing so, she will uncover far more than she hoped, but is it more than her father wants her to reveal.
I thought this was a beautifully written book and loved finding out about Anna’s family history.
I recently took part in the Tandem Collective readalong for The Promise of Rain by Vasundra Tailor.
Anna Katze is nearing thirty and has begun to accept that there is a side of her family that she will never know about.
Her mother’s Zimbabwean roots are an integral part of her life, but she knows barely anything about her father’s childhood or his family.
When she comes across an old necklace engraved with the name Indira, she is determined to piece together the history of her family.
Independent doing so, she will uncover far more than she hoped, but is it more than her father wants her to reveal.
I thought this was a beautifully written book and loved finding out about Anna’s family history.
July 20, 2024
Good story but…
I had planned to give this book 4 stars. I wish the stories had been intertwined rather than separate parts. The book seemed to take a while to get going, but then crash landed into a happy yet predictable ending.
However, the characterization of Anna really irked me. She came across as a spoiled, perhaps even entitled child. Several times she stated, “I need to know” in reference to her father’s past. I found myself yelling at her at various points in the book.
When she did it in one of the last scenes, I knew I wouldn’t go higher than 3 stars.
Maybe it was the audio version but Anna came across as whiny and prone to temper tantrums. I wanted to cheer for her, but I just couldn’t.
I had planned to give this book 4 stars. I wish the stories had been intertwined rather than separate parts. The book seemed to take a while to get going, but then crash landed into a happy yet predictable ending.
However, the characterization of Anna really irked me. She came across as a spoiled, perhaps even entitled child. Several times she stated, “I need to know” in reference to her father’s past. I found myself yelling at her at various points in the book.
When she did it in one of the last scenes, I knew I wouldn’t go higher than 3 stars.
Maybe it was the audio version but Anna came across as whiny and prone to temper tantrums. I wanted to cheer for her, but I just couldn’t.
April 22, 2025
An amazing story of a young woman in search of her roots - while she grew up embracing her Zimbabwean heritage she is in search of her fathers Indian heritage, he having been an adopted foundling with no knowledge of his birth parents. And quite amazingly this is also a story of a necklace which in a roundabout way lead Anna Indira on her journey. I loved the rich descriptions of the peoples, cultures and food! This is a story of great resilience and of love - the love of people who are able to experience and express it as well as the story of those who are closed off to love and how this terribly hurts others & in the end themselves. Have a Kleenex box handy if you cry easily because as you progress through this journey surely you'll find yourself dabbing your eyes.
April 15, 2024
An amazing emotional read.
This read had me staying up late trying to consume it as fast as I could. Tailor brings us an emotionally charged story about a woman who longs to fin herself/more about herself. Anna is a character that all women can real to in some way, she is both strong and determined and doesn't back down even when faced with closed doors or disapproval.
TPOR really explores the themes of family and culture and the differences upbringing and experience you can have to people close to you. I found this book both deep and eye opening and it left me with a lot to thunk about by the time I put it down. Will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
This read had me staying up late trying to consume it as fast as I could. Tailor brings us an emotionally charged story about a woman who longs to fin herself/more about herself. Anna is a character that all women can real to in some way, she is both strong and determined and doesn't back down even when faced with closed doors or disapproval.
TPOR really explores the themes of family and culture and the differences upbringing and experience you can have to people close to you. I found this book both deep and eye opening and it left me with a lot to thunk about by the time I put it down. Will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
July 9, 2024
Promise of Rain, Vasundra Tailor.
Sometimes I want to read a simple narrative that has depth. The protagonist's search for her family story had me from page 1 but the early promise of this book which covers many social and cultural issues eventually lost its compulsion for me. Anna made me cross at times. Potential readers need to be aware that there are issues that would be triggers for some. In fairness, it is fiction.
Sometimes I want to read a simple narrative that has depth. The protagonist's search for her family story had me from page 1 but the early promise of this book which covers many social and cultural issues eventually lost its compulsion for me. Anna made me cross at times. Potential readers need to be aware that there are issues that would be triggers for some. In fairness, it is fiction.
April 6, 2024
I really enjoyed the concept of the story, the characters were likeable and I really liked the main character. I was let down at the end, I felt like we had waited so long for Matthew to meet his mother and then boom the description of it was minimal and the book just ended! It felt like a lot of investment for so little payoff in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
The moral of Tailor's new release The Promise of Rain is to never give up hope.
Its a touching story of a daughter's search into her family history and her father's heritage as she seeks to find his mother, and the origin of the necklace that bears her middle name Indira.
Throughout the book emotions run high and the truth is hard to bear. Part of me felt that things should have been left in the past as it unearthed a lot of bad memories, that after reading her diary entries I'm sure Indira didn't want to relive.
I really enjoyed the book and Tailor's writing style and I'm going to be reading The Secret of Elephants very soon.
Its a touching story of a daughter's search into her family history and her father's heritage as she seeks to find his mother, and the origin of the necklace that bears her middle name Indira.
Throughout the book emotions run high and the truth is hard to bear. Part of me felt that things should have been left in the past as it unearthed a lot of bad memories, that after reading her diary entries I'm sure Indira didn't want to relive.
I really enjoyed the book and Tailor's writing style and I'm going to be reading The Secret of Elephants very soon.
May 2, 2024
While this had an interesting storyline I felt the writing was a bit naive in places. Describing in real detail what people were eating I.e. a list of typical Indian dishes, or what they were wearing. I felt sorry for the main characters father her doggedness about finding out about his birth mother while laudable seemed to give him much pain and anguish. The ending was a bit predictable.
October 27, 2024
Anna, who lives in London, born to a Zimbabwean mother and an Indian father. Her father was adopted many years ago and Amna decides to learn more about both her father's biological family and more of her Indian culture.
I enjoyed the book, it wasn't what I was expecting but it was enjoyable to learn about both India and Zimbabwe.
I enjoyed the book, it wasn't what I was expecting but it was enjoyable to learn about both India and Zimbabwe.
December 15, 2024
I really enjoyed the book. I was really drawn into the story of Anna trying to first find who Indira then trying to find her. I was feeling Anna’s longing to find her grandmother and her disappointment at the times when it felt as if she never would. This book was very well written, and I would definitely recommend it.
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