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De jongen die het liet regenen
Een aangrijpend verhaal vol humor over een actueel thema, pesten.
Clem is nieuw in de stad en op school. Als nieuwkomer wordt hij geviseerd door een groepje jongens dat hem het leven zuur maakt.
Clem probeert hen uit de weg te gaan. Maar wat hij ook doet: de dreiging gaat zijn hele leven bepalen.
Tot het genoeg geweest is.
Tot het drama onafwendbaar is.
Hij was gewoon anders… omdat… omdat… nou, om te beginnen had hij een accent. Iedereen met een ander accent was meteen cool.
Rosie Farrell
Er was iets aan hem wat ik niet goed kon plaatsen. Ik kan er nog steeds de vinger niet op leggen wat het precies was. Maar er was íéts, weet u wat ik bedoel? Ik kan het niet goed uitleggen. Misschien was het de manier waarop hij je aankeek…
Rosie Farrells moeder
Clem was oké, op een saaie boekenwurmmanier. Hij had een grappige naam en een grappig accent. Sommige meiden vonden dat aantrekkelijk. En dat taaltje. Het was alsof ik luisterde naar iemand in Eastenders of Hollyoaks. Erotischer wordt het niet. Nee, ik bedoel… anders… exotisch. Exotischer wordt het niet. Erotisch, exotisch, whatever.
Cora Kelly
Clem is nieuw in de stad en op school. Als nieuwkomer wordt hij geviseerd door een groepje jongens dat hem het leven zuur maakt.
Clem probeert hen uit de weg te gaan. Maar wat hij ook doet: de dreiging gaat zijn hele leven bepalen.
Tot het genoeg geweest is.
Tot het drama onafwendbaar is.
Hij was gewoon anders… omdat… omdat… nou, om te beginnen had hij een accent. Iedereen met een ander accent was meteen cool.
Rosie Farrell
Er was iets aan hem wat ik niet goed kon plaatsen. Ik kan er nog steeds de vinger niet op leggen wat het precies was. Maar er was íéts, weet u wat ik bedoel? Ik kan het niet goed uitleggen. Misschien was het de manier waarop hij je aankeek…
Rosie Farrells moeder
Clem was oké, op een saaie boekenwurmmanier. Hij had een grappige naam en een grappig accent. Sommige meiden vonden dat aantrekkelijk. En dat taaltje. Het was alsof ik luisterde naar iemand in Eastenders of Hollyoaks. Erotischer wordt het niet. Nee, ik bedoel… anders… exotisch. Exotischer wordt het niet. Erotisch, exotisch, whatever.
Cora Kelly
226 pages, Hardcover
First published May 28, 2011
5 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Brian Conaghan
15 books97 followersBrian Conaghan lives and works in the Scottish town of Coatbridge. He has a Master of Letters in Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow, and worked as a teacher for many years. His novel When Mr Dog Bites was shortlisted for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal. The Bombs That Brought Us Together won the 2016 Costa Children’s Book Award, The Weight of a Thousand Feathers won the 2018 Irish Book Award for Teen/YA Book of the Year, and We Come Apart, a verse novel co-authored with Carnegie Medal-winner Sarah Crossan, won the 2018 UKLA Book Award. Cardboard Cowboys, Brian’s first middle-grade novel, published in 2021 and is full of his trademark heart, humour and crackling dialogue. Swimming on the Moon is his second middle-grade novel. @ConaghanAuthor
@BrianConaghan
@BrianConaghan
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 23, 2012
I don't know what to say, the ending just plain sucked.
Up until the ending, it was a two star book. It was kind of interesting, a different spin with different people talking about an event that happened.
So yeah I was curious about what was going to happen, it was a slow build to the climax of of what really happened at the school.
Then you get to what happens, then it just ends.
What. The. Fuck.
It just ends, so you don't know the consequences are, so yeah this book wasn't for me.
Up until the ending, it was a two star book. It was kind of interesting, a different spin with different people talking about an event that happened.
So yeah I was curious about what was going to happen, it was a slow build to the climax of of what really happened at the school.
Then you get to what happens, then it just ends.
What. The. Fuck.
It just ends, so you don't know the consequences are, so yeah this book wasn't for me.
April 4, 2011
The Boy Who Made It Rain
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
From the rich school he attended to the change to a poorer area Clem learns the true meaning of abuse, prejudice, bullying and discrimination. From being treated as a unique and pleasant young man to being mistreated and beaten by a group of boys who enjoy hurting others The Boy Who Made It Rain really gives the reader much pause for thought as you hear the voice of the characters as they relate their impressions, encounters and observations about Clem Curran. As you listen to the voices and read the narrations you will form your own opinions about each of the primary players in this novel and decide for yourself who was truly the cause of what happens and why.
As the story opens we learn that the book is divided into two unique and separate parts. The first introduces the characters or main players who relate their feelings, initial experiences and observations of our main character Clem Curran. Continued by describing their first meetings with him, how they interacted with him in school, their rivalries, their teacher’s relationship with him and their jealousies and more. Clem Curran is a brilliant scholar who loves English, Shakespeare and languages. There are many who do not understand much of what he does. The author begins by introducing the reader to Rosie who is definitely smitten with Clem. After reading how she describes him her observation of his looks, and how excited she was to be paired with him in Italian class you can tell she fancies him. Next, Classy Cora, her friend and yet rival for Clem’s attention and affection. Stating that he is boring and too into reading and books and not really her type. But, that remains to be seen. Next, we meet Paula Croal, the teacher who Rosie feels is too friendly to Clem yet not in the words of the teacher when we meet her. Ms. Croal is new to teaching and describes her feelings for Cora, Rosie and Clem quite differently and feels that Cora is the wrong friend for Rosie.
Each character creates his/her own picture and character analysis of Clem. What is really unique is that they are all different viewed from the perspective of the individual characters and how they feel they interacted with him while he attended the school in Scotland. Meeting Mr. Cunningham the head of the English Department is quite enlightening as he relates his views and opinions about each of the characters thus far and states that Cora in her slovenly way should drop out and go to beauty school, Rosie has a dark side and looks rather torn between death and the real world and Ms. Croal seems to emulate the lower end of the spectrum in dress but not in her ability to interact with the students and get the job done. Continuing we hear from Rosie’s mom who has her own take on her daughter’s friendship with Cora and hopes for her future. Hoping that her relationship with Clem will stay on an even keel but things change and she soon learns that Clem will be moving to England and what happens may affect Rosie greatly. The author continues with Mr. Cunningham describing Clem’s parents and his impression of them and how he wishes his education would not be interrupted at such a crucial juncture. But, the worst has yet to come since the move and the damage awaits poor Clem when he arrives in Glasgow and enters his new school. Trying to be invisible, staying to himself and not directly looking at anyone in eyes seemed to be the way to go until it was not. What that means you will learn as my review continues for The Boy Who Made It Rain an innovative novel that will keep you glued to the story until you turn the last page and learn the final outcome.
Basically told in narrative form hearing the thoughts and voices of each character author Brian Conaghan has written a really unique novel about a young man named Clem whose only interest in life is to become a success. Rosie’s mom voices her concerns about her friendship with Clem and how it started, where she thought it might go and the end result when Rosie finds out he is leaving and returning to England. Next, we have Rosie herself who spies on Clem and Ms. Croal whose behavior with him was anything but appropriate. Cora weighs in next as her best friend and we hear the concerns of Mr. Cunningham about Clem, his moving and his parents. Finally, we are now at part two where Clem’s voice will be heard and what happens next will surprise the reader.
Invisibility is all that Clem wanted. Searching for his own identity and living in a place he despised, hated and felt like an outcast in. With parents who did not really understand his isolated feelings and a father whose concern seemed only on his new job, Clem felt all alone except for Rosie, who he felt safe with yet did not really trust. As we hear his voice and he recounts the events that lead up to the dramatic ending, we learn about his first impressions of Rosie and what attracted him to her and the tenement where he will have to live. But, nothing is more horrific than the school he attends, the teens that are prejudice against him because he is different in too many ways. Commenting on his appearance, accent, intelligence and more he was a prime target for the NED’s a gang that prided themselves on slashing anyone that they felt was inferior to them or just plain different from them. Teenagers face many difficult things not just in Scotland but here in America too. Bullying is not unique to one place it seems like a universal problem. But the teachers in this school, although aware of the issues involving these NED’s and smokers they could only give advice which was fourfold to anyone experiencing the wrath of these gangs.
Rumors fly and Rosie and Clem both realize that listening to thoughts and words of others will only ruin the good that they have between them. But, then something happens and Clem snaps and disappears roaming the town for two days after suffering at the hand of one of the gang members. What happens when someone can’t take it anymore? What happens when you want to protect someone you care about but lose control or sight of what is real and not? What happens when the world fades and you just see what you want to see and the end result is not what you expect? As Clem faces his worst nightmare the reader will finally understand how far someone will go to protect someone they care about. The twist at the end will surprise the reader and the outcome will give you much pause for thought. As Clem finds his voice and decides what he needs to do he realizes that the end result is “ He Made It Rain.” Just how he created this water and who received the end result you will have to find out for yourself as the rain we are talking comes pouring out as Clem tries to protect his world, his point of view, his respect for himself, his dignity and his fear of what comes next. This is a unique book told from many different viewpoints. As we hear Clem’s thoughts and his voice comes through you can feel the frustration, fears, the anger and the disappointment faced by a young man who just wanted to succeed in school, mind his own business and stay invisible under the umbrella and not let the rain come down too hard.
Author Brian Conaghan brings to light the issue of bullying, class issues, prejudice and the difficulties teens face growing up in any society or country today. Hearing the voices of the characters and getting to understand them up-close and personal makes the book come alive and the characters real. What is the final outcome for Clem you will have to decide for yourself? Only the author knows the answers to this question. Thought provoking, mind stimulating and characters with individual voices that are heard loud and clear The Boy Who Made It Rain is a must read for everyone.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
http://nurtureyourbooks.ning.com/prof...
http://angiesdiary.com/?p=9635
http://minds-eye.ning.com/profiles/bl...
http://thebookmarketingnetwork.com/fo...
http://www.livelaughlovetoshop.com/fo...
I posted it on my facebook wall and twitter too
http://thestorytellerscafe.spruz.com/...
Reviewed by Fran Lewis
From the rich school he attended to the change to a poorer area Clem learns the true meaning of abuse, prejudice, bullying and discrimination. From being treated as a unique and pleasant young man to being mistreated and beaten by a group of boys who enjoy hurting others The Boy Who Made It Rain really gives the reader much pause for thought as you hear the voice of the characters as they relate their impressions, encounters and observations about Clem Curran. As you listen to the voices and read the narrations you will form your own opinions about each of the primary players in this novel and decide for yourself who was truly the cause of what happens and why.
As the story opens we learn that the book is divided into two unique and separate parts. The first introduces the characters or main players who relate their feelings, initial experiences and observations of our main character Clem Curran. Continued by describing their first meetings with him, how they interacted with him in school, their rivalries, their teacher’s relationship with him and their jealousies and more. Clem Curran is a brilliant scholar who loves English, Shakespeare and languages. There are many who do not understand much of what he does. The author begins by introducing the reader to Rosie who is definitely smitten with Clem. After reading how she describes him her observation of his looks, and how excited she was to be paired with him in Italian class you can tell she fancies him. Next, Classy Cora, her friend and yet rival for Clem’s attention and affection. Stating that he is boring and too into reading and books and not really her type. But, that remains to be seen. Next, we meet Paula Croal, the teacher who Rosie feels is too friendly to Clem yet not in the words of the teacher when we meet her. Ms. Croal is new to teaching and describes her feelings for Cora, Rosie and Clem quite differently and feels that Cora is the wrong friend for Rosie.
Each character creates his/her own picture and character analysis of Clem. What is really unique is that they are all different viewed from the perspective of the individual characters and how they feel they interacted with him while he attended the school in Scotland. Meeting Mr. Cunningham the head of the English Department is quite enlightening as he relates his views and opinions about each of the characters thus far and states that Cora in her slovenly way should drop out and go to beauty school, Rosie has a dark side and looks rather torn between death and the real world and Ms. Croal seems to emulate the lower end of the spectrum in dress but not in her ability to interact with the students and get the job done. Continuing we hear from Rosie’s mom who has her own take on her daughter’s friendship with Cora and hopes for her future. Hoping that her relationship with Clem will stay on an even keel but things change and she soon learns that Clem will be moving to England and what happens may affect Rosie greatly. The author continues with Mr. Cunningham describing Clem’s parents and his impression of them and how he wishes his education would not be interrupted at such a crucial juncture. But, the worst has yet to come since the move and the damage awaits poor Clem when he arrives in Glasgow and enters his new school. Trying to be invisible, staying to himself and not directly looking at anyone in eyes seemed to be the way to go until it was not. What that means you will learn as my review continues for The Boy Who Made It Rain an innovative novel that will keep you glued to the story until you turn the last page and learn the final outcome.
Basically told in narrative form hearing the thoughts and voices of each character author Brian Conaghan has written a really unique novel about a young man named Clem whose only interest in life is to become a success. Rosie’s mom voices her concerns about her friendship with Clem and how it started, where she thought it might go and the end result when Rosie finds out he is leaving and returning to England. Next, we have Rosie herself who spies on Clem and Ms. Croal whose behavior with him was anything but appropriate. Cora weighs in next as her best friend and we hear the concerns of Mr. Cunningham about Clem, his moving and his parents. Finally, we are now at part two where Clem’s voice will be heard and what happens next will surprise the reader.
Invisibility is all that Clem wanted. Searching for his own identity and living in a place he despised, hated and felt like an outcast in. With parents who did not really understand his isolated feelings and a father whose concern seemed only on his new job, Clem felt all alone except for Rosie, who he felt safe with yet did not really trust. As we hear his voice and he recounts the events that lead up to the dramatic ending, we learn about his first impressions of Rosie and what attracted him to her and the tenement where he will have to live. But, nothing is more horrific than the school he attends, the teens that are prejudice against him because he is different in too many ways. Commenting on his appearance, accent, intelligence and more he was a prime target for the NED’s a gang that prided themselves on slashing anyone that they felt was inferior to them or just plain different from them. Teenagers face many difficult things not just in Scotland but here in America too. Bullying is not unique to one place it seems like a universal problem. But the teachers in this school, although aware of the issues involving these NED’s and smokers they could only give advice which was fourfold to anyone experiencing the wrath of these gangs.
Rumors fly and Rosie and Clem both realize that listening to thoughts and words of others will only ruin the good that they have between them. But, then something happens and Clem snaps and disappears roaming the town for two days after suffering at the hand of one of the gang members. What happens when someone can’t take it anymore? What happens when you want to protect someone you care about but lose control or sight of what is real and not? What happens when the world fades and you just see what you want to see and the end result is not what you expect? As Clem faces his worst nightmare the reader will finally understand how far someone will go to protect someone they care about. The twist at the end will surprise the reader and the outcome will give you much pause for thought. As Clem finds his voice and decides what he needs to do he realizes that the end result is “ He Made It Rain.” Just how he created this water and who received the end result you will have to find out for yourself as the rain we are talking comes pouring out as Clem tries to protect his world, his point of view, his respect for himself, his dignity and his fear of what comes next. This is a unique book told from many different viewpoints. As we hear Clem’s thoughts and his voice comes through you can feel the frustration, fears, the anger and the disappointment faced by a young man who just wanted to succeed in school, mind his own business and stay invisible under the umbrella and not let the rain come down too hard.
Author Brian Conaghan brings to light the issue of bullying, class issues, prejudice and the difficulties teens face growing up in any society or country today. Hearing the voices of the characters and getting to understand them up-close and personal makes the book come alive and the characters real. What is the final outcome for Clem you will have to decide for yourself? Only the author knows the answers to this question. Thought provoking, mind stimulating and characters with individual voices that are heard loud and clear The Boy Who Made It Rain is a must read for everyone.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
http://nurtureyourbooks.ning.com/prof...
http://angiesdiary.com/?p=9635
http://minds-eye.ning.com/profiles/bl...
http://thebookmarketingnetwork.com/fo...
http://www.livelaughlovetoshop.com/fo...
I posted it on my facebook wall and twitter too
http://thestorytellerscafe.spruz.com/...
March 13, 2015
Toen ik in dit boek begon dacht ik dat dit een heel goed boek zou worden. Maar mijn mening is gedurende het boek helemaal veranderd. Het eerste stuk maakte me heel erg nieuwsgierig. Maar het stuk wat Clem vertelde verpeste het voor mij. Het taalgebruik vind ik er niet bij passen. Ook het einde vond ik heel raar. Nee, dit is geen boek voor mij.
August 3, 2024
Meih, ik had hoop het eerste kwart, maar supervaag, weinig antwoorden, te afwisselend
June 30, 2016
I started reading this and ugh... I just don't like the way it's written. The personages are all stereotypes. I couldn't read further than page 60. I really, really hate it to stop reading and I hate it to don't give a book a chance, but this was really hopeless.
April 16, 2023
"Der Junge, der es regnen ließ", ist eben so ungewöhnlich, wie schon sein Titel. Anders als man vielleicht beim ersten durchlesen denkt, geht es nicht um Fantasy sondern um etwas viel existenzielleres: Mobbing. Eigentlich war dieses Buch nur als ein bedeutungsloser Lückenfüller für mich geplant, mit den etwa 200 Seiten, ließt es sich auch sehr schnell, doch bald entwickelte sich mehr daraus.
Mein erster Eindruck war etwas konfus. Das Buch ist in zwei Teile geteilt; "Wie sie gesagt haben" und "Was Clem sagte", so heißen die zwei Überschriften. Der völlig ahnungslose Leser wird durch knappe, wie Aussagen bei der Polizei klingende Perspektiv-Statements langsam mit Informationen gefüttert und macht sich auf den langen Weg der Meinungsbildung.
Das Cover ist mega passend. Wie der Inhalt wirkt es ebenfalls etwas wirr mit den zwei Schatten und den aufdringlichen schwarzen Buchstaben. Das helle grün blau und der helle Fleck unterstreicht super die gebückte Haltung des Jungen und erzeugt eine bedrückte Atmosphäre.
"Clem Curran? Nun ja, das ist eben so eine Geschichte."
Ja, das ist in der Tat so eine Geschichte! Und in diese werden wir eiskalt hineingeworfen und mit Aussagen und müssen versuchen, uns aus den vielen Stimmen der Beteiligten ein eigenes Gesamtbild zu entwerfen. Die Aussagen setzten nach dem ganzen Geschehen an und sind also praktisch ein Rückblick, welcher durch Erläuterungen zu Hintergründen, Aufzeigen von verschiedenen Beziehungen und Zusammenhänge, Gründe und Motive und verschiedene Sichtweisen auf Cem, Klarheit zu verschaffen versucht. Dabei ist nicht gerade eine Hilfe, dass die verschiedenen Stimme alle relativ unterschiedliche Dinge erzählen und dabei ganz und gar nicht objektiv oder gemäßigt bleiben.
Als ich endlich eine ungefähre Vorstellung zu haben glaubte, was passiert ist, setzt der zweite Teil aus Cems Sicht vor dem Geschehen ein und zeigt alles aus seinem Blickwinkel auf.
Seine Sichtweise auf die Dinge, warf dann ein komplett anderes Licht auf das Erfahrene und ließ mich dann meine Meinung noch einmal überdenken. So geht es dann eigentlich die ganze Zeit weiter, man denkt, man hat die Wahrheit gefunden, weiß jetzt, wer Schuld ist, was wirklich passierte und zur Eskalation führte, doch dann kommt wieder etwas Neues und man muss seine Meinung noch einmal überdenken. Wie verschieden doch Beteiligte eine Situation sehen können, ist sehr interessant dargestellt. Auch wie leicht man das Endergebnis eigentlich hätte verhindern können, wenn die richtige Person zur richtigen Zeit etwas anders gehandelt hätte, ist schockierend.
Doch worum geht es eigentlich konkret?
Aufgrund von familiäre Veränderungen muss der sechzehnjährige Cem Curran mit seinen Eltern nach Glasgow in Schottland umziehen. Als Einserschüler mit einem eigenwilligen Akzent fällt er natürlich auf und macht sich zur perfekten Zielscheibe für Spott und Häme. Auch das er sich mit einer Begeisterung für Musik und Literatur noch mehr von den anderen abzuhaben scheint, führt zu Hass.
Er findet zwar schon bald etwas Unterstützung in seiner Mitschülerin Rosie, die genau seine Andersartigkeit an ihm zu schätzen weiß, doch unter der Macht der vermeintlich Starken, die in ihm ein schwaches Opfer sehen, sieht er sich bald als schutzloses Opfer. Die Lage schlittert immer weiter auf die Eskalation zu...
Der Schreibstil ist ebenfalls wie die Staffelung der Ereignisse etwas seltsam, was aber in diesem Fall wohl an einer leicht wackeligen Übersetzung liegen könnte. Vor allem den Dialogen oder den Kapitelüberschriften merkt man den Transfer in eine andere Sprache doch sehr an.
Das Ende ist dann relativ offen und ließ mich betroffen und etwas ratlos zurück. Auch wenn mein Deutschlehrer mich für diesen Satz umbringen würde: "Es hat mich zum Nachdenken angeregt!"
Fazit:
Ein außergewöhnliches Buch über Mobbing, Hoffnung, Freundschaft, Vertrauen, Eskalation, Gruppendynamik und Selbstfindungsphasen. Auf besondere Art hat mich das Buch sehr gefesselt und hat mich mit zittern lassen, als wäre es ein spannender Krimi.
Mein erster Eindruck war etwas konfus. Das Buch ist in zwei Teile geteilt; "Wie sie gesagt haben" und "Was Clem sagte", so heißen die zwei Überschriften. Der völlig ahnungslose Leser wird durch knappe, wie Aussagen bei der Polizei klingende Perspektiv-Statements langsam mit Informationen gefüttert und macht sich auf den langen Weg der Meinungsbildung.
Das Cover ist mega passend. Wie der Inhalt wirkt es ebenfalls etwas wirr mit den zwei Schatten und den aufdringlichen schwarzen Buchstaben. Das helle grün blau und der helle Fleck unterstreicht super die gebückte Haltung des Jungen und erzeugt eine bedrückte Atmosphäre.
"Clem Curran? Nun ja, das ist eben so eine Geschichte."
Ja, das ist in der Tat so eine Geschichte! Und in diese werden wir eiskalt hineingeworfen und mit Aussagen und müssen versuchen, uns aus den vielen Stimmen der Beteiligten ein eigenes Gesamtbild zu entwerfen. Die Aussagen setzten nach dem ganzen Geschehen an und sind also praktisch ein Rückblick, welcher durch Erläuterungen zu Hintergründen, Aufzeigen von verschiedenen Beziehungen und Zusammenhänge, Gründe und Motive und verschiedene Sichtweisen auf Cem, Klarheit zu verschaffen versucht. Dabei ist nicht gerade eine Hilfe, dass die verschiedenen Stimme alle relativ unterschiedliche Dinge erzählen und dabei ganz und gar nicht objektiv oder gemäßigt bleiben.
Als ich endlich eine ungefähre Vorstellung zu haben glaubte, was passiert ist, setzt der zweite Teil aus Cems Sicht vor dem Geschehen ein und zeigt alles aus seinem Blickwinkel auf.
Seine Sichtweise auf die Dinge, warf dann ein komplett anderes Licht auf das Erfahrene und ließ mich dann meine Meinung noch einmal überdenken. So geht es dann eigentlich die ganze Zeit weiter, man denkt, man hat die Wahrheit gefunden, weiß jetzt, wer Schuld ist, was wirklich passierte und zur Eskalation führte, doch dann kommt wieder etwas Neues und man muss seine Meinung noch einmal überdenken. Wie verschieden doch Beteiligte eine Situation sehen können, ist sehr interessant dargestellt. Auch wie leicht man das Endergebnis eigentlich hätte verhindern können, wenn die richtige Person zur richtigen Zeit etwas anders gehandelt hätte, ist schockierend.
Doch worum geht es eigentlich konkret?
Aufgrund von familiäre Veränderungen muss der sechzehnjährige Cem Curran mit seinen Eltern nach Glasgow in Schottland umziehen. Als Einserschüler mit einem eigenwilligen Akzent fällt er natürlich auf und macht sich zur perfekten Zielscheibe für Spott und Häme. Auch das er sich mit einer Begeisterung für Musik und Literatur noch mehr von den anderen abzuhaben scheint, führt zu Hass.
Er findet zwar schon bald etwas Unterstützung in seiner Mitschülerin Rosie, die genau seine Andersartigkeit an ihm zu schätzen weiß, doch unter der Macht der vermeintlich Starken, die in ihm ein schwaches Opfer sehen, sieht er sich bald als schutzloses Opfer. Die Lage schlittert immer weiter auf die Eskalation zu...
Der Schreibstil ist ebenfalls wie die Staffelung der Ereignisse etwas seltsam, was aber in diesem Fall wohl an einer leicht wackeligen Übersetzung liegen könnte. Vor allem den Dialogen oder den Kapitelüberschriften merkt man den Transfer in eine andere Sprache doch sehr an.
Das Ende ist dann relativ offen und ließ mich betroffen und etwas ratlos zurück. Auch wenn mein Deutschlehrer mich für diesen Satz umbringen würde: "Es hat mich zum Nachdenken angeregt!"
Fazit:
Ein außergewöhnliches Buch über Mobbing, Hoffnung, Freundschaft, Vertrauen, Eskalation, Gruppendynamik und Selbstfindungsphasen. Auf besondere Art hat mich das Buch sehr gefesselt und hat mich mit zittern lassen, als wäre es ein spannender Krimi.
August 10, 2024
I enjoyed the way the first half of this book was written, almost interview style. However, that's really the only positive thing I have to say about it.
From the blurb I was really intrigued and thought I would really resonate with the main character but that turned out not to be the case. Nothing really happens in this story, which makes it quite boring. The ending felt rushed and I think this really let the book down overall. There was so much potential for the narrative of this story to have a much stronger takeaway but it just did not deliver at all.
I usually enjoy reading books set in Glasgow as I live there and I thought a Glaswegian author would reflect it accurately and do it justice. I was wrong, the story is littered with all the derogatory stereotypes about the city and it makes for an annoyingly disappointing read.
From the blurb I was really intrigued and thought I would really resonate with the main character but that turned out not to be the case. Nothing really happens in this story, which makes it quite boring. The ending felt rushed and I think this really let the book down overall. There was so much potential for the narrative of this story to have a much stronger takeaway but it just did not deliver at all.
I usually enjoy reading books set in Glasgow as I live there and I thought a Glaswegian author would reflect it accurately and do it justice. I was wrong, the story is littered with all the derogatory stereotypes about the city and it makes for an annoyingly disappointing read.
January 4, 2019
Het is een boek voor jongeren maar vond het niet echt goed uitgewerkt.
Ook het taalgebruik was wat minder... De hoofdstukken worden verteld door steeds een ander persoon en een schrijft dan bijvoorbeeld "En ook welke leerlinge gestoord ware.
Nie leuk gestoord, nee, die gaste ware gestoord omda ze gestoorde dinge dede. Van die gaste die je voor de fun in elkaar slaan."
Ook het taalgebruik was wat minder... De hoofdstukken worden verteld door steeds een ander persoon en een schrijft dan bijvoorbeeld "En ook welke leerlinge gestoord ware.
Nie leuk gestoord, nee, die gaste ware gestoord omda ze gestoorde dinge dede. Van die gaste die je voor de fun in elkaar slaan."
September 12, 2017
Disturbing, tragic and devastating
July 2, 2021
I honestly don't know what to rate this
September 9, 2023
Terrific!
Clem reminds me of Holden Caulfield! Just his way of making it in a place he doesn’t want to be. Bravo!
Clem reminds me of Holden Caulfield! Just his way of making it in a place he doesn’t want to be. Bravo!
May 10, 2024
Saai boek.
March 18, 2017
3 1/2
Origineel qua vertelperspectief, goede spanningsopbouw. Laat me wel een beetje beduusd achter.
Origineel qua vertelperspectief, goede spanningsopbouw. Laat me wel een beetje beduusd achter.
February 23, 2015
En weer een boek voor mijn 2015 reading challenge: 'A book based entirely on it's cover'. Toen ik van de week in de bibliotheek was, zag ik vanuit mijn ooghoek ineens dit boek. Het stond met de kaft naar voren, waardoor deze me gelijk opviel. Ik had nog nooit van dit boek gehoord en besloot het gewoon een kans te geven, ook omdat dit natuurlijk een categorie is van mijn reading challenge!
Toen ik thuis kwam heb ik dit boek gelijk gescand. Tot mijn verbazing zag ik dat slechts 1 goodreadsfriend deze had gemarkeerd als 'to read'. Voor de rest had nog niemand hem gelezen of gemarkeerd. Extra veel reden om in dit boek te beginnen!
Dit boek gaat over Clem. Clem is kortgeleden vanuit Engeland naar Schotland verhuisd en start zijn laatste jaar van de middelbare school, op een nieuwe school. Op deze school loopt het allemaal net even anders en bovendien IS Clem anders. Als snel wordt hij het mikpunt van pesterijen. Tot hij er een streep onder trekt.
Hoewel dit boek slechts 220 pagina's heeft, kwam ik er toch maar moeizaam doorheen. De karakters waren totaal niet herkenbaar en je kon heel moeilijk vat op ze krijgen. Het zijn vrijwel allemaal scholieren, maar toch gebruiken ze vaak moeilijke woorden, die ik zelfs nog even op moest zoeken.. Niet geloofwaardig.
Toch had het boek wel potentie. Het eerste deel betreft namelijk allemaal korte hoofdstukjes, waarin het lijkt dat personen die Clem kent verhoord worden. Hierdoor heb je al snel door dat er iets heel ernstigs gebeurd is. Dit eerste deel vond ik eigenlijk ook behoorlijk interessant en apart. Deel 2 wordt verteld vanuit Clem. En hier ging het mis. Ik vond Clem niet leuk. Ik kreeg het idee dat hij alleen maar verkering nam met Rosie, omdat Rosie nu eenmaal als enige voor hem open stond. Maar, ik heb het idee dat als hij zichzelf opener op zou stellen tegenover deze Schotlanders (noem je ze zo?), dat hij dan sneller vrienden zou maken. Clem is apart en het lijkt wel of hij gewoon geen vrienden WIL maken.
Het einde was teleurstellend en toch ook geloofwaardig tegelijkertijd. Ik denk dat het realiteit is (helaas), dat zulke praktijken op deze manier kunnen ontsporen. Op een gegeven moment is het simpelweg genoeg. Aan de andere kant is het te open. Je blijft met zoveel vragen zitten. Het stopt gewoon ineens.. Het moment waar je het heeeeele boek naar toe leeft en dan eindigt het zo.
Dit gaf mij dan ook extra reden om het boek echt maar 2 sterren te geven.
Toen ik thuis kwam heb ik dit boek gelijk gescand. Tot mijn verbazing zag ik dat slechts 1 goodreadsfriend deze had gemarkeerd als 'to read'. Voor de rest had nog niemand hem gelezen of gemarkeerd. Extra veel reden om in dit boek te beginnen!
Dit boek gaat over Clem. Clem is kortgeleden vanuit Engeland naar Schotland verhuisd en start zijn laatste jaar van de middelbare school, op een nieuwe school. Op deze school loopt het allemaal net even anders en bovendien IS Clem anders. Als snel wordt hij het mikpunt van pesterijen. Tot hij er een streep onder trekt.
Hoewel dit boek slechts 220 pagina's heeft, kwam ik er toch maar moeizaam doorheen. De karakters waren totaal niet herkenbaar en je kon heel moeilijk vat op ze krijgen. Het zijn vrijwel allemaal scholieren, maar toch gebruiken ze vaak moeilijke woorden, die ik zelfs nog even op moest zoeken.. Niet geloofwaardig.
Toch had het boek wel potentie. Het eerste deel betreft namelijk allemaal korte hoofdstukjes, waarin het lijkt dat personen die Clem kent verhoord worden. Hierdoor heb je al snel door dat er iets heel ernstigs gebeurd is. Dit eerste deel vond ik eigenlijk ook behoorlijk interessant en apart. Deel 2 wordt verteld vanuit Clem. En hier ging het mis. Ik vond Clem niet leuk. Ik kreeg het idee dat hij alleen maar verkering nam met Rosie, omdat Rosie nu eenmaal als enige voor hem open stond. Maar, ik heb het idee dat als hij zichzelf opener op zou stellen tegenover deze Schotlanders (noem je ze zo?), dat hij dan sneller vrienden zou maken. Clem is apart en het lijkt wel of hij gewoon geen vrienden WIL maken.
Het einde was teleurstellend en toch ook geloofwaardig tegelijkertijd. Ik denk dat het realiteit is (helaas), dat zulke praktijken op deze manier kunnen ontsporen. Op een gegeven moment is het simpelweg genoeg. Aan de andere kant is het te open. Je blijft met zoveel vragen zitten. Het stopt gewoon ineens.. Het moment waar je het heeeeele boek naar toe leeft en dan eindigt het zo.
Dit gaf mij dan ook extra reden om het boek echt maar 2 sterren te geven.
June 24, 2012
The first thing that got my attention was the blurb of this book, I quite liked it, so decided to read it. I haven't heard of the author before, so it was a new read, and it was a very quick read too.
Clem, a high school student transferred from England to Scotland, tries hard to cope with his surroundings. With his straight A's, his accent, and his looks, coping isn't as hard as he thought it would be, he gets the teachers' approval, the girls' attention, and the boys' jealousy (mostly) . But he didn't expect to end up the center target of a huge circle of bullies known as the NEDs.
About half of the book is narrated by Rosie (Clem's new girlfriend), Rosie's friends, her parents, and Clem's teachers, they describe what happened during the first few weeks when Clem transferred. But their description is very mysterious, it's like the author didn't want to give anything away until the last few pages.
The other half is narrated by Clem himself, as he describes his first few weeks, and the way he coped with the transfer, but honestly, I couldn't understand anything, I didn't know what was the problem they were all talking about, until I reached the last pages, then it all become clear, but I'm trying not to spoil anything!
I respect the hard work of the author, the book mainly talks about bullying and its consequences. This is a very touchy subject to many teenagers these days, although I haven't personally experienced it myself.
The funny part is the way a few of the characters talk, since the setting is in Scotland and author is Scottish, it's normal, but I found the way they talked very cute and pretty hard to understand, I never knew there was such a difference between the Scottish accent and English accent!
Brian Conaghan has written a great tale, circling around families, and friends, it is a great read for those who have experienced bullying, or those who know someone who experienced it. The novel is a bit slow at the beginning, but as you read, the pace gets quicker. Altogether, it might be just what you were willing to read!
Clem, a high school student transferred from England to Scotland, tries hard to cope with his surroundings. With his straight A's, his accent, and his looks, coping isn't as hard as he thought it would be, he gets the teachers' approval, the girls' attention, and the boys' jealousy (mostly) . But he didn't expect to end up the center target of a huge circle of bullies known as the NEDs.
About half of the book is narrated by Rosie (Clem's new girlfriend), Rosie's friends, her parents, and Clem's teachers, they describe what happened during the first few weeks when Clem transferred. But their description is very mysterious, it's like the author didn't want to give anything away until the last few pages.
The other half is narrated by Clem himself, as he describes his first few weeks, and the way he coped with the transfer, but honestly, I couldn't understand anything, I didn't know what was the problem they were all talking about, until I reached the last pages, then it all become clear, but I'm trying not to spoil anything!
I respect the hard work of the author, the book mainly talks about bullying and its consequences. This is a very touchy subject to many teenagers these days, although I haven't personally experienced it myself.
The funny part is the way a few of the characters talk, since the setting is in Scotland and author is Scottish, it's normal, but I found the way they talked very cute and pretty hard to understand, I never knew there was such a difference between the Scottish accent and English accent!
Brian Conaghan has written a great tale, circling around families, and friends, it is a great read for those who have experienced bullying, or those who know someone who experienced it. The novel is a bit slow at the beginning, but as you read, the pace gets quicker. Altogether, it might be just what you were willing to read!
November 3, 2012
I requested this book from NetGalley as the blurb sounded interesting and I was interested in how it would be presented to the reader to make it stand out from other similar novels.
I enjoyed reading this book and found it easy to get into. The first half of the book is told from a number of different characters’ points of view and each character’s voice comes across via a slightly different writing style. Some of the sections were partially written to be read with a Scottish accent in your mind, in a style reminiscent of Irvine Welsh. These sections didn’t work so well for me as I found that they didn’t quite live up to Welsh’s well honed talent for capturing the Glaswegian accent on paper.
Some of the characters were more likeable than others. I particularly liked Rosie, but hated her friend Cora. I quite liked having a love/hate relationship with the characters as I found it made hearing their views more interesting for me as a reader.
The second half of the book is dedicated to hearing Clem’s side of the story. This was my favourite half of the book and the character that I felt most invested in. As the reader I could sympathise with Clem as he adjusted to the new culture of his new area and how he was the outsider for being English and being classed as “posh”. I felt that the writer dealt well with Clem’s new relationships and also with the bullying he was experiencing. I think this is a subject which isn’t often dealt with from a boy’s point of view.
One of the things that grated on me slightly about this book was that it was littered with a large number of quite random popular references from the last five years or so with no thought of how relevant they are in modern culture to teenagers today. It is only a small point, but for the sake of the longevity of the book and future readers I would have liked to be able to pin the references down to a specific period in this time of constant change.
All in all an enjoyable read and I have given it 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed reading this book and found it easy to get into. The first half of the book is told from a number of different characters’ points of view and each character’s voice comes across via a slightly different writing style. Some of the sections were partially written to be read with a Scottish accent in your mind, in a style reminiscent of Irvine Welsh. These sections didn’t work so well for me as I found that they didn’t quite live up to Welsh’s well honed talent for capturing the Glaswegian accent on paper.
Some of the characters were more likeable than others. I particularly liked Rosie, but hated her friend Cora. I quite liked having a love/hate relationship with the characters as I found it made hearing their views more interesting for me as a reader.
The second half of the book is dedicated to hearing Clem’s side of the story. This was my favourite half of the book and the character that I felt most invested in. As the reader I could sympathise with Clem as he adjusted to the new culture of his new area and how he was the outsider for being English and being classed as “posh”. I felt that the writer dealt well with Clem’s new relationships and also with the bullying he was experiencing. I think this is a subject which isn’t often dealt with from a boy’s point of view.
One of the things that grated on me slightly about this book was that it was littered with a large number of quite random popular references from the last five years or so with no thought of how relevant they are in modern culture to teenagers today. It is only a small point, but for the sake of the longevity of the book and future readers I would have liked to be able to pin the references down to a specific period in this time of constant change.
All in all an enjoyable read and I have given it 3.5 stars.
July 17, 2012
This is a brilliantly written book. I read it in one sitting, I just could not put it down.
It is the story of Clem - a new boy who has moved from Eastbourne to Glasgow with his parents.
It is written in a narrative style with each chapter written from a defferent character's point of view. They are all writing with hindsight after a major event has occurred which the reader is left to guess about right up to the very end.
The last section is Clem's own narrative telling us his thoughts, feelings and actions, from finding out he is moving right through to the magnificent climax.
This book will keep you inthralled throughout. The character's are exceptionally well described and revealed through their dialogue. You definitely won't be disappointed by this book.
This book is recommended for 16+ due to some graphic imagery and lots of swearing which is not inappropriate or excessive as it is used by the teenagers in an authentic way in their narratives.
I would love to read more by this author.
It is the story of Clem - a new boy who has moved from Eastbourne to Glasgow with his parents.
It is written in a narrative style with each chapter written from a defferent character's point of view. They are all writing with hindsight after a major event has occurred which the reader is left to guess about right up to the very end.
The last section is Clem's own narrative telling us his thoughts, feelings and actions, from finding out he is moving right through to the magnificent climax.
This book will keep you inthralled throughout. The character's are exceptionally well described and revealed through their dialogue. You definitely won't be disappointed by this book.
This book is recommended for 16+ due to some graphic imagery and lots of swearing which is not inappropriate or excessive as it is used by the teenagers in an authentic way in their narratives.
I would love to read more by this author.
November 18, 2012
Told from different points of view, Brian Conaghan’s THE BOY WHO MADE IT RAIN, shows what happens when a boy finds himself in a
strange school, the target of many other kids and as well as vicous rumors, and the resulting violence that occurs.
This is no fantasy – kids can be vicious – just remember the names you used to call your friends, rumors you would here, how easy it was
to make someone a scapegoat. Of course bullying is not isolated to
kids – we see it clearly in domestic and international politics on a grand scale.
Brian Conaghan uses mounting suspense and an ironic ending to show us not only the consequences of violence, but its utter uselessness as well.
THE BOY WHO MADE IT RAIN is a valuable, gripping read
strange school, the target of many other kids and as well as vicous rumors, and the resulting violence that occurs.
This is no fantasy – kids can be vicious – just remember the names you used to call your friends, rumors you would here, how easy it was
to make someone a scapegoat. Of course bullying is not isolated to
kids – we see it clearly in domestic and international politics on a grand scale.
Brian Conaghan uses mounting suspense and an ironic ending to show us not only the consequences of violence, but its utter uselessness as well.
THE BOY WHO MADE IT RAIN is a valuable, gripping read
Read
July 4, 2012I'm sorry that I cannot give an opinion of this book. Unfortunately it didn't work out for me, so I didn't even finish it.
I'm not saying it was a bad book, or that the writing was bad. In fact, it was a nice writing style. What didn't work out for me was that there was no conversation. We learned of the characters through the eyes of other people. That's not the type of book I enjoy, so I decided to leave it for other people to review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy nonetheless.
I'm not saying it was a bad book, or that the writing was bad. In fact, it was a nice writing style. What didn't work out for me was that there was no conversation. We learned of the characters through the eyes of other people. That's not the type of book I enjoy, so I decided to leave it for other people to review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy nonetheless.
August 29, 2012
Advance copy from NetGalleys
I'm not sure if this book is going to appeal to many high school readers. I think there are those who will read it and really like it and will promote it on their own. However, there are many British slang terms and expressions that I believe will make it difficult for some of our readers. I think it would be a good book to recommend to the psychology classes and could lend itself to some great discussions.
I'm not sure if this book is going to appeal to many high school readers. I think there are those who will read it and really like it and will promote it on their own. However, there are many British slang terms and expressions that I believe will make it difficult for some of our readers. I think it would be a good book to recommend to the psychology classes and could lend itself to some great discussions.
November 8, 2014
Het boek bestaat uit twee delen. De eerste 105 bladzijden wordt beschreven vanuit het perspectief van zeven verschillende mensen. Ze komen allemaal minstens twee keer aan bod en volgen elkaar op in willekeurige volgorde. De laatste 112 bladzijden worden vertelt vanuit Clems eigen perspectief.
Lees de hele de recensie op:
http://ilsetenhave.wordpress.com/2014...
July 7, 2015
Being an old fogey I know this Young Adult book was not written for me. However, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy it but I did. The first part of the book was hard going for me. It is written like a series of talking heads. This method would probably work well in a TV documentary, but in book form I found it confusing.
The second part of the book is told from Clems point of view and this is where the story really gets going. In fact it demands to be read. I couldn't put it down
The second part of the book is told from Clems point of view and this is where the story really gets going. In fact it demands to be read. I couldn't put it down
April 19, 2013
Very well written! The narrative and the emotions are properly woven.. The allusions to Willy Loman just enhanced this reading experience for me!
September 13, 2013
Different. Enjoyed the way it was read from the first person from all the involved parties. Liked the style.
January 11, 2015
Click here to read my full review, on my book blog.
June 29, 2014
intrigerend, een boek dat je tijdens het lezen steeds laat nadenken!
Wil je weten wat ik verder van dit boek vond, lees dan mijn recensie op mijn blog.
Wil je weten wat ik verder van dit boek vond, lees dan mijn recensie op mijn blog.
May 7, 2015
A good read about victimisation.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews