Right as Rain

by Bev Marshall

A richly emotional novel spanning two decades in the Deep South, the story of Tee Wee and Icey–a cook and a housekeeper working side-by-side in rural Mississippi–as well as their children and the family that employs the two women, is a prism through which we view the racial strife, shattered ties, secrets, and redemption. Illuminated by a resonant storytelling voice and dialogue that rings loud and true, Right as Rain provides indelible portraits of indomitable characters and an almost tangible sense of place, while revealing a deep understanding of race in mid-century America’s south.

Genres: Fiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Bev Marshall is the author of three novels, Walking Through Shadows, Right As Rain, and Hot Fudge Sundae Blues. She is writer-in-residence at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. She grew up in McComb and Gulfport, Mississippi, married her childhood sweetheart and now lives in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, just down the road from the live alligator that serves as the town's tourist attraction.

Reviews

[siempre leyendo]

I really wanted to enjoy this book that I bought at the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival. I simply couldn't get into it and the character development was so weak that I really didn't care much about what happened to any of the characters. The novel finally redeemed itself somewhat in about the last fifty pages covering the trial.

[Maggie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read about friendship, life trials and the South. Favorite book of the year so far for me.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is described well by Goodreads and definitely has a strong sense of place. The story reveals how lives were lived by African American families in the deep South during the changing decades of the 1950s and 1960s. While we often hear about horrific acts that occurred then, what was almost more disturbing were the many smaller but constant ways that Caucasians hurt the situation with "ordinary" remarks that perhaps did not seem hurtful to them, but were hurtful to the recipients. There is a strong sense of how blacks had to navigate so very carefully, in their eye contact and body language, job instability, being denied proper education and medical care, and the list goes on. This book leaves an ache in your heart.

Possible read-alike for "The Help" (Stockett) and "The Secret Life of Bees" (Kidd).

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was set in the South over a period of about 30 years and follows a collection of characters set in a small town in Mississippi. Two of the families are black and one is white. It is a wonderful story of friendship and loyalty. There are stories of love and personal tragedy. There is humor and warmth as these folks pass life together. Read this one to glimpse into the lives of people struggling to survive and understand prejudice, dealing with their love for each other and the dynamics of racial differences. Also, find out just how much alike we all are under our skin at the heart level.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good read - compelling, I was very engaged. Why three stars? I felt the writing was very good but the story seemed a bit all over the place. That said, I would still recommend the book especially if you liked similar books about the South with a blacks/whites focus in the 50s and 60s. The Help fans or Secret Life of Bees fans would like this. But, like the Help (and unlike Secret Life), it at times felt like it wasn't going anywhere. Not sure how to describe it other than to say - good beach read but not GREAT beach read.

[Sylvie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why do I seem to like books where nothing happens? Again, it is just a story of daily life that somehow becomes more interesting than any epic tale. Set in the south at the beginning of the 20th century, this book, seemingly about nothing becomes a tale of suspense, drama, longing, sadness, hardship, love, hope, betrayal, and bravery. A good read, but it breaks your heart.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction. As a Caucasian, it is difficult for me to judge but it seemed to portray the attitudes of African Americans who lived in the South from 1940-1968 very accuractely. I know that it accurately portrayed the majority of the causcasians accurately. Cover of both groups was very realistic and balanced.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, covering two generations of three families brought together by their proximity to one another on a Mississippi farm. The book deals with rivalry, race issues and love. The characters are flawed and realistic -- just wonderful. Our book club contacted the author and she was very nice as well.

[ClairetheLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest portrayal of female friendship with a well-developed setting and storyline. I enjoyed the historic aspects and the subtle changes and acknowledgments throughout. For example, racism is certainly a part of the novel but it didn't overtake the plot. I wish a few of the minor characters were fleshed out a bit more, but overall a very good read.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really connect with the book.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one book I must say I have really enjoyed reading and will re-read again sometime. It has a great plot, interesting and funny characters and a recommend to all.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intersting social comment on the life experience of poor blacks in the south.

[T.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just about as perfect as they get.

[Amber Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book of all time.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you like The Help, you will like this book. However, this one has a lot more characters to keep track of!

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life of trials & happiness of three generations of black families in the south

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book! The characters were exceedingly well-written and believable, and there were plot turns that were totally unexpected by me (always a plus). I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Ratforce]

Bev Marshall’s Right as Rain shares a similar tone, setting, and the kind of three dimensional characters found in the charming book The Help.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of two families, white and black, through the 50's and 60's. I shared in their stories of sorrow and joy through this turbulent time.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me of "The Help". Very good. I'd recommend.

[Missi Magalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. If you haven't read anything by Bev Marshall...well, you should.