Sun Inside Rain

by M. Bassara

Genres: Jewish, Fiction, Judaism

366 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Leah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book. The characters face a lot of obstacles and hardship, but the ending is sweet and satisfying. Margo, her brother Hanan, and a mixed-race orphan named Joey, form a perfect trio of friends alone in the world except each other. They bravely fight against the apartheid regime in South Africa, fighting injustice through a mixed-race rock band with lyrics that challenge the government, even when they suffer for it. They are all separated by tragic events, and the plot turns in unexpected directions.

Margo, forced to flee the country, ends up in Israel in seminary, and discovers her Jewish heritage (this is not your typical starry-eyed baalas teshuva story either- "oh the kotel is so moving now ive found god all my problems are solved" no, it is much more interesting and nuanced than that.) There is also a lot of philosophical discussionthroughout the book (the author is obviously familiar with R' Noach Weinberg, Rabbi Keleman, and similar hashkafot), but the Jewish thoughts are not always heard from the characters you think it'll be.

For all the people who complain about all Jewish novels being the same, all my friends who've read this agree with me that this is one of the most original ones out there. Read it and see.

[Kressel Housman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frum fictional romance is a rarity, which is why this book intrigued me, but I was somewhat disappointed. The book is set in South Africa in the apartheid era and the couple is interracial; she's white and Jewish, and he's a "colored" ethnic East Indian. They play music together in a banned rock 'n roll band. The best scenes in the book, though gruesome, take place in the prisons of South Africa. That part had me riveted. I can't say the same for the love story. The hero Joey was a well-drawn and riveting character, but I didn't feel that way about the heroine Margo. She was too much of a Mary Sue. Also, I would have like to read more about her transformation to baalas teshuva. Having done that transformation myself, I found the treatment of it far too cursory.

[Penni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The closest thing to romance under a 'kosher label'. The writing was somehow not the typical frum author's style. Although the storyline was predictable, the content wasn't. It focused on apartheid and discrimination, a topic not often explored in the frum world. Very well written and engaging.

[Shoshana Cheron · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best written, most engrossing books in the genre of jewish literature. Set against the dark world of apartheid south Africa, the author brings to life the fear and horrors of the era while simultaneously conveying the indomitable power of hope and courage. At the center of the plot is Margo, who along with her older brother Hanan, leads a band whose members are different races and of different cultures. I followed Margo through her journeys with undivided attention, flying through the pages that led me from Johannesburg to Pretoria to Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In these pages I found something I had not thought existed: a truly exceptional Jewish novel.

[Gabriela Francisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend highly recommended it, and I am so glad I read it! Although the Hebrew terms scattered all throughout the novel were difficult for a Gentile such as myself to understand (thank goodness for context clues), it is a lovely and unforgettable story about family, patriotism, and ideals. So many quotable quotes. It's not just a book for Jews, it's about love in all of its forms: love for family, love for country, and love for God. More people should read this!

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, lyrical prose, so much original imagery - the writing was gorgeous. There were some things that could have used more face time, such as Joey conversion or what happened after Ma'ayan and Yoni met up again, but it was all in all a beautiful book, definitely one of the better jewish books out there.

[Lilshifra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from a teacher over 7 years ago. I was obsessed with it even though I probably skimmed through some slower parts of the book. Afterward, I searched and searched for it to read it again, but it was out of print. In 2012 Sun Inside Rain was reprinted and I was able to read it again from an adult point of view. I fell in love with it all over again and had the comfort of owning it! Now I can read it whenever I want! I just read it again and continue to be ecstatic about this book. The characters are real, sincere and some are realistically damaged. They are each flawed but you love them all the same. The writing is amazing, especially for a Jewish book. Every scene (and seemingly every word!) is written with intention. While it does have a bit of a slow start, it is certainly worth sticking to. The character development is flawless. I hope to be able to write with this sort of style, intention, and raw emotion. I truly believe anyone can enjoy this book. It is a story about faith, love, loss and growth! Absolutely love this book!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books i ever read

[Yt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. So beautifully written!

[Esther Chaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorites! the writing is so beautiful, and it's worth the read just for the bit about patterns...

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frum romance? Instant favorite! I’ve reread this book so many times. It is so well written and captivating. I’ll never get over Hanan’s death.