Rain

by Tim Antonides

"It's supposed to be easy." With those words, Tim Antonides brings us into the world of Mitchell and Sharelle Van Laren, a childless couple trapped in a poisonous tango of love, loss, and bitterness as they pursue again and again their dream of having a child. As the swinging pendulum between hope and grief eats away at their marriage, Mitch's quest to uncover a family secret leads to a discovery more terrifying than he could have ever imagined.

283 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2018

About the author

Tim Antonides studied the craft of fiction writing at the renowned Vermont College of Fine Arts, whose alumni include Wally Lamb and Robin Oliviera. When not writing, Tim has had a long teaching career at all levels, from grade school to grad school. Having earned his Ph.D. in English language teaching, Tim spends his non-writing time coordinating programs for international students in Canada.

Writing has always been a crucial part of Tim's life, though he has had held jobs as diverse as a tree planter, tennis instructor, and beekeeper. Raised in Penticton, British Columbia, Tim now lives in suburban Vancouver with his wife Monica and twin sons, Daniel and Zachary.

Tim's fiction and non-fiction have earned numerous awards and recognition, both in Canada and internationally.

Reviews

[Glindriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book started with quite a sexy love scene, so Antonidis had my attention from the get-go! From there, it was a page turning and very emotional sequence of scenes. I thought the moving back and forth from present tense to the 80's would be hard to follow but that wasn't an issue. I laughed out loud at times but then felt my lip quivering in some other scenes. I'm pretty sure that hasn't happened before with any book! I also wasn't sure what a guy writer would have to offer about a infertile couple. Quite a lot, as it turned out. Terrific, maybe even tremendous!!!

[Sylvia DeWeerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book. I felt empathy, anger and laughed out loud with them. The book felt familiar. I loved it.

[JeanLfleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I'm not a reader. At all. My attention span sucks...This thing kept me reading. I got interested because a friend of mine is going through IV treatments and that whole world. This book goes deep inside that whole scene but it's also an awesome STORY. I think guys would even like it. It's basically a married couple trying to get pregnant and then there's a whole part of it set in the 80's when he's a boy and his dad disappears. Then the way it comes together in the end...I wont ruin it for you. Read it. Seriously...

[NeilsenG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I waste my time reading crappy books when a book like this is out there. Soooooo good. So funny, so tear-jerking, so gorgeously written. Love, love, love.

[Naomi Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all fairness I am only halfway through this book but so far, it's a five star. I picked it up at my sister's place yesterday because I liked the cover. Then I saw it was written by her English teacher from high school and thought 'Meh, probably not great she just owns it because she knows him', but I gave it a few chapters and learned that I WAS SO WRONG. I love the way it's very slowly revealing layers you want to uncover about the history of the characters - what is going on between Trevor and Opa? What happened between Mitchell's mother and father? - that require you keep reading. It's delightfully humourous yet heart wrenching, and such a beautiful glimpse in the complex humanity and heartbreak of relationships, not just spousal or parental but also sibling relations and friendships and even the distant relationship you have with that kid you feel sorry for in school. I left my sister's house this morning and got on a ferry and was devastated to learn I left the book behind, so I have ordered it from Amazon because I need to know how it ends. I figure that alone requires 5 stars. Definitely recommend.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, and could not put it down! I loved being pulled in to multiple story lines, and found myself equally hooked to the story of Mitch and Sharelle, as well as the dynamics between Mitch and his family. The ending of this book is amazing. I won't spoil it, but it's the type of book that, when you finish, you put down and just inhale and exhale deeply a few times and let it sink in. Overall, I highly recommend Rain!

[Jayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishing! I just finished Rain this morning, and "astonishing" is the most accurate word I can think of. I'm not sure I have ever laughed and cried simultaneously before when reading a book! The writing is simply beautiful, and the story is unlike anything I've read. It's dark and suspenseful one minute, hilarious and hopeful the next. Just really a wonderful book!

[Lillith Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insanely good book. I read the final chapters a few times because I just couldn't believe how amazing it was! Actually I need to read the whole thing again. So much going on, so beautiful in the writing. I haven't heard of this writer before but oh my goodness.

[Shannon Cartzeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Rain in one day. Impossible to put it down. Quality of the writing is something I haven't seen in years. There is an actual plot (imagine that). The story itself is so strong and the characters really stay with you. I'm reading it again. Tonight.

[Annette Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Great character development, wonderful writing, thoroughly enjoyable book! Worth reading while covering a difficult subject.

[Leanne Stam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling story that is honest, poignant and hilarious. Beautifully crafted.

[Katie Billinghurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the relationship between the main character Mitch and his Opa. A few tears shed throughout

[Jerry Vanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I immediately re-read it. Now that I have finished it for the second time, I feel ready to write my review.

This is wonderful work of fiction by a new author, Tim Antonides. The book was written from the pain of years of unsuccessful IVF treatments as his wife and he tried to conceive a child. But, it is much more than that. It is a book with several plot lines that are woven skillfully by Antonides as he moves back and forth in time from the present to childhood, high-school years and back to the future. It is not a book about time travel, but it does indicate how our past shapes our future. It has a great surprise ending which I will not reveal here. Buy it or borrow it, but please read it. I don’t think you will regret it.