The Rain Watcher

A Novel

By: Tatiana de Rosnay

Narrated by: Simon Vance

The first new audiobook in years from the beloved superstar author of Sarah's Key, a heartbreaking and uplifting story of family secrets and devastating disaster, set against a Paris backdrop, fraught with revelations, and resolutions.

"Hypnotic, passionate, ominous and tender—unforgettable.” —Jenna Blum, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Those Who Save Us

Linden Malegarde has come home to Paris from the United States. It has been years since the whole family was all together. Now the Malegarde family is gathering for Paul, Linden’s father’s 70th birthday.

Each member of the Malegarde family is on edge, holding their breath, afraid one wrong move will shatter their delicate harmony. Paul, the quiet patriarch, an internationally-renowned arborist obsessed with his trees and little else, has always had an uneasy relationship with his son. Lauren, his American wife, is determined that the weekend celebration will be a success. Tilia, Linden’s blunt older sister, projects an air of false fulfillment. And Linden himself, the youngest, uncomfortable in his own skin, never quite at home no matter where he lives—an American in France and a Frenchman in the U.S.—still fears that, despite his hard-won success as a celebrated photographer, he will always be a disappointment to his parents.

Their hidden fears and secrets slowly unravel as the City of Light undergoes a stunning natural disaster, and the Seine bursts its banks and floods the city. All members of the family will have to fight to keep their unity against tragic circumstances. In this profound and intense audiobook of love and redemption, Tatiana de Rosnay demonstrates all of her writer’s skills both as an incredible storyteller but also as a soul seeker.

More praise for The Rain Watcher:

“[A]n emotional tour de force and a thoughtful, deliberate examination of personal tragedy and the possibility of redemption.” - Publishers Weekly

Slow Read

I love her writing style, but this was my least favorite book of hers. The story didn't progress much and the ending left me with more questions.

good, not great

As is often true with this author, the best parts were the descriptions of human experience. She doesn't just describe the flooding of the river, she describes Linden's EXPERIENCE of the flooding of the river, complete with shock, awe, and grief.

As far as the plot goes, I found it a bit predictable. The metaphors were a little obvious. But I definitely enjoyed her storytelling. So, it was good, and I'm glad I listened to it, but it wasn't my favorite novel from her oeuvre.

Beautiful Writing

Amid a natural disaster, a family makes efforts to love and appreciate each other before it's too late. Narration was a pleasure to listen to.

Beautiful story and great narrator

Nice family story touching all the right topics. Simon Vance is one of my favorite narrators and he does an exceptional job with the mood of this book. Set in a flooded, rainy Paris, it was as though the setting became one of the most important characters. Truly a gem.

Disappointing!

Too much jumping back and forth in time! And the conclusion? Not sure there was a final answer at the end. Or are the readers supposed to figure it out for themselves? Not enough clarity and tying up of all the loose ends in a rush to the finale-didn't work for this reader.