Book Review: Red Rain by Lara Bernhardt

“She didn’t care what anyone else thought or said. She was going to do this.”

Lara Bernhardt, Red Rain

Review:

Another beautiful book by Lara Bernhardt. Poignant and eye-opening, this story takes you into the rural parts of India where women are taught to be ashamed of their nature and shunned if they dare to fall out of line. 

As when I read Shadow of the Taj, I learned a lot and was forced to leave the first-world bubble so many of us don’t realize we live in. Though this is a work of fiction, it’s based on reality in this part of the world (and many others). It’s impossible to read it without wanting to help the cause yourself. Olivia’s naivety represents many — myself included. It’s easy to acknowledge things are one way in one country and one way in another, but to get down to the raw details of those differences hits deep. 

The moral of the story aside, the characters were charming and the plot emotional. By the end, I had tears streaming down my face and had to just sit for a few minutes once I reached the last page. Though Olivia’s life and the women she sets out to help don’t mirror my own, I felt the pain and wanted nothing more than to hug them. Granted, I felt this way with nearly all of the characters through the good and the bad. Chris was especially a sweetheart as was Mukesh. The other teachers were such a wonderful support system for Olivia which was perhaps my favorite part of the book. They help her through her personal grief, pushing her when needed, and also helping her in the mission field where she eventually finds herself. It isn’t easy, but they get through it together.

It’s a book about friendship, loss, grief, the unexplained, coming to terms with the past and choices made, and most importantly the sisterhood of women. 

Thanks to BookSirens for providing a free copy of the book to read and review. I will also be purchasing a copy for myself once the book is released!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The plight of the story. There needs to be more awareness and aid in providing women around the world with proper feminine hygiene products.
• The frankness of the story. Even in places where health products are widely accessible, there is still some level of these matters being a taboo topic.
• The friendships made. Olivia has a different relationship with each of her fellow teachers, but they also come together wonderfully as a group.
• Olivia’s healing journey. We get to see her grow as a person while overcoming her past abuses (and losses).

What I didn’t like:

• Some things were left hanging with Chris.
• A few of the scenes dragged on. Likewise, a few dropped off.

Afterthoughts:

Lara Bernhardt is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I hope she has another book lined up soon. I love the setting of India. There are so many stories to be told. Her characters are lovable, too, which made the two books I’ve now read of hers even more enjoyable.

Where to buy the book: