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The Small Rain by Madeleine L'Engle - 4* - My Review

Katherine Forrester is a child of divorce. Her parents are artists – one a classical pianist and the other an actor. After the death of her mother at an early age, her father and his new wife send her to a Swiss boarding school, where she is bullied by fellow classmates, and the school authorities seem clueless. Her solace is music. She is a gifted pianist like her mother. After boarding school, she moves to Paris to study with her music tutor, then joins her parents in New York City. The storyline follows Katherine’s struggles to deal with personal loss, strained relationships, and the demanding expectations of a musician’s life.

Music becomes not only a means of self-expression and a potential career path, but also a lifeline for Katherine’s emotional survival. One of the central themes of the novel is individuality versus external influences. Katherine’s relationships with her mentors, parents, and peers often walk a tightrope between support and control. Her father is largely absent from her life, and her stepmother becomes her primary female role model and confidant. She forms only a few close friendships, and some of the “friends” are selfish and fickle.

The novel highlights the transformative power of music. For Katherine, music becomes an outlet for processing her pain. This is the first book of a duo, so the reader may expect an ending that does not resolve all the open questions about Katherine’s life. While there is much sadness in this story, it ends on a hopeful note. This book was published in 1945 and is Madeleine L’Engle’s debut. It is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that explores personal growth, artistic ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of authenticity. I had only previously read A Wrinkle in Time, so I am pleasantly surprised at her versatility.

PBT November BWF Extra S - fits letter not tag