This is so nearly a very good book, but the different story threads don't quite hang together.
The central character, Linden, a renowned photographer in his thirties, has an awkward relationship with both his parents, with issues he has never quite resolved. The story unfolds in present-day Paris, where Linden's mother has arranged a family get- together to celebrate her husband's 70th birthday. The Seine is flooding; I'm not sure this adds anything to the storyline - it appears that the author put this in to try and inject some drama, but it doesn't really work. At the birthday dinner, Linden's father has a stroke, then his mother is taken ill. Over the next few days, several back stories are revealed but, again, they don't really connect.
Almost, but not quite!

I was disappointed in this book.
Usually I love this author, but this book was just one big downer. Not enjoyable at all

I have to admit, I wasn't sure about this book. I hadn't finished Sarah's Key when I tried reading it years ago. I gave it a chance though because the premise seemed interesting - this whole metaphor of "as the river rises, the tensions in the family rise." I was surprised that I ended up liking the book, though the plot was a bit predictable and some things just never fully fit into the plot (David Bowie, the sister's long ago accident). I don't know if it was the edition I got but there were also some missing words or typos in places - seems like editing was rushed. Ultimately, while I enjoyed this book and would recommend it - I feel like it had some potential that was left on the table.

The Rain Watcher is about Paris and the chilling yet beautiful rising waters of the Seine due to nonstop rains. Beautiful, that is, until the rain doesn’t let up. The Malegarde family— father, Paul, mother, Lauren, and their two adult children, Linden and Tilia — meet at the Chatterton Hotel to celebrate Paul’s birthday. As expected, problems arise, including patient, kind Paul’s stroke, self absorbed Lauren’s flu/pneumonia, the hotel being filled to capacity due to the rains, and the relentless rain.

Much of the book focuses on the rising waters of Paris, alarming flooding, shut down transportation, cancellations everywhere, and how this affects their plans. Just as much of the book is in retrospect, reflecting on the pasts of all the characters, especially Linden and his struggle with being gay, his sterile relationship with his parents, and his career in photography.

Sadness is integral to the story and weighs heavily, sadness for what might have been but wasn’t, what could be but isn’t, and what won’t ever be.

It took this flooding disaster and being trapped in Paris because of it (and lots and lots of descriptive pages) for them to see and resolve their flaws and inner conflicts. Masterfully, the author weaves past mistakes and guilt and regrets into the present along with the resolving of differences and the clarifying of feelings.

Very thoroughly and expertly described are the devastating effects of the flooding, such as water creeping higher and higher, hospital evacuations, failed electricity, problematic transportation, and so much more.

I feel the author’s whole soul was put into this book and was left exposed as well. The emotions expressed were at times dark and raw and painful, and were at times loving and gentle. In the end past times that evoked sadness and unexpressed emotions were put to rest, and memories of happiness and happy times took over. All’s well that ends well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ms. de Rosnay for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Good read. I was impressed with the way the author writes. I definitely recommend this book. I think most readers will enjoy it.

While this book was a good read it was not as good as Sarah's Key. Unfortunately I used Sarah's Key as a yardstick to measure this book.
If one were to forget that Tatiana was the author of Sarah's key this book would be a wonderful read.

I loved this book! Set in Paris during a rainstorm that resulted in flooding of the Seine river and flooding that caused an epic moment of problems for a large amount of the population. It is the story of a family in Paris to celebrate their father’s 70th birthday and their parents anniversary. With the flooding worsening and their father having a medical crisis resulting in a hospital stay their vacation is prolonged. Family secrets are revealed and relationships between mother and father, sister and brother are changed forever.

I loved this authors first book and I enjoyed this family drama set in Paris.
This author had the knack for writing about the complexities of family life in a believable way so that you feel a kinship with the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Stvmartins press for the opportunity to read and review it

Ill never forget reading Tatiana De Rosnay’s book, Sarah’s Key. It made me cry then haunted me like nothing else! It was one of those stories where you read it and cannot stop thinking about it. Seriously, I would give this author a standing ovation for that brilliant novel, read it now if you haven’t!

Now she’s back, years after Sarah’s Key, with The Rain Watcher. Let’s all pause and look at the cover. I love it! It is moody and interesting and makes me want to snuggle up with blankets and my dogs for a full day of reading.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Rain Watcher is a powerful family drama set in Paris as the Malegarde family gathers to celebrate the father’s 70th birthday. Their hidden fears and secrets are slowly unraveled as the City of Light undergo a stunning natural disaster. Seen through the eyes of charismatic photographer Linden Malegarde, the youngest son, all members of the family will have to fight to keep their unity against tragic circumstances.

I am intrigued and can’t wait to start this one. There’s a Goodreads Giveaway happening right now, go here to enter the contest. Hurry, it ends today!

Having loved “Sarah’s Key,” I was eager to read this novel. I loved the setting of Paris, and the writing was gorgeous, but I didn’t connect with the characters.
The setup for the story took too long, and I felt a little disappointed at the end.
Still, I did enjoy the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I was fortunate enough to read this book pre-released through Net Galley for my honest opinion. This is a contemporary novel set in Paris about a family reunion celebrating the patriarch's 70th birthday, his wife and his 40th anniversary with their 2 adult children. This family is typically physically and emotionally remote, with the adult son wanting to really connect with his father. Along with this fantastic story line, Paris experiences horrific flooding which paralyses the city! The author sends a realistic warning to France of this potential natural disaster. I strongly recommend this novel. I was unable to put it down so make sure you have the time to read uninterrupted!

I am very disappointed after reading this book . I read Sarah's key last year and was very excited to read The rain watcher by Tatiana de Rosnay . I am a huge fan of her previous book but couldn't carry on reading The rain watcher :(

The only thing I liked is Paul and his love for nature ❤ and there is Tilia , who didn't want to go to see her father Paul in the hospital after he suffered from a stroke because she had an accident years ago and she doesn't like hospital . I mean he is her father right ? her 18 year old daughter is more mature than her . I am not going to give a full review so here it ends . x

The Rain Watcher is set in Paris for a family reunion/celebration of the patriarch Paul's 70th birthday. The rain is as oppressive as the story. It was very hard for me to get through this book. I felt like some of Linden's POV/voice was written like a chain of random thoughts. I just didn't enjoy this one.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me this electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. #TheRainWatcher #NetGalley

Although I really enjoyed the authors past work, this new title left something to be desired.
It was very atmospheric, I almost felt the need for an umbrella ! However, the story itself was
only mildly engaging. Sorry, as I really was excited to read this book !

The Rain Watcher is a beautifully written portrayal of a family coming closer together while a whole city falls apart.
The Malegarde family gathers in Paris for their father Paul's 70th birthday. The talk on every tv and radio is of the record rainfall and the fear of flooding in the Seine river. Tragedy strikes the family when both the parents become ill and Paul is hospitalized. They extend their stay to care for their parents. Family secrets are revealed as Linden learns to communicate with his father as he was too afraid to before and Tilia faces her fear of hospitals due to a tragic accident in her past. And through it all, the rain falls...
I absolutely loved Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay and I was excited for the opportunity to read this new book. I didn't like it as well, but I do love her writing style. Her description of the flooding and people's reactions and responses to it made me feel as if I was living through it as well.

This a well written story about a family celebrating a 70th birthday when it floods. It is beautifully told. I kept turning the pages until I sadly, reached the end. I enjoyed this author and can't wait to read more.

I loved Tatiana’s previous novel, Sarahs Key, so I could not wait to dive into the Rain Watcher. Set in Paris, the story follows the Malengarde family and is written from Linden’s point of view. Each family members deepest secrets are brought to light as their family reunion is extended due to their father falling ill. Add in a historical catestrophic flooding and it sounds like the makings of a great novel. I enjoyed The Rain Watcher but was not fully invested in the story as with other books. There was no ‘a ha’ moment and I could have easily set this book down for a later read. A bit disappointed in the story being pulled in so many ways but cannot not mention the beautiful descriptions of Paris by Rosnay.

I liked this book even though some parts of the story did not connect. Perhaps there was symbolism in regard to that element? Most families have their secrets and dysfunctions. This was true for Linden’s family and the many emotions that you will experience as their story unfolds. Thanks to NetGalley and to St. Martin’s press for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion. .

I wanted to like this much more than I did. Paris floods as this family gathers to celebrate a 70th birthday party.

Lots of turmoil and lots of family drama. Ms de Rosnay is a wonderful author and she sure knows how to tell a story!

My thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for this advanced readers copy.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sending the electronic copy of de Rosnay’s latest book due for publication in October, 2018. I loved Sarah’s Key so was eager to read the Rain Watcher!

The Malegarde family meets in Paris to celebrate Paul’s 70th birthday and Paul and Lauren’s 40th wedding anniversary with their two adult children, Linden and Talia. (No parnter, husband or child invited!) They arrive in Paris in rain and as the days go on, the rain continues - the weather as dismal as the family relationships! Things get more and more complicated as the Seine overflows, flooding results and medical emergencies arise. Each family member is harboring a secret which has kept them from the closeness they all desire. Gradually, secrets unfold and there is redemption and healing.

Pay special attention to the insertions of the four year old boy and his sitter. Who is this boy and how does it shape who he becomes? I had to go back and read them a second time to fully grasp their significance. Beautifully done by de Rosnay!

The main characters are all well developed, but I would have liked a bit more development of a couple side stories involving Lauren’s sister, Candice, and her former fiancée and current friend, Jeff. At the same time, I could have done with a little less description of the flooding. Not being a Parisian, most of the streets and landmarks were unfamiliar. The author did a good job though of describing the seriousness of it all - an actual Paris event in January, 2018.

I found this a well written story of family relationships, secrets divulged, forgiveness and love.