After reading "Sarah's Key," I wanted to sit back and digest the beauty of the story and the writing. The same must also be said about her current book.
The city of Paris is in the midst of an unbelievable natural disaster, not experienced since the early 1900's. A flood of major proportions is devastating the city and its environs.
The Malegarde family is in Paris to celebrate the patriarch, Paul's, 70th birthday. Each family member leads a quite complicated life but are determined to have a joyous celebration. Paul is a famous arborist, whose relationship with his son, Linden, has always been uneasy. Linden never quite fit when he was growing up and always felt like an outsider. His mother, Lauren, an American, fell in love with Paul, and moved to Paris. Tilia, the daughter, was involved in a tragic accident, to put it mildly. When Linden came out to his family, the response from them felt like betrayal, but his sister always supported him. The frailty of family bonds intermixed with the obvious love they all had with each other is so beautifully rendered.
The ending is such that you will discuss it for so long and conjecture will still prevail.
The weather permeates the book and leaves you feeling as uneasy as if you were caught up in all that water. De Rosnay has a gift of feeling deeply for her characters long after the book is finished. I am still thinking about it!

The Rain Watcher is a beautifully written novel albeit it’s melancholic mood. A family celebration in the heart of Paris turns awry as the rain continues to fall and the river begins to rise. It’s foreboding and ominous atmosphere sets the tone for unearthed secrets, heartbreak, forgiveness and growth. Tatiana de Rosnay has exceptional prose and built these characters deeply from the first page to the last.

de Rosnay’s first novel, Sarah’s Key, left my heart irrevocably broken and I felt like I was searching for that same impact from her in this book. I will definitely continue to read her novels with that same longing; however The Rain Watcher just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC!

The Malegarde family gather in Paris to celebrate a birthday and wedding anniversary. Family only - no spouses or significant others. Patriarch Paul is turning 70 and he and his wife Lauren have been married for 40 years. The story is told from the perspective of the son Linden, a successful photographer. Rounding out the clan is daughter Tilia. As luck would have it, Paris is in the midst of significant rain. As the story progresses, the waters of the Seine continue to rise and eventually result in flooding.

I'm glad I've had some time to reflect on this story because when I first finished it, I did not really care for it. While the author has a magical way with putting words together, I really struggled to connect with the story. I was somewhat disappointed with the ending as it felt rushed.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this was a story about one man coming to terms with his family, especially his Dad. It was about coming to term with relationships, both good and bad. It was also about moving forward in life, even when there are setbacks. I think it turned out to be a worthy read.

My thanks to St. Martin's Preass and Netgalley.

I was really excited to read this book as I was a huge fan of Sarah's Key. However, I just could not get engaged in this book or connect with the characters. Therefore, I was unable to finish reading this book to give it a fair review. Because of this, I will not be posting a review on any online platforms.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Rain Watcher. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Linden Malegarde has come home to Paris from the United States, as his family has all gathered for the occasion of his father Paul's 70th birthday. Linden has reasons to be uneasy, as the relationships between family members have had their challenges in the past. Despite being a successful photographer, Linden has always felt that he did not measure up to his parents' expectations. When a family tragedy is complicated by rain waters pushing the Seine over its banks, will the family be able to come together or will the dire circumstances tear them further apart?

I was expecting more from this novel because of Sarah's Key, so I was disappointed as a result. The characters were not fully realized and the plot was lackluster at best, despite the suspenseful build up. The mysteries of the past are just thrust out there at the conclusion of the novel without much explanation, leading the reader to wonder what the big fuss was all about. There were two stories going on at the same time, that being the family mystery and the flooding of Paris. I finished the novel with the feeling that the author missed an opportunity to express the rich history of the city, in order to give the tragic circumstances some weight. I never felt a connection to any of the characters and, as a result, would be hesitant to recommend The Rain Watcher to other readers.

In searching for historical fiction novels for my students, I don’t think I would recommend this title as I even had a rough time investing in it.

While revealing much about the neighborhoods of Paris, and the effects of a fictional flood of the Thames, I found the actual story to be lacking. Strained family relationships intertwined with a father's love of trees and his career and passion as an arborist. While father is highly respected for his work, his son doesn't see it (as many children don' t, until after their parent's passing) as much is true in this story. Family expectations, life experiences that hold us back, and all things that families struggle with are in this story., but I found there were far too many details that caused me to be distracted from the story itself.

A good read about complicated family dynamics set against a backdrop of a natural disaster in Paris well worth your time

Linden is in Paris to celebrate his father's birthday with just the family. Unfortunately, Paris is flooding at a rapid rate due to neverending rain and both parents get sick. As Linden tries to care for his father at the hospital he starts realizing he may not have much time left to bond with his father.

My feelings have run from I did not like the book at all (2 stars) to wow, what a powerful message (4 stars). After sitting here a couple of hours after finishing I have decided on a four-star review. I started this book thinking it was mainly about the flood and how it would bring the family together but it is about so much more. The moral I got out of the book is tragedy makes you see things you gloss over in life or refuse to see due to your own shortsightedness. Instead of assuming what others think or see about you, ask them. It is much better than letting the wrong thoughts fester for years. You may lose out on something remarkable being shortsighted.

There are no steamy sex scenes but there is a gay storyline. I don't remember a lot of obscene language so if there is any it must be minimal and feel right for the story. Of course, tons of Paris landmarks are mentioned so allow yourself time to look them up if you are not familiar with them.

This was my first book by Tatiana de Rosnay and I have already bought Sarah's Key to read soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

I loved Sarah’s Key so I couldn’t wait to start reading The Rain Watcher. Unfortunately I did not love The Rain Watcher.

The book begins very promisingly with a tree. The narrator is up in the tree where no one can find him. He is going to tell us a story and when he’s finished he will hide the story so no one finds it.

From that intriguing beginning, we are taken to Paris, where the Malegarde family is having a get together. The mother has organized it, a chance for the whole family, the son - Linden, the daughter - Tilia, the mother - Lauren and the father - Paul to get together. Unfortunately it has rained for days and continues to rain, so the Seine is flooding like it’s never flooded before.

From then on we follow the story through the eyes of Linden, who is now a photographer living in the United States. Each member of the family has their own weaknesses or secrets. They don’t get along and the drama of the family matches the drama of the environment.

There was so much repetition in the book. The rising of the Seine as measured on a statue, first it’s at the ankle, then the calf. How high it’s risen in the past. Will it rise more than the great flood before it? It seemed like every single chapter covered this again and again. Each area of Paris and whether or not it would flood. Possible if I had been to Paris and knew those areas that part might have been a bit interesting, but again, it seemed like it was every single chapter.

Even with all the repetition, I couldn’t understand the very negative reviews, I mean it wasn’t earth shatteringly good, but it wasn’t awful. Then I got to the end and I understood the negative reviews. The ending was abrupt and confusing. Trying to make something important that hasn’t been important all along.

I received an ARC of the book.

I’ve never been to Paris, but reading one of Tatiana de Rosnay’s books always makes me
feel like I am there. I was both excited and hesitant to read this. Sarah’s Key set the bar high and I have been disappointed with her other novels. The Rain Watcher did not disappoint. I fell in love with Paris once again (I will hopefully get there someday) and I fell in love with the Malegarde family. They were all perfectly imperfect, just like all of us. de Rosnay’s writing is beautiful and lyrical and for the first time since Sarah’s Key, she left me wanting more.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Rain Watcher by Tatiana de Rosnay is the story of a family on edge. The family gathers to celebrate the birthday of their patriarch. Everyone is on edge. Add to this a major catastrophe in Paris. So why couldn’t I get into this novel? The novel starts out slowly and I found it really hard to connect with it. I think the plot and premise held a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I did not think that the novel delivered. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Beautiful prose in emotional 'The Rain Watcher'
By SANDY MAHAFFEY For The Free Lance–Star

“I will start with the tree. Because everything begins, and ends, with the tree. The tree is the tallest one. It was planted way before the others….It is ancient and powerful. It has weathered terrible storms, braced against unbridled winds. It is not afraid.” This is how Tatiana de Rosnay begins “The Rain Watcher,” a powerful, emotional read. It is not a quick read, and it might even tempt you to go back and reread at least portions of it.

De Rosnay writes character-driven novels, and this is no exception. The Malegarde family has long planned to meet in Paris to celebrate a 40th anniversary and 70th birthday. Not the best laid plans, since Paris is in the midst of an epic flood while they are there; one to rival the flood of 1910, when the Seine consumed Paris.

This family has a past filled with pain and broken relationships. As the waters surge outside, emotions are flowing rapidly within the family. Father Paul has gained worldwide recognition as “The Tree Man,” because of his uncanny ability to rescue aging trees. Meanwhile, mother Lauren has secrets of her own.

Talia, the elder sibling, still struggles with guilt for being the lone survivor of a terrible auto accident; younger sibling Linden, a professional photographer, suffered so much bullying as a youth that he has not had the courage to tell his father he is gay. He is the narrator, documenting the devastation and analyzing and describing the family relationships and problems. Medical emergencies put even more stress on the family. It may be their last opportunity to understand one another, reconcile and redeem themselves.

Paris and the flood are also main characters. As the rising waters bring devastation to the beautiful city, its citizens struggle to survive.

This is a beautifully written novel—de Rosnay’s prose is magnificent, her characters come to life on the pages. But it was not without a few minor issues. Since I do not speak French, I would have appreciated translations for the lengthy quotes in French appearing at the beginning of a number of the chapters. I would have liked to understand their significance. I also found the ending quite abrupt, but, like the ending of “Sarah’s Key,” it leaves much to the imagination. And it ends with the tree.

Wonderful characters, lyrical writing, very emotional read.

Sandy Mahaffey is former Books editor with The Free Lance–Star.

More Information
THE RAIN WATCHER: A NOVEL
By Tatiana de Rosnay
(St. Martin’s Press, $27.99, 240 pp.)
Published: Oct. 30, 2018

As a thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy I shall give an honest review of this novel. The Rain Watcher is a novel filled with love, loss, atmospheric writing, and a family whom could be like your own. The novel follows the Malegarde family as they meet for the first time in many years on the eve of their patriarch’s 70th birthday. The family is made up of Paul a Frenchman, and his wife an American woman named Lauren, and sister Tiliia. The reader follows protagonist Linden and his experience navigating his journey back to the family he loves but feels he has disappointed. The family is shown to have lived both in France and the United States, and their children are said to feel out of place belonging neither to France or the U.S. The inner dynamics between each family member on a psychological level was intriguing for we were able to explore the dynamics between each sibling and parent. As the story continues is the focus then on each sibling and the relationship between them and their father. As time moves on to show the siblings as adults do the impact of their childhood impact their relationships and professional lives. For each sibling feels they are not able to meet their fathers' expectations. This is even more of an issue for Linden as he comes to terms with his sexuality and feels he is not able to meet his father's expectations or the society he lives in. Linden’s experience is shown to reveal his coming out process and later serious relationship. The journey Linden follows regarding his sexuality and the love of his life is a delight to read and is quite touching. It is in this experience do we the reader see the impact of society on Linden’s choices and those of his family. This sets up the relationship between father and son and the impact it has had on their dynamic. The latter part of the novel shows the family as they come together as a natural disaster impacts them in ways in which they do not realize till after the storm clears. Overall the novel was difficult to get into but after the first 30 pages was I able to follow along at a pace comfortable for myself. The novel is interesting but is not a novel most people would enjoy. Its pacing is an issue for it moves at a slow pace exploring the many emotional issues described. This was a quality I enjoyed but understand not many observe reading as such. The plot I feel centered around this family and their response to a natural disaster not only on the outside but within their family as well. I believe it was the length of pages that novel had for had the plot been better executed may I have enjoyed it more. One of the novel's strengths is the coming out process for Linden, and the internal process in which many LGBT individuals face. The author's ability to express characters in a full and lively context was engaging and one I rather enjoyed. Overall I rated this novel three out of five stars.

A failed family reunion against a backdrop of a natural disaster sets this book up for many dramatic moments. However, I didn't get much out of this story. The flooding was just there and didn't add the excitement that I thought it would. The dysfunctional family was just that dysfunctonal and the two main story threads never came together for me. Unless you love Paris, I would not recommend this book.

"The Rain Watcher" centers around the gathering of the Malegarde family in Paris for the weekend celebration of the family patriarch, Paul. They arrive during torrential rains and the beginning of massive flooding in the city. Both children, Linden and Tilia, are a bit taken aback when they see their father; he does not look well and has aged considerably. The celebration soon turns awry after Paul suffers a stroke during his 70th birthday dinner.

The flooding serves as a backdrop for family drama and secrets revealed. As the waters rise and Paris deteriorates, so does the Malegarde family along with Paul’s health.

The plot that stood out to me, though, was Linden’s relationship with his Father, Paul. They both have secrets to share. They both hide behind things to protect themselves… Linden with his old Leica camera and Paul with his trees.

Linden is jealous of the trees and the part that they play in Paul’s life… how important they are to him. A few lines from the book referencing trees really spoke to me… but I also saw them as how we as a society often feel about elderly people… “The tragedy is that people have lost interest in trees. They take them for granted. People don’t respect trees like they used to” and “No one really understand how slowly trees grow and how old they become” just as Paul’s children did not truly see their father aging.

In the end, we find out why the lime trees were so important in Paul’s life and why he dedicated his life to preserving all trees. We learn the family secrets and how they will affect this family going forward.

My only issue with the book was that it got a bit slow in the middle. I have been to Paris, but don’t know the names of the streets or areas, so that part seemed a bit hard to read and to go slowly. However, someone who was familiar with these areas might not agree.

While not my favorite de Rosnay book (it would be hard to the take the place of Sarah’s Key in my heart) it is still very worthy of a read.

#TheRainWatcher #TatianadeRosnay #NetGalley

Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Fiction
Cover: Perfect
Rating: 3 stars
Source: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book

Four stars. I last visited Paris in June 2016, shortly after the Seine reached its highest point in 30 years. In Tatiana de Rosnay’s new novel, The Rain Watcher, Paris is flooding and a family is left adrift, grappling with secrets and illness as the waters rise.

This book is so beautiful, it left me shaking. It builds and builds, and the descriptions of the flooding city placed me right back in the dreary streets of Paris during immense rain. Admittedly, de Rosnay’s writing style will not be for everyone, but once I settled into this book, I felt the emotional pull of the narrative. Allow yourself to be submersed in the prose, and you’ll be left wanting more.

So, have you ever read a book just because you have heard so many people rave about the author? And, then, you read something by the author only to find it was not your cup of tea? Well, that's what happened to me with Tatiana de Rosnay.

I heard such positive things about Sarah's Key that I was very excited to have the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of her latest book, The Rain Watcher. But, then I read the book, and I just don't get it.

The Rain Watcher is about a family reuniting after several years for the father's 70th birthday. They all gather in Paris. Unfortunately, when they gather, Paris is dealing with a historic flood. During the duration of the visit, the family deals with family secrets and family drama.

I'd like to say that from that short blurb about the book that it is exciting and interesting, but sadly, not much else happens in the book at all. The book was depressing. While I like my fair share of realistic, depressing fiction novels, I like there to be some hope. In this book, I found none.

Overall, the book was a downer. I can admit that this may be partly due to having such high expectations based on reviews of the author's previous works (which I have not read). Unfortunately, since this was my first by her, I doubt I will read another.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this copy to read and review.

A wonderful read that simply would not let go. Whenever I would have to put this book down, I would be thinking about it.

Rain has been falling in Paris for what seems like forever and the Seine is going to overflow its banks. Linden, his sister Tilia and his parents Paul and Lauren are meeting for a weekend in Paris as the flood threatens and finally occurs with a vengeance. Every member of this family has painful secrets and their revelations are precipitated by Paul's suffering a stroke in the middle of their family weekend. Each character is fascinating and the story line itself is wonderful, except that the constant mention of the flooding becomes a bit redundant after awhile. I loved everything about this book except that at the very end a secret appears to be revealed by Paul to his family, but it is not clear what exactly the secret is. I think I know, but choose not to spoil it for other readers. I strongly recommend this book. It was exceptional good reading.

My favorite part was the way the biggest storm to ever hit Paris ran parallel with the biggest storm to his Lenid’s Family. Great symbolism. The book went at a decent pace, picking up a little at the end when his father requested the hidden box. A good read.