Hard Rain Falling
Hard Rain Falling
Book Brief
Beta308
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s-1960s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter follows the life of a young man navigating the challenges of a harsh and unforgiving world. The narrative explores themes of identity, survival, and redemption as the protagonist encounters moral dilemmas and complex relationships while striving to find his place in society.
Gritty
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
9,326 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter is praised for its gritty and realistic portrayal of life on society's fringes. Readers appreciate its in-depth character development, particularly the protagonist's troubled journey. However, some critics find its relentless bleakness overwhelming. The novel's raw, unflinching narrative and emotional depth resonate strongly, leaving a lasting impact.
Who Should Read Hard Rain Falling?
A reader captivated by gritty realism, troubled characters, and the underbelly of society will relish Hard Rain Falling. Fans of Richard Price's Lush Life or Denis Johnson's Jesus' Son will find similar allure in Carpenter's exploration of fate and redemption.
9,326 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter was originally published in 1966 and is considered a classic of American noir literature, capturing the grittiness of life on the margins of society.
The book's portrayal of the complexities of human emotion and societal constraints has been praised by renowned writers such as George Pelecanos and Jonathan Lethem, cementing its status as a must-read in the crime fiction genre.
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Don Carpenter was a contemporary of other notable authors like Richard Brautigan and Ken Kesey, and he was part of the vibrant literary scene in the American West during the 1960s and 70s.
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308
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s-1960s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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