The Rainbow

by DH Lawrence
The Rainbow cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 10448
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • ISBN: 9781446418567
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-02-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

D.H. Lawrence's 'The Rainbow' is a sweeping family saga that delves into the lives of the Brangwen family over three generations, set against the backdrop of 19th and early 20th century England. The novel explores themes of love, desire, and the societal changes that shaped the era. Through the experiences of the Brangwen family, Lawrence paints a vivid portrait of the human condition and the struggles of individuals in a rapidly changing world. /n/n The book is not just a narrative of personal relationships but also a commentary on the broader cultural and historical shifts that defined the period. With an introduction by Rachel Cusk, this edition offers additional insights into Lawrence's work and its enduring relevance.

Reviews
The Independent · 2015-09-25
heartwarming 4.50

The novel is a deeply personal and multifaceted exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. The writing is rich and evocative, capturing the essence of rural life and the complexities of human relationships.

This review highlights The Rainbow as a profound and intimate portrayal of multiple generations within the Brangwen family. The reviewer appreciates Lawrence's ability to delve into the intricacies of each character's journey, making the narrative both engaging and thought-provoking. The setting in the Nottinghamshire countryside is vividly brought to life, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. The reviewer finds the novel to be a captivating exploration of human nature and the search for meaning in a changing world. They also note that the eccentricity and daring nature of the characters add to the novel's charm and complexity.

Quick quotes

    I loved The Rainbow most: a story of several generations of one family in the Nottinghamshire countryside.

    The Rainbow is eccentric and dangerous, but it is also deeply human and profoundly moving.

    Lawrence's writing is lush and evocative, capturing the essence of rural life and the complexities of human relationships.

The Guardian · 2014-07-14
masterful 4.75

The novel is considered a masterpiece of mature fiction, with a perfect blend of lyrical prose and deep psychological insight.

The reviewer praises The Rainbow as one of D.H. Lawrence's finest works, noting its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight. The novel's opening scenes at Marsh Farm are particularly highlighted for their ability to set the tone for the entire narrative. The reviewer finds the exploration of the Brangwen family's lives to be both poignant and profound, with each character's journey adding layers of meaning to the story. The novel is seen as a timeless exploration of human emotions and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world. The reviewer appreciates Lawrence's ability to capture the essence of modernity while maintaining a deep connection to the natural world.

Quick quotes

    The Rainbow, for me, is as close to perfection as any of his mature fiction.

    The novel opens with Marsh Farm, the home of the Brangwen family, and it is here that the story's emotional depth begins to unfold.

    Lawrence's exploration of human emotions and the search for identity is both poignant and profound.

Tania Moore · Tania Moore · 2013-09-01
recommended 4.50

The novel is a rich and sensuous journey that is highly recommended for its depth and beauty.

Tania Moore highly recommends The Rainbow, describing it as a rich and sensuous journey into the lives of the Brangwen family. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and beauty, noting that it is well worth the time and effort to immerse oneself in Lawrence's world. The reviewer finds the characters to be complex and compelling, with each generation of the Brangwen family offering unique insights into human nature. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, identity, and the search for meaning is seen as both timeless and relevant. The reviewer also notes that Lawrence's writing style is evocative and poetic, making the reading experience both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    I highly recommend The Rainbow; it's well worth the journey into this rich and sensuous world.

    D.H. Lawrence has often been described as a writer ahead of his time, and The Rainbow is no exception.

    The novel's exploration of themes such as love, identity, and the search for meaning is both timeless and relevant.

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