Fifty Words for Rain

by Asha Lemmie
Fifty Words for Rain cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Historical Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4013
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781524746377
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2020-09-01
  • Reviews: 3

Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie is a poignant debut novel that weaves a tale of identity, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Set in Kyoto, Japan, in 1948, the story follows Noriko 'Nori' Kamiza, a biracial girl who is hidden away by her aristocratic grandparents due to her mixed heritage. Nori's life takes a dramatic turn when her half-brother Akira arrives, challenging the status quo and igniting a powerful connection between them. /n/n This novel spans decades and continents, exploring themes of prejudice, love, and the struggle for freedom. As Nori navigates her complex family dynamics and societal expectations, she discovers her own strength and the true meaning of belonging. A dazzling epic that delves into the ties that bind and the courage it takes to forge one's own path.

Reviews
Gissellereads · 2024-12-06
hopeful 4.00

The story is heartbreaking yet leaves the reader with a sense of hope. The emotional depth and resilience portrayed are compelling.

This reviewer found the story to be deeply moving, filled with moments of sadness that ultimately lead to a sense of hope. They appreciated the emotional journey and the strength of the characters, which made the reading experience both poignant and uplifting. The reviewer also noted that the book's ability to balance tragedy with hope is one of its standout qualities.

Quick quotes

    It is a heartbreaking story and one where yes there's a lot of sad things that happen but it leaves you full of hope (at least the way I interpret it).

    The emotional depth and resilience portrayed are compelling.

    The book's ability to balance tragedy with hope is one of its standout qualities.

Read Between the Spines · 2021-01-18
mixed 3.00

The book is beautifully told but criticized for being overly tragic. The post-WWII Japan setting is richly detailed.

This reviewer admired the beautiful storytelling and the richly detailed setting of post-WWII Japan. However, they felt that the book leaned too heavily into tragedy, making it feel like 'tragedy porn' at times. Despite this, they acknowledged the skillful writing and the depth of the historical context, which added layers to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Fifty Words for Rain is a beautifully told story of post-WWII Japan.

    However, it is also 100 percent unabashed tragedy porn.

    The richly detailed setting of post-WWII Japan adds depth to the narrative.

The New York Times · 2020-10-19
captivating 4.50

The debut novel is sprawling and thought-provoking, offering a captivating reading experience. It's a book that demands your full attention.

This reviewer was captivated by the sprawling and thought-provoking nature of the debut novel. They found it to be a compelling read that offers a rich and immersive experience. The reviewer also noted that the book is so engaging that it will make you want to cancel your plans just to keep reading. The depth and complexity of the story were particularly praised, making it a standout debut.

Quick quotes

    Asha Lemmie's sprawling, thought-provoking debut novel, 'Fifty Words for Rain' will give you 50 reasons to cancel the rest of your day.

    The book offers a rich and immersive experience.

    The depth and complexity of the story were particularly praised.

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