The Time It Never Rained

by Elmer Kelton
The Time It Never Rained cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8477
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Texas Standard · 2023-06-21
excellent 4.50

The novel is considered one of the top ten best novels ever written by a Texan about Texas, showcasing Kelton's mastery of the genre. It resonates deeply with Texas literary critics and readers alike.

This novel is a Texas classic, often ranked among the best novels about Texas. It's a powerful narrative that captures the essence of the region and its people. The story's enduring appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of life in West Texas, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Texas literature. The novel's impact is evident in its continued relevance and the high regard in which it is held by literary critics.

Quick quotes

    Like me, many Texas literary critics consider it one of the top ten best novels ever written by a Texan about Texas.

    It was also Kelton's most powerful restatement of the Job story.

    The novel's impact is evident in its continued relevance and the high regard in which it is held by literary critics.

The Objective Standard · 2021-07-14
resilient 4.25

The novel is praised for its portrayal of everyday struggles and the resilience of its main character. The first half of the novel is particularly noted for its detailed depiction of Charlie's challenges.

This review from The Objective Standard focuses on the novel's portrayal of everyday struggles and the resilience of its main character, Charlie Flagg. The reviewer appreciates the detailed depiction of Charlie's challenges in the first half of the novel, which are difficult but manageable. The character's determination to see the drought through is highlighted as a key theme. The reviewer also notes the rich dialogue and the well-crafted characters that bring the story to life. The novel's setting in West Texas adds a layer of authenticity and realism that enhances the overall reading experience. The reviewer concludes that the novel is a powerful exploration of human endurance in the face of adversity.

Quick quotes

    The first half of the novel focuses on Charlie's everyday struggles, which are difficult but manageable.

    Given that Charlie has enough help from his family and friends, the challenges are manageable.

    The novel's setting in West Texas adds a layer of authenticity and realism.

Semicolon Blog · 2014-05-16
great 4.25

The novel is a Western classic that offers a conservative perspective and a compelling story. It stands out as a significant work in the genre.

This novel is a standout in the Western genre, offering a conservative perspective that adds depth to the story. It's a cracking good read that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The novel's strength lies in its ability to blend historical context with a gripping narrative, making it a memorable read. It's a classic that continues to resonate with readers, showcasing Kelton's skill as a storyteller.

Quick quotes

    Elmer Kelton's The Time It Never Rained is a Western classic, a conservative classic, and a cracking good story.

    It should be on every Western lover's bookshelf.

    The novel's strength lies in its ability to blend historical context with a gripping narrative.

Project MUSE · JV Holleran · 1974-01-01
powerful 4.50

The novel is a powerful retelling of the Job story, exploring themes of resilience and hardship. The narrative is straightforward but deeply impactful.

JV Holleran sees this novel as a profound exploration of human endurance in the face of adversity. The story of Charlie Flagg, a rancher struggling through a severe drought, is compared to the biblical tale of Job, highlighting the universal struggle against fate. Holleran appreciates the novel's simplicity and its ability to convey complex emotions through a straightforward narrative. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles feel authentic, making the novel a timeless piece of literature. They also note that the novel's setting in West Texas adds a layer of authenticity and realism that enhances the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Reduced to its basic narrative utterance, The Time It Never Rained is a powerful restatement of the Job story.

    The novel's setting in West Texas adds a layer of authenticity and realism.

    The characters are well-developed, and their struggles feel authentic.

Appears in Lists