The Boy Who Made it Rain by Brian Conaghan

When a school tragedy happens, you probably lay the blame on society, the Internet, TV or violent films. Not many of you think it could be the parents' or the teachers' fault, do you? But then, is it? We all have our say, spout off opinions in different directions according to our view of the world. In this novel, too, they all have their say, but who's right?

At only sixteen Clem's world is turned upside down. His Willy-Loman-like father, a travelling salesman and a loser, is transferred from Eastbourne to Glasgow and along with him go Clem and his meek accommodating mother. But Glasgow is rough and Clem's posh English accent is not well-accepted in the sink school he attends. And he's a brilliant scholar. He soon becomes the target for McEvoy's group of thugs for whom slashing faces is the most important ambition in their depraved lives.

Reviews

"innovative and insightful... couldn’t wait to devour part two" - Times Educational Supplement

"I was utterly flabbergasted... one of the most compelling novels I've ever read" - Heffers Review,  Cambridge

"Brilliant writing, brilliant structure, brilliant book" - Des Dillon, author of Me and Ma Gal

"definitely up there with the modern classics" - What? Magazine

"A Must-Read for Teens and Adults: The Boy Who Made It Rain is an innovative novel that will keep you glued to the story until you turn the last page and learn the final outcome." - Fran Lewis, New York Reviewer.

“This is a brilliantly written book. I read it in one sitting, I just could not put it down.

“It is the story of Clem - a new boy who has moved from Eastbourne to Glasgow with his parents.

“It is written in a narrative style with each chapter written from a different character’s point of view. They are all writing with hindsight after a major event has occurred which the reader is left to guess about right up to the very end.

“The last section is Clem’s own narrative telling us his thoughts, feelings and actions, from finding out he is moving right through to the magnificent climax.

“This book will keep you enthralled throughout. The characters are exceptionally well described and revealed through their dialogue...” - Adele Symonds, Reviewer UK