A review by bisexualbookshelf
The Rain Artist by Claire Rudy Foster

challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 🌧️☂️ Welcome to a world where rain is no longer a natural occurrence but a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich. In "The Rain Artist," Claire Rudy Foster paints a dystopian landscape where scarcity reigns, capitalism consumes, and the line between art and survival blurs.

Celine Broussard, the last of the umbrella-makers, becomes embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy when framed for the murder of the planet's wealthiest man. As she navigates a treacherous landscape of power and privilege, Foster masterfully explores themes of hierarchy, power dynamics, and the commodification of nature.

Foster's prose deftly navigates the complexities of a world ravaged by environmental degradation, where the absence of rain has reshaped every facet of life. Through the lens of protagonist Celine Broussard, descended from a lineage of umbrella-makers, this book explores themes of tradition, ancestry, and the relentless march of capitalism. From the first page, issues of anti-capitalism and class consciousness echo, weaving through the intricate narrative like a delicate thread.

At the heart of this book lies a scathing critique of capitalism and its insidious grip on society. Foster doesn't shy away from delving into the unequal distribution of resources, the exploitative nature of wealth accumulation, and the consequences of unchecked greed. Through nuanced character dynamics and marvelously descriptive diction, "The Rain Artist" paints a vivid portrait of a society teetering on the brink of collapse.

This debut novel serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of impending disaster. Foster's meticulous attention to detail and evocative imagery create an atmosphere of unease, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we inhabit. "The Rain Artist" does not require much world-building because it is our world, simply sped up, significantly increasing the foreboding experienced while reading this. I think this book is meant to discomfit, though, because as long as we remain comfortable, we are unlikely to agitate against capitalism.

Central to the narrative is the concept of solidarity and collective action in the face of oppression. As Celine navigates a treacherous landscape fraught with danger, she forms unexpected alliances and discovers the power of community in the fight against injustice. Amidst the chaos, moments of beauty and resilience emerge, embodied by the unlikely found family of Celine, Paul, and Yochanna.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its ability to seamlessly weave together themes of environmentalism, anti-capitalism, and social justice. Foster's narrative is both thought-provoking and deeply affecting, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned. In addition, as a queer, nonbinary trans writer, Foster brings a unique perspective to the genre, infusing the novel with authenticity and compassion. This book both entertains and challenges readers to question societal norms and imagine a more just future.

In "The Rain Artist," Claire Rudy Foster has crafted a masterful work of speculative fiction that transcends genre boundaries. With its timely themes, compelling characters, and immersive world, this novel is a powerful testament to the enduring power of storytelling in challenging times, reminding us of how much capitalism takes from us when we fall for its lies and the freedom that awaits if we can learn to resist.

📖 Recommend For: Environmental & Queer Activists, Dystopian Lit Lovers, Anticapitalist Advocates, Fans of NK Jemisin's "Broken Earth" Trilogy and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale.”
🔑  Key Themes: Anticapitalism, Environmental Degradation, Class Consciousness, Found Family, Reproductive Justice, Surveillance Culture, The Commodification Of Nature.

🌈 My Favorite Quotes:
  • “Wealth diffused stress the way umbrellas shed rain, showering it on the people beneath them, whose job it was to support the canopy at all costs, at any cost, for life.”
  • “The truth was like everything else and could be manufactured, bought, and traded. All facts belonged to the ice-drinking class; everyone else picked up their scraps and recycled their quotes until speculation became certainty. Every word the ice-drinkers uttered was currency unto itself.”
  • “They could film police brutality all they wanted. Didn’t change a thing. This is America! Ask not!”
  • “Humanity was always the first thing to go, under fascism. The voice of her grandmother humming in the kitchen. Then, beauty.”
  • “Celine knew how girls could be; she’d been a girl herself, once, believing she had powers that excused her from the laws of gravity, the state, and her body itself—its aging and frailty, its agonizing dependence on other people’s tenderness. She used to be young, but now she was wise. She felt it was an even-handed trade. She would not go back, even if she could.”
  • “In another era, he thought, truth was an unmalleable thing. Humans gave up their lives to protect it. And now, here was the species, with more sensors, spyware, and synthesis capabilities than ever, knowing less than before. They had no idea what was worth defending.”
  • “Paul had said that the only thing limiting the rich was a lack of imagination and that the rest of us were lucky because they were so very stupid—but Celine knew from experience that ignorance was temporary, and all it needed was a spark of energy, whether it be rage, desire, grief, or greed, to power its engines and send it down the runway, picking up speed as it went, and leaving Celine and her mother trailing behind it with their bags flapping against their shins, hands raised to the departing craft as if to beg for another chance—a better chance—to do it right this time, even perfect, now that we knew what was really expected of us.”
 
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