Rain

Exploring the impact of rain on the English landscape, Rain reveals how weather shapes both nature and human identity through thoughtful reflections.

In Rain, acclaimed novelist and nature writer Melissa Harrison presents a thoughtful exploration of the English landscape during wet weather. The book delves into how rain transforms our countryside, altering fields, farms, hills, and hedgerows. Each drop of rain brings about a change, not only in the scenery but also in the behavior of wildlife, creating a dynamic relationship between nature and the weather.

Harrison takes readers on a journey through four distinct rain showers, experienced across the seasons in locations such as Wicken Fen, Shropshire, the Darent Valley, and Dartmoor. By blending her personal experiences with extensive reading and research, she paints a vivid picture of how rain influences both our environment and our identities. The narrative is enriched with memories and imaginative reflections that invite readers to consider their own connections to the weather.

The book is a unique collaboration between Faber and the National Trust, marking a significant contribution to nature writing. Rain is not just a meditation on weather; it is an invitation to appreciate the beauty and complexity of our surroundings, reminding us that rain is an essential part of life and landscape.