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Dublin in the Rain
by
On a rainy day in Dublin, during the spring of 1947, a tragic accident brought devastation to those involved. As the subsequent years pass, unable to come to terms with the accident, the survivors set the path for a deeply troubled future for each generation that followed.
Jonathan Melton had a traumatic childhood in which he ended up in foster care, but when he meets the w ...more
Jonathan Melton had a traumatic childhood in which he ended up in foster care, but when he meets the w ...more
Hardcover, 372 pages
Published
January 30th 2014
by New Generation Publishing
(first published November 11th 2013)
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Start your review of Dublin in the Rain

“Celebrate the past, don't regret it.”
---― Andrew Critchley, Dublin in the Rain
Andrew Critchley, an English author, has spun a spectacular story in his debut novel, Dublin in the Rain, which follows the life of an emotionally-torn man, named, Jonathan Paul Melton.
Synopsis:
On a rainy day in Dublin, during the spring of 1947, a tragic accident brought devastation to those involved. As the subsequent years pass, unable to come to terms with the accident, the survivors set the path for a deeply ...more
---― Andrew Critchley, Dublin in the Rain
Andrew Critchley, an English author, has spun a spectacular story in his debut novel, Dublin in the Rain, which follows the life of an emotionally-torn man, named, Jonathan Paul Melton.
Synopsis:
On a rainy day in Dublin, during the spring of 1947, a tragic accident brought devastation to those involved. As the subsequent years pass, unable to come to terms with the accident, the survivors set the path for a deeply ...more

‘Dublin in the Rain’ is a wonderful coming-of-age novel about a young Englishman, Jonathan Melton who must circumvent several challenges to find a true purpose in his life. The novel touches upon several themes, the most overriding one being that of redemption, not only from the shackles of the past but also whatever (or whoever) is not a part of your life in the present. The novel is about celebrating what’s gone and looking at the future with hope and faith, something that the author reminds u
...more

So intense and vivid
First of all a huge thanks to the author for sharing his work with me and it had been a wonderful reading experience
The book was like watching somebody grow up right in front of me. Watching somebody go through the troughs and crests of his life, while doing and learning from his mistakes
Undoubtedly the author is a master story teller. The way he vividly shared the life of a young man is commendable.
The narration is chopped into small blocks, so you can easily go thro ...more
First of all a huge thanks to the author for sharing his work with me and it had been a wonderful reading experience
The book was like watching somebody grow up right in front of me. Watching somebody go through the troughs and crests of his life, while doing and learning from his mistakes
Undoubtedly the author is a master story teller. The way he vividly shared the life of a young man is commendable.
The narration is chopped into small blocks, so you can easily go thro ...more

There are books that follow us and stay in a small corner of our head. Of those books that bring a smile on your face every time you look back. Dublin in the rain is definitely one of them.
A book is always a promise. A promise to travel, to dream, to learn…For a moment in time to live a life that is not yours. From the first to the last page, I was literally absorbed by the story; almost living it.
The content is written in a way that is easily understandable by non English people. The style is ...more
A book is always a promise. A promise to travel, to dream, to learn…For a moment in time to live a life that is not yours. From the first to the last page, I was literally absorbed by the story; almost living it.
The content is written in a way that is easily understandable by non English people. The style is ...more

Mar 23, 2014
Amie's Book Reviews
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
goodreads-first-reads
DUBLIN IN THE RAIN by Andrew Critchley
I was chosen as the lucky winner of a hardcover copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway promotion.
Never having heard of this author, or really knowing what this book was about, I was up for giving it a read. I will read anything and as has been proven with this book, sometimes the best reads come unexpectedly.
**This review contains spoilers**
Jonathan Melton is at the center of this tale. It begins with his unhappy childhood and his desert ...more
I was chosen as the lucky winner of a hardcover copy of this book from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway promotion.
Never having heard of this author, or really knowing what this book was about, I was up for giving it a read. I will read anything and as has been proven with this book, sometimes the best reads come unexpectedly.
**This review contains spoilers**
Jonathan Melton is at the center of this tale. It begins with his unhappy childhood and his desert ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Jan 23, 2014
Kate
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
own-it,
first-reads-2014
"I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads"
Wow . . . Dublin in the Rain, left me stunned—in the most positive sense and is an interesting tale. One in which I can honestly say, that i have never read anything quite like this before as it held me truly captivated from page one. Critchley has created a captivating and beautifully constructed story line, that is both moving and emotionally charged. The book follows the heart felt touching journey of Jonathan Paul Melton (J.P) movi ...more
Wow . . . Dublin in the Rain, left me stunned—in the most positive sense and is an interesting tale. One in which I can honestly say, that i have never read anything quite like this before as it held me truly captivated from page one. Critchley has created a captivating and beautifully constructed story line, that is both moving and emotionally charged. The book follows the heart felt touching journey of Jonathan Paul Melton (J.P) movi ...more

A mesmerizing and all-consuming journey through the lives of complex and multifaceted characters that deeply touched my soul!
Dublin In The Rain is a beautifully executed and eloquently written novel, tracking the lives of cleverly constructed characters, whose personal journeys will strike a chord with each and every reader!
It is a multi-layered, smart and sexy piece of contemporary literature that can be read and interpreted on many different levels. Light, Dark, Paradox, Redemption, Symmetry, ...more
Dublin In The Rain is a beautifully executed and eloquently written novel, tracking the lives of cleverly constructed characters, whose personal journeys will strike a chord with each and every reader!
It is a multi-layered, smart and sexy piece of contemporary literature that can be read and interpreted on many different levels. Light, Dark, Paradox, Redemption, Symmetry, ...more

This is an excellent modern day book. I normally prefer classical English literature but the book by Andrew Critchley works and work very well indeed. His prose is economical but never dull and the dialogue is quite mesmerising at times - particularly between the lead character Jonathan and the woman he falls in love with, Sophia.
Although initially unconvinced by the first person, past tense narrative (beyond the initial prologue, for some strange reason called a Preface), it undeniably works a ...more
Although initially unconvinced by the first person, past tense narrative (beyond the initial prologue, for some strange reason called a Preface), it undeniably works a ...more

Feb 26, 2014
joey (thoughts and afterthoughts)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
physical-arc,
arc-review
[See the full review at thoughts and afterthoughts.]
Rating: 4.75/5
Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less version:
-Dynamic and compelling characters with a dialogue-driven narrative.
-Seamlessly integrates issues like: divorce, alternative family, sexuality, substance abuse, and death.
-The power in this story comes from self-reflection and redemption; for the characters and as a reader.
-Multiple scenes with sexual context that may deter readers.
-I'd argue this book can be suited ...more
Rating: 4.75/5
Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less version:
-Dynamic and compelling characters with a dialogue-driven narrative.
-Seamlessly integrates issues like: divorce, alternative family, sexuality, substance abuse, and death.
-The power in this story comes from self-reflection and redemption; for the characters and as a reader.
-Multiple scenes with sexual context that may deter readers.
-I'd argue this book can be suited ...more

* Beware Spoilers Included*
It has been a couple of days since I finished reading Dublin in the Rain and I’m still trying to decide what I think of it. I don’t mind reading other people’s reviews as I don’t let them influence me but I find that everyone before me has given it 5 stars both on Goodreads and on Amazon. I know that not every book is for every reader and this one was not for me.
The story opened with two accidental deaths that left a young boy with no parents. He then grew up with his ...more
It has been a couple of days since I finished reading Dublin in the Rain and I’m still trying to decide what I think of it. I don’t mind reading other people’s reviews as I don’t let them influence me but I find that everyone before me has given it 5 stars both on Goodreads and on Amazon. I know that not every book is for every reader and this one was not for me.
The story opened with two accidental deaths that left a young boy with no parents. He then grew up with his ...more

After dealing with abandonment and his father's suicide, Jonathan Melton joins his friend's family. They take him in as one of their own. David, the family's son, and Jonathan head off to the same university. Everything changes when he meets Sophia. He falls deeply for her and they marry. When Sophia and Jonathan have a baby girl, everything seems perfect. Then everything changes. Their daughter dies unexpectedly and Jonathan begins drinking away his pain. He shuts out everyone and takes off. Wh
...more

As a man, JP is as masculine, chivalrous, handsome, amorous, experienced, savvy, perceptive, dense, industrious, smart, dimwitted, and manly as any man could expect and of course this is expected because this story is written from a man’s point of view. But Sophie is beautiful, womanly, naive, sexy, girly, tempered, soft, seductive and just strong enough to make every woman love her, envy her, admire her and know that a part of her is her…this is surprising because again it is written in a man’s
...more

I don't usually enjoy fictional autobiographies but this novel kept me gripped and interested right until the end. It is very powerfully written and does deliver a lot of insights into the way the central character is able to endure just about everything life can throw at him. It seems a very honest, authentic work and is very good on human decency and the redemptive powers of friendship. I would recommend it and I'm am now looking forward to the second of the trilogy.
...more

I received this book from Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
All I can say is Wow! I haven't read a story like this in a long time. It left me stunned, it was so emotional and heartfelt. I felt as though I was transported to a different place, I grew and evolved with the characters and am now so sad to see it come to an end. I highly recommend this book. ...more
All I can say is Wow! I haven't read a story like this in a long time. It left me stunned, it was so emotional and heartfelt. I felt as though I was transported to a different place, I grew and evolved with the characters and am now so sad to see it come to an end. I highly recommend this book. ...more

I received this book from its author via Goodreads Giveaways.
To write about redemption and forgiveness is a risky game, but in this case it has been an inspiring reading, a door that leads to reflection in the attitude when facing adversity and obstacles that life puts you ahead.
We all have been JP Melton. Some have made different choices.
As a bonus, the constant references to the British and Irish literature and such graphic narrative about the streets of the city of Dublin are delightful.
I do ...more
To write about redemption and forgiveness is a risky game, but in this case it has been an inspiring reading, a door that leads to reflection in the attitude when facing adversity and obstacles that life puts you ahead.
We all have been JP Melton. Some have made different choices.
As a bonus, the constant references to the British and Irish literature and such graphic narrative about the streets of the city of Dublin are delightful.
I do ...more

Dublin in the Rain by Andrew Critchley with its captivating and beautifully constructed story line is the moving and emotionally charged journey of Jonathan Paul Melton as he moves through life, from boyhood to manhood, experiencing its many highs but also its heartbreaking lows.
Born into a loving, caring and financially comfortable family, Jonathan’s early years were happy and care free but all that changed forever as his parents marriage disintegrated, his mother abandoned him and his father e ...more
Born into a loving, caring and financially comfortable family, Jonathan’s early years were happy and care free but all that changed forever as his parents marriage disintegrated, his mother abandoned him and his father e ...more

This is a gem of a book. The characters are truly authentic and you root for them every step of the way. I was so gripped that I even got up at 5am one morning so that I could get longer to read.
Although the author deals with some serious themes, he handles them with light hands and the highs are terrifically high. It tells all so if you prefer having some things left to the imagination then this might not be for you.
My only tiny niggle is that I didn't love the first chapter as much as the rest ...more
Although the author deals with some serious themes, he handles them with light hands and the highs are terrifically high. It tells all so if you prefer having some things left to the imagination then this might not be for you.
My only tiny niggle is that I didn't love the first chapter as much as the rest ...more

In today's society where we read a lot of novels about Vampires, Demons, Fairies, shifters and such this was a refreshingly different type of book. It follows the main character through the ups and downs of his life. It is very down to earth and i feel most people can relate to some of the things in this book. If you are looking for a down to earth book that is a story about real life things with a happy ending you have found it. Andrew has done a fantastic job with this book and i would highly
...more

I absolutely loved this story about Jonathan Melton. It touched my heart. The book is beautifully written. The story is characterized by gripping narrative and deep emotional impact. It is permeated with irony/lofty ideas/strong feelings. The author has dealt with some very heavy issues, yet, has done so with empathy and created a story that isn't one big, depressing tear-jerker. Everything is realistically portrayed. I highly recommend you to read it.
...more

It's a great book, deeply moving. The tone is thoroughly passionate and I remained completely gripped to its storyline till its very end! This is one of the best books I read in 2014!
...more

From the very beginning, Dublin in the Rain makes a fateful grab at your heart and will not let go. The prologue sets the stage for the array of emotions in which one may expect to be immersed, ranging from the blossoming of young love to the heart-rending grief of the loss of all one holds dear, to learning to survive a childhood of cold indifference after such a loss.
I was out of breath after only this first foreshadowing of things to come!
Trying to anticipate the relation between the horrific ...more
I was out of breath after only this first foreshadowing of things to come!
Trying to anticipate the relation between the horrific ...more

'Dublin in the Rain' introduces its readers to a series of believable characters all interlinked to the complex, endearing, lovable and sometimes infuriating JP Melton.
The book is written in easy, short and entertaining chapters that both clearly set the scene and had me as a reader feeling that I was so much part of the scene to the point where I actually wanted to contribute to the dialogue. If this was a film then there would have been many times when I would have been shouting at the TV.
I d ...more
The book is written in easy, short and entertaining chapters that both clearly set the scene and had me as a reader feeling that I was so much part of the scene to the point where I actually wanted to contribute to the dialogue. If this was a film then there would have been many times when I would have been shouting at the TV.
I d ...more

"I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads"
**SPOILERS**
I enjoyed this book immensely. However, I felt that it could have been slightly shorter; I nearly stopped reading halfway through because the point that Sophia and Melton were so incandescently happy had been thoroughly established and then some. The discord leveled out the joy, but it took a long time getting there. Also, for an author who writes so descriptively, I would have appreciated a bit more variety in the adjecti ...more
**SPOILERS**
I enjoyed this book immensely. However, I felt that it could have been slightly shorter; I nearly stopped reading halfway through because the point that Sophia and Melton were so incandescently happy had been thoroughly established and then some. The discord leveled out the joy, but it took a long time getting there. Also, for an author who writes so descriptively, I would have appreciated a bit more variety in the adjecti ...more

I won this book through Goodreads First reads. A story of love, loss, feelings of abandonedment and depression. After many years Jonathan experienced forgiveness and true love.
Kuddos to the author. This is his debut novel. I'm looking forward to the next book. ...more
Kuddos to the author. This is his debut novel. I'm looking forward to the next book. ...more

Great read! Not one page could be skimmed over and I couldn't put it down. Be prepared for Jonathan Melton to be part of your daily thoughts!!!!
...more

Really enjoyed reading 'Dublin in the rain' so much! I couldn't put it down. A fascinating storyline that will never get old. I will be reading this book again and again. Thanks Andrew Critchley!!
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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♥ Nothing Better ...: One of the best books in Adult Genre Fiction of 2014 | 1 | 36 | Dec 26, 2014 01:23AM |
Andrew Critchley was born in Sheffield, and has lived across Western Europe, now residing in Cardiff, South Wales. Following a successful business career, Critchley took early retirement in 2012 to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. Critchley is presently working on a project that will explore differing perspectives of the tragic Aberfan disaster of 1966. Dublin in the Rain is the first book i
...more
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