The World between the Rain

by Susan Cahill

It's the week before Halloween and Marina is about to turn thirteen. Her father died a year ago. Her mother has strangely fallen asleep and no-one can wake her. She is sent to live with her mysterious grandmother who tells her that that you can enter a strange world between the ever falling rain in the west of Ireland. Marina enters a haunting watery world full of strange creatures, demons, gods and dream makers. Meanwhile, in our world a strange sleeping sickness has taken over. Will Marina be back in time? Can she survive?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade

352 pages, Paperback

Published October 24, 2024

Reviews

[Rebecca R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marina has always been able to see things that others can't, like the gaps between the rain. One morning she wakes to discover that her mother, and all the other adults in the town, have fallen under a sleeping spell. A grandmother she has never met before arrives to collect her and her sister, but then she slips into the space between the raindrops and finds herself in another world that is in the process of being devoured by a terrifying creature.

'The World Between the Rain' is a strange lyrical story about gods, monsters and grief. The fantasy world, Ishka, is a little too whimsical and vague, but I enjoyed the allegorical links between Ishka and the real world - it reminded me a little of 'Haroun and the Sea of Stories'.

[Sinéad O'Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautiful, lyrical, moving story of Marina and her quest to find the world between the rain, a quest which brings her on a journey deep into the mysteries at the heart of her own family. Packed with lore and myth, magic and wonder, and peopled with some of the most memorable characters (human and non-human alike) that you're ever likely to read, this is a book that 12-year-old me would have devoured, and then treasured forever.

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exploration of loss and grief told through a magical portal fantasy, perfect for readers aged 11+.
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....

[Brooke Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little bookworms book club

A pretty story that uses lots of interesting Irish folklore. I liked that the phrasing and pronunciations challenged and pushed the kids. I think it could have been more paced to hold interest better but still a good one for exploring loss and family difficulty.

[Emer O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This symbolically loaded dream-scape of a book burrows and barrels through mystical stories and magical worlds, reminding us to honour our feelings and nourish our hearts. There's wisdom in this book for the child in all of us.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story. It just hits you in the heart. A great tale of grief and family and love.

[Courtney Johnston]

Thoroughly endorse. Good world building, fun gods twist. Could have been a bit more Irish and I would’ve enjoyed it even more.