The Scent of Rain and Lightning was one of those books that's going to stick with me for a while. Its themes were overwhelming, and it's storyline powerful, yet I can't blog about much of it because if I do, the book will be ruined for any potential readers. It is a bit of a drama and a hard-hitting mystery all rolled into one. I truly think it's worth the read and am grateful for Heidi for telling me about it.
Set in Kansas, Jody is the first character we meet. She is in her late twenties and has returned to the home town of her youth to work as a high school teacher. She is the child of parents who were murdered in their own home when she was three. She has spent her entire life wondering about her parents while being raised by her grandparents. After a little more background about Jody, the present day story flashes back to the year her parents died. During this story we meet the entire Linden crew: Hugh Senior, Annabelle, Belle, Hugh-Jay, Chase, Bobby, Meryl, and Jody as a three year old. We also meet some folks who work on the cattle ranch--Red and Billy-- as well as Billy's wife Val and his son Collin. The story is set in a small town and you get to meet the owners of the local tavern and grocery store and you quickly realize that this is a town where people look out for one another, but it is also one where the Linden's rule. They are rich, they are well-respected, and they are very interesting people. Honestly, there were times when I was reading this book thinking that it would make the most awesome night-time soap opera, like a modern day Dallas, just set in Kansas.
So, while I'd love to keep going and to completely ruin it for you, I am going to maintain some self-control and not do exactly that. What I will do instead is tell you what this book made me ponder.
First of all, it made me think about forgiveness. Could I forgive someone who hurt my family? Could I put aside blame and move beyond? Could I do it for the sake of a child who might be involved, as an example of the right way to handle tragedy or would I be spiteful and vengeful? As I have said before in blogs, may I never really have to find out, but I can only hope that I would take the high road, especially if and when children were watching. Nothing good comes from spite.
Second of all, I thought of revenge, the natural enemy of forgiveness. There are characters in this book who forgive and there are those who seek revenge. The ending of the book lets you know what the author thinks. It sure made me think about my own beliefs.
Third of all, I thought about family. As a current watcher, and new fan, of ABC's new Sunday night drama GCB, I have done some thinking about marriages of convenience, as one such marriage exists in this hilarious new show. In other words, marriages where each party consents to be married not because of love and adoration for the other but because the marriage will give each partner something they couldn't get otherwise. There is such a marriage in The Scent of Rain and Lightning and while I guess I should've suspected it all along, I didn't see it coming. Just like I would've never predicted the ending of the book nor the solution to the mystery. I would make a terrible detective! Anyway, marriages of convenience...I can't imagine anything worse than being married to someone and having to pretend for an entire lifetime. How exhausting that must be. Perhaps that's why one character (you'll have to read to find out) was so exhausted all of the time and just needed a break. Living a lie must be really hard work. I can't even imagine. This marriage of convenience is neatly juxtaposed with another relationship that is based on love, faith, trust, and hope...a relationship that was built over time...a relationship that the two partners fought for and felt was worth fighting for. I loved the comparison, while not a blatant one, and feel certain that this new generation of lovers will get it right and that the revenge will be laid to rest.
I am off to find a new book. May you find one that opens your mind and your heart, and maybe entertains you a little along the way, too.
Happy reading!
:) Dodie
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