Introduction

“The Boy in the Rain transports us to another time and place in this powerful, sensual, and lyrical novel that literally took my breath away—the love is so visceral, the pain so deep, the beauty so real, and the danger so palpable!” ~NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose, author of The Last Tiara

It is 1903 in the English countryside when Robbie, a shy young art student, meets the twenty-nine-year-old Anton who is running from memories of his brutal childhood and failed marriage. Within months, they begin a love affair that will never let them go. Robbie grows into an accomplished portraitist in the vivid London art world with the help of Anton’s enchanting former wife, while Anton turns from his inherited wealth and connections to improve the conditions of the poor. But it is the Edwardian Era, and the law sentences homosexual men to prison with hard labor, following the tragic experience of Oscar Wilde. As Robbie and Anton’s commitment to each other grows, the world about them turns to a more dangerous place

Editorial Review

No Editorial Review Currently Available

Excerpt

BEFORE THE SCENE [Occurs early in the book]: Art student Robbie has come to live in the English countryside outside Nottingham to lodge with an elderly vicar and study for his university examinations. He falls in love with Anton, his well-off, worldly neighbor who lives in a nearby farmhouse and they have a deep secret love affair for four months. But Anton’s wife from whom he is separated comes to Nottingham and with much sadness, he tells Robbie that he is going to reunite with her and live “a normal life, not always hiding and in the shadows.” Robbie is devastated. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. Anton and Robbie are much in love but human and imperfect. They adore each other but also hurt each other. In the beginning, Anton is the older, more worldly one, and holds most of the power. This changes on and off until several years into the relationship, Robbie cries out in frustration. “Have you ever needed me for anything? Will I always just be your boy” Discuss the balance of power (love, sex, money, letting the other person grow) in relationships you see around you. If one person changes, how does the other adjust?

2. How do Robbie and Anton change and what path do you see which leads to the end of the novel, what decisions that will eventually lead to the last pages?

3. Do you know any man (or woman) who tried to remain in a heterosexual relationship to please their families, or deny their feelings? What happened to them when they “came out of the closet?” What happened to their former wife or husband?

4. From the very earliest days of their meeting, Robbie and Anton encourage each other’s goals. Do people often help their partners to the partner’s goal, even when it is a hardship for the giver or can end in an impossible place?

5. Anton changes when he goes back to his fighting for socialist ideals. Do you know anyone who has made such a life decision? Who perhaps had the courage to face all his old demons and become something remarkable at any age?

6. The novel asks questions about socialism, wealth, and responsibility. We are still trying to balance these things today. In the Edwardian years and much before, poverty was heartbreaking. Anton wishes to tax the wealthy to give basic food, medicine and old age pensions to the poor. But as the Baron points out, such taxation will eventually bring down the great houses such as Downton Abbey. The wealthy owners will not even be able to afford them. What did these new taxes mean for such a family as the Crawleys of Downton?

8. The fight for LGBTQ rights still goes on in parts of America and the rest of the world. Why do you feel the right to love who you love is still in debate? Why are people so afraid of it

Weblinks

»	Author's website
»	Publisher's book info

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book