5 stars. This book: not perfect but so, so lovely, so, so shattering. I could NOT stop reading, couldn't continue to be with Robbie and Anton, to see how THEY would continue. Kudos to Stephanie Cowell for making me care so much. Also, too many times historical fiction novels can feel anachronistic, especially novels with LGBTQ+ characters and themes, but except for a very few and fleeting moments, the author had me very firmly in Edwardian England, feeling the fears, the despair of perhaps never being allowed to find and share love. I never doubted that the main characters, and all the others on the (virtual) pages, were real, flawed human beings for us to care for.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for the e-ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review of this wonderful, powerful, evocative, lovely book.

Rating: 2.5

I really wanted to enjoy this book. The synopsis sounded promising; I loved the cover. But as the story went on, it felt as though it were lacking something. One of my issues came with the dialogue. It felt flat and like it just touched the surface of what it could have been. I do plan to give this one a reread at a later time, as I feel as if I just wasn’t in the right mood or mindset for it right now.

I received this advanced copy from Netgalley and Publisher, so thank you!

The book is divided in five parts and spans for about ten years in which we follow mainly Robbie Stillman's career, love life and inner torments. First of all, there is a love story, but for me, it is not the central point, what I take from it is how institutionalized homophobia in society affected the queer people back then and their relationships.

To be honest, I struggled to pass through the first part, the writing was odd, there wasn't a natural flow between scenes, abrupted changes of themes ocurred. However, when I reached the second part, story started to develop nicely or perhaps I grew used to the writing style.

I liked the relationship between Robbie and Anton, there were low and high points just as in real life and I can't imagine how was to be queer with The Gross Indecency Law.

One weird point for me is that Robbie always saw his paints as not good enough and by the end of the book I did not get the feeling of a closure about this topic, he just settled as a portrait artist and that's it? And lastly, I find really odd the friendship between him and Louise, Anton's ex-wife, specially at that time, well, I don't know, maybe it could happen.

Overall, after that first part, I really enjoyed the book, the settings were nice, all the themes addressed were really interesting and to imagine all those horrific things happened in England until the late 60's and still happen across several countries across the globe, it is revolting.

This book made for a really emotional read and I really enjoyed the journey it took me on. I'm really looking forward to reading more work by this author.

*I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

1.5 stars

Half a star because the book slightly reminded me of Maurice. The writing style was killing me. Nothing ever seemed to happen and if it did it was simply stated, not described. It was very slow-paced. I didn't like any of the characters.

The plot points were typical. The title and cover grabbed my attention. But the ending was bad. All-in-all, if anything this would have made a better movie.

Highlight quotes:

"Being liked is a luxury in this world".

"You have so much talent, you don't know what to do with it all; it comes from you, I think, in a volcanic way--or rather, you don't so much have it as it has you".

"Love it to be avoided. Friendship is the best".

My other big issue was:

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER




Robbie with the wandering eye. Let's all make cheating the new norm, why not. Also, Robbie seemed like a user.

It very much gives Maurice and I mean that as a compliment. Not in like plot really just in a messy and complicated and thoroughly enjoyable to read.

Thank you, Regal House Publishing, for allowing me to read The Boy in the Rain early.

What a pleasant surprise! I didn't know the author beforehand but am definitely going to read Stephanie Cowell's other books. Splendidly written and so captivating! highly recommended!

I got this arc from netgalley and oh my god i just thought it'd be a bit sweet but? They were so messy your honor. To be honest i loved their dynamic and even tho it was slowly built it gave me the feel of a classic somehow. it took me time to get through but I'm glad i did because the writing style is so so good. Recommend.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this advanced copy.

Actual rating 4.5

This was my first time reading Stephanie Cowell's book, and I really loved her writing style. I loved how the story developed in such a slow pace but never bored me. Anton and Robbie relationship was sweet yet they kept hurting each other. The only thing I didn't like from this book was the ending. The ending Made me feel all the relationship developments between Anton and Robbie Were pointless. Even though I really understood why Corwell wrote that way, especially after what happened to Keith, I understood Robbie's feeling.