Nothing but the Rain
By: Naomi Salman
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Publisher: Tordotcom
Rating:

Author Naomi Salman turns something so mundane as a light rain and turns it into a dread-inducing, science-fictional horror that will make you think twice about going outside in a drizzle in her first novella. Nothing but the Rain by Naomi Salman is a tale of dread, suspense, science fiction, and a cold, creeping horror that only grows the longer you read.

A steady, never-ending rain consumes the town of Aloisville. No one remembers when the rain first started. Then again, they can’t seem to remember much at all. Every raindrop that hits their skin washes away a tiny bit of their memories. Stay too long outside, and you’re liable to forget who you are entirely.

Laverne’s way of coping is by keeping a journal, recording her daily activities, the most mundane tasks and the infrequent visits of friends and neighbors. This is how the story is presented to us—in journal format. But between the day-to-day activities necessary for survival in such a world are mentions of something greater going on the background. This unravels slowly at first. Reading between the lines is necessary, but things begin snowballing, whether or not Laverne agrees with that or not.

Aloisville isn’t normal. The rain certainly isn’t your typical rain, but the reader gradually learns that there’s more than unhappy neighbors outside. Some sort of mysterious force guards the perimeters of the town, ensuring that no one leaves. Are they friends? Foes? Do they guard the town for the good of humankind? Or is this some sort of experiment gone wrong? We never really learn, because Laverne isn’t necessarily concerned about any of that. Daily survival is much more important. And, gradually, so is trying to recall something that nags at the back of her mind, something she can’t quite remember.

The stark contrast between the mundane survival in this soggy world and the brewing full-on rebellion brewing in the background show two sides to the same coin: base survival and the struggle for freedom and answers. But are there answers? And, more importantly, is this the first time the citizens of Aloisville and Laverne herself have attempted to free themselves or learned these answers in the first place?

The story does exactly what it sets out to do and does it very effectively. It’s greatest strength in this regard is it’s brevity. This does truly feel like readers have stumbled onto part of Laverne’s personal journal and started reading. The tale doesn’t overstay its welcome or divert from Laverne’s struggle amid this odd rain and the plotting of her friends and neighbors.

Nothing but the Rain by Naomi Salman is a highly effective, entertaining novel that remains tense and suspenseful until the very last page. You’ll never look at a light drizzle the same way again. And the novella just about the perfect read for a rainy day.