Description

Book Synopsis

The Japanese believe that until the age of three, children are gods, each one an okosama, or ''Lord Child''. On their third birthday they fall from grace and join the rest of mankind. Narrated by a child - from the age of two and a half up until her third birthday - this novel reveals how this fall from grace can be a very difficult thing indeed from which to recover.

''Nothomb potently distils from the state of infancy the intensity of beginnings, the precariousness, the trailed clouds of glory - that grow indistinct as childhood approaches.'' New York Times

''Amélie Nothomb, like an urchin about to pick your pocket, has frighteningly clear eyes and a disarming voice with a wicked snap.'' Luc Sante



Trade Review
"'French literary lioness Nothomb imagines the inner life of her first two years of childhood, richly depicting this wondrous secret universe.' Elle; 'Potently distills from the state of infancy the intensity of beginnings, the precariousness, the trailed clouds of glory.' New York Times"

The Character of Rain

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    A Paperback / softback by Amélie Nothomb, Timothy Bent

    £9.49

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    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 28 Aug 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Faber & Faber
      Published 4 November 2004
      ISBN-13 9780571220496
      978-0571220496
      ISBN-10 0571220495
      Also in:
      Contemporary Fiction Amelie Nothomb Books by Amelie Nothomb

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The Japanese believe that until the age of three, children are gods, each one an okosama, or ''Lord Child''. On their third birthday they fall from grace and join the rest of mankind. Narrated by a child - from the age of two and a half up until her third birthday - this novel reveals how this fall from grace can be a very difficult thing indeed from which to recover.

      ''Nothomb potently distils from the state of infancy the intensity of beginnings, the precariousness, the trailed clouds of glory - that grow indistinct as childhood approaches.'' New York Times

      ''Amélie Nothomb, like an urchin about to pick your pocket, has frighteningly clear eyes and a disarming voice with a wicked snap.'' Luc Sante



      Trade Review
      "'French literary lioness Nothomb imagines the inner life of her first two years of childhood, richly depicting this wondrous secret universe.' Elle; 'Potently distills from the state of infancy the intensity of beginnings, the precariousness, the trailed clouds of glory.' New York Times"

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