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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    £9.49

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    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Amélie Nothomb, Timothy Bent

    5 in stock

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      View other formats and editions of The Character of Rain by Amélie Nothomb

      Publisher: Faber & Faber
      Publication Date: 04/11/2004
      ISBN13: 9780571220496, 978-0571220496
      ISBN10: 0571220495

      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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