THE RAINS WILL COME

by Florence Crannell Means ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 15, 1954

In a story of the Hopi Indians 70 years ago, the author returns to the South-west region of some of her other books (see The Silver Fleece- 1950 and The House Under the Hill- 1949). Tragedy faces a Hopi settlement in the form of drought and sickness when Lohmay the chief's nephew commits what may be sacrilege by showing a white man their tribal ways. Then he thinks a spell is cast on his baby brother's life, a rivalry with Maqto over a girl, and the continued drought in spite of the rain dances- deepen Lohmay's guilt until he must make a confession of it in public. The climax lifts the weight from the boy's heart and proves his inner strength, but opens the way for change as well because the rain clouds have formed before the confession is made. Action keeps reader interest in a good picture of Hopi life that brings out their traits of non-aggression and selflessness.

Pub Date: Sept. 15, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1954

Categories: FICTION