What are you reading? Fifty Words for Rain, by Asha Lemmie

 Noelia's contribution

The Book

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Fifty Words for Rain, written by Asha Lemmie, is set in Kyoto in 1948. Noriko lives with her mother until one day she is told that she must go and live with her grandmother. The only condition is simple: ‘Promise me. Promise me that you will obey in all things. Do not question. Do not fight. Do not resist’ (Asha Lemmie, 2020, Fifty Words for Rain)

From that moment on, her life changed completely. Forced to live in the attic of the family home, she is kept out of sight and subjected to unusual “beauty” treatments. Her skin is constantly exfoliated in an attempt to lighten it, while her naturally curly hair is straightened to conform to Japanese beauty standards.

This is a compelling novel that explores themes such as racism, abandonment, honour over love, the suppression of critical thinking, and the struggle to define one's identity. People are treated as tools to be controlled, their personal desires sacrificed to protect the family's reputation.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its use of both first-person and third-person narration. Noriko’s story captures the reader’s attention from the very beginning, creating a constant desire to discover what will happen next. The book also encourages reflection throughout. For that reason, it is not a particularly fast read. There are moments when certain passages deserve to be reread, as the author conveys complex ideas with remarkable precision and without relying on excessive description. Another highlight is the number of unexpected twists that genuinely catch the reader by surprise.

As for its weaknesses, some secondary characters could have been developed more fully. By the end of the novel, it is not always clear what happened to them or why they made certain decisions.

Overall, this is a highly recommended book for a reading club. At fewer than 300 pages, it offers plenty to discuss, including motherhood, abandonment, and, above all, love. After all, everyone needs to feel loved, whether by parents, siblings, or a partner.

The Author

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Asha Lemmie is an American author best known for her debut novel, Fifty Words for Rain, published in 2020. She studied English literature and developed a strong interest in stories that explore identity, family relationships, and cultural heritage. Inspired by her own mixed-race background, Lemmie often writes about characters who struggle to find their place between different cultures. Her work has been praised for its emotional depth, vivid storytelling, and exploration of themes such as belonging, race, and resilience.