The title of the book kept popping out to me as it sat on my bookcase next to the other thirty-some books that still need to be read. I wasn't sure what the book was about, even after reading the synopsis on the back of the book, so I was going into the book with no expectations.
Synopsis
Rain White lives on Earth City with her brother Walker, and her best friend Lo. But her brother is "Touched" and needs a cure before he gets taken away forever, like the rest of her family. In order to earn enough money to get Walker to the Edge (of the universe) where the cure is, she decides to become a prostitute like her best friend Lo. But before she gets the chance to sell her virginity, she runs into Johnny, a spaceship captain, who promises to take Rain and her brother to the Edge, if she agrees to be "his girl".
Once aboard, Rain quickly realizes how twisted Johnny is, and that his "passenger ship" is actually used to transport captured Touched for slave trade, and as prostitution ring for Johnny's girls. Rain has to decide how much of herself she is willing to use for the sake of her brother.
Humble Opinion
McCarthy paints the world of Rain very vividly. I was able to picture the ship and the characters clearly, which I always love. I love when I am able to see the book as a movie in my head. Even though The Color of Rain is pretty much about Rain being a prostitute and her experiences, McCarthy's ability to give the reader just enough detail to kickstart their imagination without having to go into cringeworthy detail was beautifully executed. Even though there were a few times I found myself wanting a little more insight or description from Rain, I found the lack thereof more disturbing because it left me to my own imagination, which is often worse.
There were several instances when reading this book that I had to put it down, because my mind would start to wonder. I found myself thinking about just how BIG the universe was, and how small Earth was in comparison; if I would be able to do what Rain was forced to do; what decisions would I have made if I was given the same options she was given... This book literally made me stop and think.
I liked Rain, but I didn't feel connected to Rain. Maybe it has something to do with me never having to resort to prostitution, or having to take care of a sick family member, but I never felt like I was a part of story. I felt like I was being told a story about someone else's experience. I find that the books that I fall love with, are the ones where I get sucked into the story, as if I am in the story with the protagonist.
Final say
Even though this book was calling to me from the bookshelf, it wasn't a book that I was craving to read once I started; nor was it a book that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed reading it when I was reading it, but I didn't go out of my way to make time to read it every day. There might be a sequel to this book? If there is, I doubt I will read it. I felt like McCarthy wrapped it up pretty well. I do think there are more places that the story can go, but I'm fine with how it ended.
If you have time, read the book, but it's not a "must-read". Unless you're squeamish to sexual situations/borderline rape, then I would pass.
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