Review: Rain Fall by Barry Eisler

As I mentioned in a previous post, Barry Eisler visited my bookstore not very long ago. I was so impressed with his approachability and demeanor that I picked up his first novel: Rain Fall.

Author: Barry Eisler Format: MM Available Formats: TC, Kindle, Sony eBook Page Count: 363 Genre: Action Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: July 1, 2003 ISBN-13: 9780451209153

John Rain, the protagonist of Rain Fall, is a man between two cultures--Rain is neither American, nor Japanese. Even more so than caught between two cultures, Rain is forced to live outside both societies due to both the demons from his past and his current profession. Rain is a man that strives to rely and trust no one; however, not only does his partnership with a talented tech geek, Harry, begins to get closer than is comfortable--and, as if that wasn't enough to start trouble, Rain begins to develop feelings for the daughter of one of his victims. These two relationships (primarily the latter), pull Rain out of the comfortable, anonymous shadows he's lived in and into territory he's equally familiar with: danger.

Unlike most popular action authors right now, Eisler's story and character casts off a pure American focus to embrace a more international feel. The mixed heritage of John Rain--and the resulting conflict that results from his lack of having a culture to truly call "home"--was a welcoming break from the standard fare of unquestioningly American heroes so common to the genre. Additionally, the jaded motivations and profession integral to the Rain series saves the reader from a long-suffering, unquestioningly-righteous martyr of a hero.

By far the best aspect of Eisler's Rain Fall was the amount of detail he packs into each scene. Rather than saying that John Rain walks down a street to stalk his human prey, Eisler says exactly what is happening in each moment. An assassin wouldn't just walk down a street, after all. Eisler gives the reader the benefit of Rain's experience (and necessary paranoia). As Rain walks down a street, he'll be juggling multiple considerations: counter-surveillance, how to run his own surveillance, possible dangers or problem zones, and how the person is to be assassinated. (Skeptical? Head on over to Barry Eisler's website and check out the Rain Fall page to be able to preview the first chapter.)

Now--to prove that Book Love Affair hasn't been completely swept away by Barry Eisler and Rain Fall--there are some complaints. As with any debut novel, there are faults--the question often is if the faults can be overlooked or if they'll be improved in the future. While reading Rain Fall, I found myself thinking: "I've seen this movie." (And, although a movie is slated to be released for Rain Fall, that's not what I'm referring to.) Instead, what I mean is that some plot devices used are, perhaps, too common in the action genre. Regardless, I'm certain that this problem will resolve itself as the John Rain series progresses. I can't wait to start the next book: Hard Rain.

Quick and Dirty: Puppy Love.
Rain Fall is a must for action fans looking for a new perspective. Focus on the brilliant detailing rather than the plot and give the book a spin. Eisler's non-traditional action hero is a great step for the genre. Or, if you've already enjoyed Eisler's books, then you may wish to try out Vince Flynn or Lee Child (though the heroes can be almost a patriotic caricature of real characterization) or, if intrigued by the Japanese culture and heritage, perhaps try a book based in Japan or Japanese history. A good start in historical fiction based in Japan is James Clavell's Shogun.