In 'Hard Rain Falling,' Don Carpenter weaves a gritty tale of friendship, betrayal, and survival in the shadows of urban America. The story follows a young man navigating the turbulent currents of the 1960s, as he grapples with love, loss, and the quest for meaning amid the chaos. With vivid imagery and raw, poetic prose, Carpenter invites readers into a world where the rain falls hard, mimicking the characters' struggles. As they confront their demons and the harsh realities of life, their choices lead to unexpected consequences. This haunting narrative will leave you questioning the depths of human resilience and the bonds that hold us together.
By Don Carpenter
Published: 2009
"In a world where nothing feels permanent, the hardest rain falls, revealing the cracks in the facade of life, yet it also washes away the past, leaving room for new beginnings."
A hardboiled novel about life in the American underground, from the pool halls of Portland to the cells of San Quentin. Simply one of the finest books ever written about being down on your luck. Don Carpenter’s Hard Rain Falling is a tough-as-nails account of being down and out, but never down for good—a Dostoyevskian tale of crime, punishment, and the pursuit of an ever-elusive redemption. The novel follows the adventures of Jack Levitt, an orphaned teenager living off his wits in the fleabag hotels and seedy pool halls of Portland, Oregon. Jack befriends Billy Lancing, a young black runaway and pool hustler extraordinaire. A heist gone wrong gets Jack sent to reform school, from which he emerges embittered by abuse and solitary confinement. In the meantime Billy has joined the middle class—married, fathered a son, acquired a business and a mistress. But neither Jack nor Billy can escape their troubled pasts, and they will meet again in San Quentin before their strange double drama comes to a violent and revelatory end.
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“In a world where nothing feels permanent, the hardest rain falls, revealing the cracks in the facade of life, yet it also washes away the past, leaving room for new beginnings.”
Hard Rain Falling
By Don Carpenter
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Don Carpenter (1931-1995) was an American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter known for his sharp, incisive style and keen observations of human nature. His notable works include the novels 'Hard Rain Falling,' 'The Catalog of Cool,' and 'Frisco Pigeon Mambo.' Carpenter's writing often explores themes of alienation and longing, with a unique ability to blend humor and tragedy. Throughout his career, he garnered acclaim for his realistic portrayals of life on the fringes of society.
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