Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Rain City Lights” by Marissa Harrison, 2020 for Suzy Approved Book Tours

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Rain City Lights” by Marissa Harrison, 2020 for Suzy Approved Book Tours

WOW! Marissa Harrison, the author of “Rain City Lights” has written an intense, captivating, thought-provoking and memorable novel. The genres for this novel are coming of age, family and domestic drama, Urban life fiction, with some mystery and suspense. The timeline for this story is around 1981, when a killer is attacking black young prostitutes. The author does make mention in the beginning of this novel “Rain City Lights” portrays subjects that might be sensitive to some reader,….( including) addiction and sexual violence” The author describes her dramatic characters as troubled, flawed, complex and complicated.

The question of nature vs, nature can be seen in this story. The author discusses the importance of family, friends, and the neighborhood, as well as love, and survival. Cycles of abuse, and addiction can be seen in repeating generations of families. This is a novel that stayed with me several days after reading it. This is a powerful and thought-provoking story. The author vividly describes the events, characters and scenery in the story.

Neighbors Monti and Sasha seem to bond after a tragedy. Their unique and different friendship continues for years. They bond over the community and music. Both come from different economic and racial backgrounds, but still have some coming of age issues that are common to both.

There are twists and turns in this novel, and at times there is an edgy feel that something is going to happen. I would highly recommend this memorable novel.