The Japanese believe that until the age of three, children are gods, each one an okosama, or 'Lord Child'. On their third birthday they fall from grace and join the rest of mankind. Narrated by a child - from the age of two and a half up until her third birthday - this novel reveals how this fall from grace can be a very difficult thing indeed from which to recover.

'Nothomb potently distils from the state of infancy the intensity of beginnings, the precariousness, the trailed clouds of glory - that grow indistinct as childhood approaches.' New York Times

'Amelie Nothomb, like an urchin about to pick your pocket, has frighteningly clear eyes and a disarming voice with a wicked snap.' Luc Sante

The Character of Rain by Amelie Nothomb: 'Nothomb potently distils from the state of infancy the intensity of beginnings, the precariousness, the trailed clouds of glory - that grow indistinct as childhood approaches.' (New York Times)

About the Author
Belgian by nationality, Amelie Nothomb was born in Kobe, Japan, and currently lives in Paris. Described by Time Magazine as 'prolific and ingenious', she is the best-selling author of numerous novels, translated into over thirty languages, including Fear and Trembling which won the Grand Prix of the Academie Francaise and the Prix Internet du Livre, and The Book of Proper Names which has sold over 250,000 copies in France.

Reviews
"'French literary lioness Nothomb imagines the inner life of her first two years of childhood, richly depicting this wondrous secret universe.' Elle; 'Potently distills from the state of infancy the intensity of beginnings, the precariousness, the trailed clouds of glory.' New York Times"



Book Information
ISBN 9780571220496
Author Amelie Nothomb
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint Faber & Faber
Publisher Faber & Faber
Weight(grams) 115g
Dimensions(mm) 128mm * 200mm * 11mm