The Man Who Comes with the Rain

The Man Who Comes with the Rain tells the story of a middle-class family living in the late 1970s, just as Iran stands on the brink of revolution. Every member of the family discusses the country’s turbulent situation. The youngest son, Behzad, learns things from his older brother Behrouz, and gradually becomes interested in the revolution. He eventually contributes in small ways to its victory. The events of this story unfold during the final months leading up to the success of the Islamic Revolution, starting from Mehr 1357 (September/October 1978) and continuing until the 26th of Dey (January 16, 1979), coinciding with the return of Ayatollah Khomeini.

The book is filled with many sweet and bitter moments, and its narrative is full of highs and lows. In a sense, it can be considered a biography of the Islamic Revolution narrated by a teenager named Behzad. Because it is told from a young boy’s perspective, the tone is lively and full of excitement. At certain points in the novel, one can almost see the sparkle of joy in the narrator’s eyes. There is no jealousy or rivalry in this story; all the revolutionaries work earnestly and selflessly toward victory, without expecting anything in return.