'The Time It Never Rained' by Elmer Kelton is a poignant and authentic portrayal of life as a Texas rancher during a severe drought in the 1950s. The story revolves around the lead character, Charlie Flagg, a stubborn and resilient rancher determined to endure the drought without relying on government assistance. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, Kelton brings to life the challenges faced by ranchers, the theme of self-reliance, and the complex relationships between different ethnic groups in West Texas.

Kelton's writing style is described as masterful, with rich and understated prose that captures the essence of West Texas. The author's careful characterization and slow narrative build-up create a truthful and honest depiction of natural events taking control and the characters' reactions to these situations. is praised for its believable fiction, immersive storytelling, and the depth of its protagonist, Charlie Flagg, who embodies the values of determination, self-reliance, and a strong moral code.

Characters:

The characters are vividly portrayed, with Charlie Flagg serving as a deeply admirable and flawed protagonist, embodying the struggles and virtues of ranch life.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by simple elegance and authenticity, effectively capturing the essence of ranch life and the deep emotions of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the struggles of a rancher dealing with severe drought conditions in the 1950s, emphasizing self-reliance and the harsh realities of ranching.

Setting:

The setting is vividly depicted in 1950s West Texas, a backdrop that highlights the challenges of ranching amidst a severe drought.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberate and unhurried, providing a thoughtful exploration of struggle and endurance in tough circumstances.

RIO SECO WAS TOO SMALL TO AFFORD A PROFESSIONAL manager for its one-room Chamber of Commerce. The part-time volunteer, elected because no one else wanted the job, made his living selling an independen...

Notes:

Elmer Kelton's writing is compared to Ulysses S. Grant's due to its simple, elegant style.

The book is set during the severe Texas drought of the 1950s.

Charlie Flagg, the protagonist, embodies self-reliance and personal pride.

The story explores the relationships between Anglos and Mexicans in Texas.

There are no heroes typical of westerns, as the novel focuses more on real-life ranching struggles.

Kelton's characters are described as three-dimensional and relatable.

The book captures a genuine portrayal of ranch life during tough times.

Many readers felt an emotional connection with the book, evoking memories of real-life ranch experiences.

The novel doesn't rely on dramatic action; it focuses instead on human resilience and hardship.

Kelton engages with the history of rural Texas while tackling themes of stubbornness and tenacity.

From The Publisher:

"The Time It Never Rained was inspired by actual events, when the longest and most severe drought in living memory pressed ranchers and farmers to the outer limits of courage and endurance."-Elmer Kelton, Seven-time Spur Award-winning author

Rio Seco was too small to afford a professional manager for its one-room Chamber of Commerce.

And Rio Seco, meaning "dry river" in Spanish, symbolizes the biggest enemy of the ranchers and farmers in 1950s Texas, an enemy they can't control: drought. To cranky Charlie Flagg, an honest, decent rancher, the drought of the early 1950s is a battle that he must fight on his own grounds. Refusing the questionable "assistance" of federal aid programs and their bureaucratic regulations, Charlie and his family struggle to make the ranch survive until the time it rains again-if it ever rains again.

Charlie Flagg, among the strongest of Elmer Kelton's memorable creations, is no pasteboard hero. He is courageous and self-sufficient but as real as his harsh and unforgiving West Texas home country. His battle with an unfathomable foe is the stuff of epics and legends.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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About the Author:

Elmer Kelton, author of more than forty novels, grew up on a ranch near Crane, Texas, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas. His first novel, Hot Iron, was published in 1956. For forty-two years he had a parallel career in agricultural journalism.

Among his awards have been seven Spurs from Western Writers of America and four Western Heritage awards from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Among his best-known works have been The Time It Never Rained and The Good Old Boys, the latter made into a television film starring Tommy Lee Jones.

He served in the infantry in World War II. He and his wife, Ann, a native of Austria, live in San Angelo, Texas. They have three children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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The Time It Never Rained

Elmer Kelton