Ray Bradbury - The Day it Rained Forever

“The Day It Rained Forever” is a collection of short stories by Ray Bradbury, first published in 1959. The stories in this collection showcase Bradbury’s talent for blending the fantastical with the everyday, creating rich, evocative tales that often explore themes of nostalgia, human connection, and the passage of time.

Key Stories in the Collection

1. “The Day It Rained Forever”

• Set in a remote hotel, this story revolves around three old men waiting for rain in a desert town. Their monotonous existence is interrupted by the arrival of a young couple on their honeymoon, bringing a sense of renewal and hope.

2. “The Dragon”

• A short tale about two medieval knights who encounter a mysterious and fearsome dragon, only to discover that it is a modern-day train.

3. “The Gift”

• A poignant Christmas story about a family traveling to Mars and the father’s efforts to recreate a sense of wonder and tradition for his son.

4. “The Time of Going Away”

• This story delves into the theme of time travel, where an old man reminisces about his past and contemplates the fleeting nature of life.

5. “The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit”

• A humorous and heartwarming story about a group of impoverished men who pool their resources to buy a single white suit, believing it will bring them good fortune.

6. “Sun and Shadow”

• This story focuses on a man who disrupts a film crew shooting in his neighborhood, highlighting the clash between art and everyday life.

Bradbury’s stories in this collection are marked by their lyrical prose and the underlying sense of wonder that permeates even the most mundane settings. The themes of memory, change, and the human experience are woven throughout, making “The Day It Rained Forever” a compelling read for fans of Bradbury’s work and newcomers alike.