The Rain Heron

Ren lives alone on the remote frontier of a country devastated by a coup. High on the forested slopes, she survives by hunting and trading—and forgetting.

But when a young soldier comes to the mountains in search of a local myth, Ren is inexorably drawn into her impossible mission.

As their lives entwine, unravel and erupt—as myths merge with reality—both Ren and the soldier are forced to confront what they regret, what they love, and what they fear.

Robbie Arnott’s stunning second novel remakes our relationship with the natural world. The Rain Heron is equal parts horror and wonder, and utterly gripping.

‘Robbie Arnott is singlehandedly reinventing Australian literature. The Rain Heron is a soaring feat of the imagination.’ Bram Presser

‘Daring, atmospheric...The novel moves at a quicksilver pace, shimmering with menace and electric visions of forests and lake-filled valleys.’ New York Times

‘Astonishing...With the intensity of a perfect balance between the mythic and the real, The Rain Heron keeps turning and twisting, taking you to unexpected places. A deeply emotional and satisfying read. Beautifully written.’ Jeff VanderMeer

‘An intuitive understanding of fauna and flora and humankind’s problematic, often violent relationship with nature…Written with economy and grace, The Rain Heron is a timeless and poignant meditation on our fragile relationship with the natural environment.’ Guardian