The Australian-born Londoner is a genius. His characters are so on-point.
This is less of a novel and more of a well-formed memory. Gutsy 12-year-old narrator Helen ''Skip'' Wells is the heart of the book, but every supporting role deserves applause.
Brazen and bossy Auntie Noreen eats her way through the disappointments of circumstance with gusto, equally nurturing and disturbing.
Creepy high school English teacher Mr ''Howie'' Brooker hasn't yet realised his potential will never match his ego, to everyone else's embarrassment and amusement.
The characters are perfectly complemented by the detailed setting of Crater Lakes, a small town in South Australia, full of narrow minds and big opinions.
Rain cleverly uses dark humour to highlight the aspects of Crater Lakes and its residents that are simultaneously endearing and repulsive.
He is a master of creation, bringing alive every aspect of the beautifully desolate Australian landscape and the stagnant small-town life that feeds upon it.
Volcano Street is a brilliant reminder of childhood tribulations and adult indiscretions.
Historic references including the Vietnam War and a celebrity couple's tour down under enhance its realism.
This is Rain's second novel and it makes me want to read his first, The Heat of the Sun.
This is an engaging, honest and brave portrayal of Rain's motherland in all its glory and flaws.
A highly recommended read.
• Rosie Manins is chief reporter at Dunedin Television.
