Dance of the Rainmakers

Britain has become a fragmented country, with a Welsh seaside village on the edge of the nation taking up the fight against those who are turning its once-thriving rural community into a hollow shell. Dance of the Rainmakers is a novel in which the battle for a village is played out by the intertwined stories of three characters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2021
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

After a decade of social injustice, political chaos, and the aftermath of Covid-19, Britain has become a fragmented country. Something has to give, and a Welsh seaside village on the edge of the nation, one of the forgotten places, is taking up the fight against those who are turning its once-thriving rural community into a hollow shell.

Dance of the Rainmakers is a novel in which the battle for a village is played out by the intertwined stories of three characters. There's Lloyd, the village policeman who is caught in the middle of the protest. His nemesis, Meic, a charismatic young politician who is on a crusade supported by a seemingly bottomless supply of cash and a gang of thugs. And then there's Frankie, a London media figure who, along with her frustrated partner Ruth, has moved to the village and brought the kind of unwelcome change that gives Meic his shot at nation-wide glory.

Recent years have been hard on the village: more holiday homes, fewer working opportunities for the young, and a primary school that is about to close. The community feels exploited, ignored, and powerless, so they take to the streets in protest. This small local demonstration becomes a national news story as a tense stand-off emerges. Will Meic's plans work? Will Lloyd face his fears and stop the violence? And just what are those rumours concerning Ruth?

The village has a rich history, but it is now facing an uncertain future. The influx of holiday homes has led to a decline in the local economy, as many businesses have struggled to survive. The young people who grew up in the village have left in search of better opportunities, leaving behind a aging population. The primary school closure will have a significant impact on the community, as it will leave many children without access to education.

The protest has brought the community together, but it has also divided them. Some residents are supportive of the protest, while others are opposed to the violence and disruption it has caused. Lloyd is caught in the middle, trying to maintain order and protect the community, while also dealing with his personal demons.

Meic is a charismatic leader who has managed to tap into the frustrations of the community and use them to his advantage. He promises to bring jobs and investment to the village, but his promises are hollow and his motives are selfish. He is willing to do anything to gain power and control, including using violence and intimidation.

Frankie is a complex character who is torn between her desire to make a difference in the village and her loyalty to her media career. She initially comes to the village as a journalist, hoping to report on the protest and bring attention to the community's plight. However, she soon becomes entangled in Meic's plans and becomes a pawn in his game.

Ruth is Frankie's partner and a local teacher who is passionate about education and the community. She is opposed to Meic's plans and believes that the community should be given a chance to thrive on its own. She is also dealing with her own personal struggles, including a difficult relationship with her husband.

As the stand-off continues, tensions in the village rise. Meic's gang of thugs become more aggressive, and the protest becomes more violent. Lloyd is forced to use extreme measures to keep the peace, and his actions are criticized by some members of the community.

Despite the challenges they face, the characters in Dance of the Rainmakers are determined to fight for their village. They understand that their fight is not just about the primary school closure or the holiday homes, but about the future of their community and the legacy they leave behind.

In the end, the protest achieves its goals, but at a cost. Meic is defeated, and the primary school is saved. However, the community is left divided and traumatized by the violence and the loss of some of their loved ones.

Dance of the Rainmakers is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of social justice, political corruption, and the impact of globalization on small communities. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and that the power of community can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 129 x 200 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800463967