Where the Rain Fell
Gerald Monroe Leahy
Type: Beta project
Genre:Â Historical fiction, literary
Word count: 82,000
Warnings:Â Graphic violence
Where the Rain Fell examines the relationships formed during the Vietnam war, particularly the bond between soldiers and the locals. Characters like Phong and Magic represent the Vietnamese people, whose lives are irrevocably altered by the conflict. Themes of love and violence, loss and grief are intricately woven into the narrative, emphasizing the emotional toll of war for those returning soldiers.
Where the Rain Fell begins with an evocative description of Saigon, capturing the vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere of the city during the war. The narrative follows the lives of various characters, including American soldiers seeking solace at Madame Pearl’s restaurant, and three boys—Jack, Dakota, and Kelly—navigating their transition into adulthood amidst the impending draft. The story explores their youthful exuberance, the weight of their future responsibilities, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
As the war intensifies, the novel delves into the soldiers’ struggles with identity, purpose, and the moral implications of their actions. Dakota, a sniper, grapples with the emotional weight of taking lives, reflecting on the humanity of his targets. The narrative underscores the psychological impact of war, highlighting the internal battles faced by soldiers as they navigate their roles in a foreign land.
Gerald Leahy is a novelist, veteran, and former senior construction manager whose life has spanned continents, careers, and creative disciplines. With over $950 million in projects under his leadership, Gerald’s professional legacy is built on precision, resilience, and vision. A former U.S. Air Force Sergeant and Vietnam veteran, he brings a deep sense of discipline and global perspective to everything he undertakes.
He holds both a BA and an MBA and has traveled to more than twenty countries—including two formative years backpacking through Europe during college. These experiences inform the rich, atmospheric worlds of his novels.
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