The Rain Tree is a haunting and unforgettable story of frontier adversity, human character, and the spiritual fortitude it takes to survive. Jim Martin and his family live in an arid plains region where drought is a way of life. Attempting to overcome the drought, Jim has tried every means of rainmaking, from flying kites to shooting off gunpowder, much to the ridicule of his neighbors. Then Jim hears about an old-timer who is able to conjure water. He seeks him out and learns that the old-timer believes the source of his water is a mysterious tree that he planted years ago. In his desperation, Jim bargains for a shoot of the tree—a bargain that may ruin them all.

The Rain Tree is a haunting and unforgettable story of frontier adversity, human character, and the spiritual fortitude it takes to survive. Jim Martin and his family live in an arid plains region where drought is a way of life. Attempting to overcome the drought, Jim has tried every means of rainmaking, from flying kites to shooting off gunpowder, much to the ridicule of his neighbors. Then Jim hears about an old-timer who is able to conjure water. He seeks him out and learns that the old-timer believes the source of his water is a mysterious tree that he planted years ago. In his desperation, Jim bargains for a shoot of the tree—a bargain that may ruin them all.