The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Lemmie, Asha. Fifty Words for Rain. Dutton, 2020.

In 1948, when she is eight years old, Nori Kamiza's mother brings her to an unfamiliar house in Kyoto and abandons her there. Nori soon learns that the house belongs to her mother's estranged, aristocratic parents. For the next two years, Nori lives in an attic as a virtual prisoner, attended only by a maid named Akiko and a tutor. In addition, Nori endures painful chemical baths to lighten her skin and monthly visits from her grandmother Yuko that often result in beatings. Yuko impresses upon Nori the shame of her existence as the illegitimate daughter of her mother, Seiko, and an African-American GI. To please her relatives, Nori obeys without question.

Nori’s life changes when her brother, Akira, previously unknown to her, comes Kyoto after his father’s death. Nori is immediately smitten with Akira, adoring him, his talent as a violinist, and his kindness toward her. Her attachment only grows when Akira secures freedoms for her such as leaving the attic and going outside. Although Akira is less openly demonstrative, he spends much of his time with Nori and even agrees to give her music lessons. When Nori falls ill with scarlet fever, Akira insists that their grandmother pay for treatment, despite her initial unwillingness to help Nori.

The siblings’ bond continues to grow, but they are separated when Yuko sells Nori to an unknown man and woman when Akira is away at school. Nori is whisked to a brothel and placed in the care and tutelage of the madam, Kiyomi. Kiyomi informs Nori that she will remain at the brothel until she is 16 at which point she will be sold to the highest bidder. Without other options, Nori submits to this new life. She learns what Kiyomi has to teach and makes friends with a girl named Miyuki.

When Nori is thirteen, Kiyomi receives a visit from her employer and discovers that Nori is to be sold immediately. Horrified but unable to stop the sale, Kiyomi stands aside while Nori is sold. Nori vows to not live as a slave and plans to end her life when she is alone. She cuts her leg, but not deeply enough and is saved when the buyer rushes into the room. It is Akira.

Nori survives her suicide attempt, and Akira explains that he had spent years trying get her back. Akira is determined to keep Nori safe from their grandparent’s wrath and strikes a bargain with Yuko to marry, sire offspring, and take his place as head of the family. Nori sees how desperate Yuko is to continue the family line and the power Akira has as the family’s only heir.

From then on, Nori lives with Akira, tending the house, practicing the violin, and getting to know the maid Ayame while Akira finishes his studies. They live simply and frugally, but Nori is upset when Akira announces he has to leave to go to a music competition in Paris. Nori accuses Akira of abandoning her but eventually supports his decision. As Akira leaves, Ayame tells Nori more about her mother and gives Nori her mother’s diary.

Nori has just begun to read her mother’s diary when Akira returns from Paris, bringing two English friends, cousins William and Alice Stafford. Nori is struck by their physical beauty and their foreigness. The cousins stay as boarders, and Nori becomes good friends with Alice. Nori also develops an uncomfortable attraction to Will. Will returns this interest, and the two begin a clandestine romance. One night, when Nori has just turned fourteen, Will forces himself on her. This forced sexual relationship continues for the next two years, leaving Nori tormented and unsure what to do.

The dynamic in the house changes when Akira announces he will soon travel to Vienna to study with a master violinist. Once again, Nori is upset and feels abandoned but eventually gives Akira her blessing to go. By this time, Nori has almost finished her mother’s diary and feels more equipped to face the challenges of her past and future. As Akira prepares to leave, Nori tells Will to go as well, that their relationship is over. She also orders him to take Alice home and to help her get married.

Before Akira leaves, a chance meeting results in Nori being offered a chance to perform as a violinist at a private event. The day of the concert, Akira surprises her by flying back from Vienna, and Nori performs as a violinist to great success. On the way back from the event, Nori and Akira are in a terrible car accident. Nori is badly injured while Akira is killed. In grief and under the threat of being murdered by her grandparents, Nori forsakes Japan and wanders the world for seven years. At twenty-three, she decides to go to England to see Alice, who is now married and has two daughters. Alice is overjoyed to see Nori and takes her in.

For months, Nori stays with Alice at her home. Alice’s daughters have music lessons with a man named Noah. Nori is attracted to Noah, and the two begin an unconventional romance. Nori agrees to marry Noah and also finishes reading her mother’s diary. Soon after finishing the diary, Nori receives a letter informing her that her grandmother had died and left her the family estate. Although her wedding is three weeks away, Nori decides to return to Japan to set her affairs in order.

When Nori arrives, she reunites with Akiko and discovers that her grandmother is still alive and determined that Nori serve as the family heir. Her grandmother also reveals that the accident that killed Akira was arranged by Nori’s grandfather and was intended only to kill Nori. Nori is pregnant this time by Noah and has no intention of staying, but she dreams of Akira and decides to stay and take his place. She gives birth to a son and vows to lead the family in her own way.