Rainbow's End (Cain novel)

Rainbow's End is a novel written by James M. Cain, first published in 1975. It represents a late-career work for Cain, known primarily for his hardboiled crime fiction of the 1930s and 1940s, such as The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity.

Rainbow's End diverges somewhat from Cain's typical noir themes, focusing more on a family saga and the struggles of its members during the Great Depression in the Ozark region. The narrative explores themes of poverty, ambition, and the search for prosperity against the backdrop of economic hardship. While it maintains elements of suspense and human drama, the crime elements are less central than in his earlier, more famous works.

The novel's plot revolves around the Holcomb family and their various schemes to improve their lives. Their pursuit of the "rainbow's end" reflects the desperate hope for a better future prevalent during the Depression. The characters are driven by a mix of desperation and ambition, leading to conflicts and moral compromises. Rainbow's End, though lesser-known than some of Cain's earlier novels, provides insight into his range as a writer and his ability to portray the struggles of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. It's considered by some to be a more character-driven work than his typical crime fare.