Here's why the title is significant:
* Metaphor for Rudy's skills: Rudy is seen as an outsider, a "rainmaker" in the legal world, bringing hope and relief to those facing injustice. The title reflects the belief that he will bring about positive change, like a rainmaker bringing life-giving water to a parched land.
* Contrast with the real rain: The novel is set in a drought-stricken region, and the lack of rain symbolizes the oppressive system Rudy fights against. Rudy himself describes himself as a "rainmaker" in the courtroom, even though he's not actually a rainmaker. He uses his skills to bring about justice, just like rain brings life.
* Symbolic of the case: The central case in the novel revolves around a dying woman denied health insurance coverage, highlighting the issue of healthcare access and the lack of compassion within the system. This further emphasizes the metaphorical meaning of the rainmaker – bringing life and hope to a system that seems designed to deny them.
The title "The Rainmaker" therefore has a multi-layered meaning, encapsulating the themes of hope, justice, and the fight against a corrupt and indifferent system.