In the tradition of celebrated wartime storytellers Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene, Tan Twan Eng’s debut novel casts a powerful spell. The recipient of extraordinary acclaim from critics and the bookselling community, Tan Twan Eng’s debut novel casts a powerful spell and has garnered comparisons to celebrated wartime storytellers Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene. Set during the tumult of … during the tumult of World War II, on the lush Malayan island of Penang, The Gift of Rain tells a riveting and poignant tale about a young man caught in the tangle of wartime loyalties and deceits.
In 1939, sixteen-year-old Philip Hutton-the half-Chinese, half-English youngest child of the head of one of Penang’s great trading families-feels alienated from both the Chinese and British communities. He at last discovers a sense of belonging in his unexpected friendship with Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat. Philip proudly shows his new friend around his adored island, and in return Endo teaches him about Japanese language and culture and trains him in the art and discipline of aikido. But such knowledge comes at a terrible price. When the Japanese savagely invade Malaya, Philip realizes that his mentor and sensei-to whom he owes absolute loyalty-is a Japanese spy. Young Philip has been an unwitting traitor, and must now work in secret to save as many lives as possible, even as his own family is brought to its knees.
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I truly loved reading this book. The author skillfully humanized the inevitability of WWII and the subsequent disolution of British colonization of Malaya. In presenting the moral dilemma with which the protagonist, Philip is faced, he artfully depicted the clash of the remnants of three cultures on the brink of disintegration. It was fascinating to experience Philip’s journey through the perils of colonial society, familial obligation, the discipline of Japanese Akido and war.
It read this for a Book Group and didn’t think I would like it. But once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. Th history f what happene in Malaysia was very sad. T was a part of the vcountry I never knew.
The story is poignant and riveting. The characters are relatable and I enjoyed the flow of the story.
The human emotions felt are beautifully expressed and each heart wrenching moment is felt.
So much to discuss! Beautifully written book. A joy to read.
This is the story of 16 year old Phillip Hutton. He is half Chinese, half English and from a prominent family in Penang. While his siblings and father are away on vacation, he chooses to stay home alone. He gets to know Hayato Endo who is a Japanese diplomat. Philip spends time showing Endo around and in return Endo teaches him Japanese and aikido. When the Japanese invade Malaya, Phillip learns that Endo is a Japanese spy. It is clear that Endo has taught Philip aikido to help save his life and possibly the life of his family.
This is a pretty good book. I have to admit I had a hard time getting into it. I don’t think it was the book’s fault, though. I think it was when I was trying to read it, so I don’t want to judge it too harshly. I did like the characters. Endo-san and Phillip develop almost a father/son relationship. Since Phillip’s mother had died when he was a baby, and she was his Chinese ancestor, he never felt as close to his father and half siblings. This book does a good job mixing the three cultures together – Western, Chinese, and Japanese.
I have read a lot of WWII books/pre-WWII books, but this is the first one from Southeast Asia. I recommend trying it out.
Amazing story of young man forced to spy for the Japanese during WWII
A young man, Philip Hutton half Chinese half British grows up with his family in Penang Malaya, where his family are well known traders. The story takes place a few years before the start of WWII and the invasion of the Japanese.
Philip never felt he was part of the British or Chinese community, and ends up befriending a Japanese diplomat Hayato Endo, who becomes his teacher in not only the Japanese culture and language but in the art and discipline of Akido. Their friendship is deep but it comes with harsh consequences as the Japanese savagely take over the Malayan Island.
A beautifully heart wrenching novel of love, duty, betrayal, friendships all told with a fascinating and complex set of characters.
Besides the brutalities of war, the author is an amazing storyteller and his visuals sometimes beautiful such as “The sea was thick beneath me, shining with phosphorescence that clung to my oars with each pull. I felt as if I were rowing on a skin of elastic light.” or “ Hundreds of translucent crabs scuttled away at the vibrations of our footsteps parting before us like a curtain of glass beads.”
I read his other book The Garden of Evening Mist a couple of years ago and loved it as well. I hope he writes something else soon.
Heartbreakingly beautiful! Enthralling from the very first page… could not put the book down. Rich in history, culture, and the dynamics between blood relations and forbidden friendships.