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The Gift of Rain

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The Gift of Rain

By: Tan Twan Eng
Narrated by: Daniel York Loh, Eric Mok
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LONGLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE Penang, 1939. Sixteen-year-old Philip Hutton is a loner. Half English, half Chinese and feeling neither, he discovers a sense of belonging in an unexpected friendship with Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat. Philip shows his new friend around his adored island of Penang, and in return Endo trains him in the art and discipline of aikido. But such friendship comes at a terrible price. Tan Twan Eng's masterful debut novel is a haunting and unforgettable story of betrayal, barbaric cruelty, steadfast courage and enduring love. 20th Century Fiction Historical Fiction World Literature Feel-Good Heartfelt Thought-Provoking China Friendship Imperial Japan
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Critic reviews

Engaging . . . rich . . . thoughtful, evocative, undoubtedly provocative
A powerful first novel about a tumultuous and almost forgotten period of history
A remarkable book (IAN McMILLAN)
Gripping . . . compelling
Glorious . . . as robustly absorbing as it is achingly poignant
Eng's graceful prose evokes a time and place that is little known or remembered now, making it both exotic and familiar, and his beautiful narrative is woven with strong images and characters . . . The Gift of Rain is a gift to read
A true saga . . . The Gift of Rain overflows with mesmerising beauty and wonder . . . an eloquent tale about friendship transforms into a frightful chronicle of betrayal and survival
Haunting and highly evocative . . . a deeply moving tale
Beautifully written and deeply moving, Tan Twan Eng's debut novel is one of the best books I've ever read . . . Anyone who thinks the novel is in decline should read this one
The Gift of Rain sends the reader back into the world of Somerset Maugham - the waning British Empire, the simmering discord between classes and races, the thick tropical surroundings that are both beautiful and suffocating - but at a different angle. Maugham casts a cynical eye on human nature and its frailties; Tan Twan Eng looks upon them with compassion, like a creator might view the imperfections of his handiwork
All stars
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I thought the topic was very interesting as i did know much about the era and I enjoyed the interaction of the charactors.

I liked the very detailed style of writing

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Love everything about this book except the brutality of war. Full of wisdom, superb writing.

Brilliant

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This book is so beautifully written - it sucked me deep into its imagery and essence. The construction of each sentence is an artwork.

Captivating

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An incredible book on so many levels. Beautifully written—almost like poetry, totally unforgettable—especially the barbaric acts of cruelty by the Japanese occupiers, and very atmospheric—capturing the essence of Penang in 1939 and through the war years when the Japanese occupied Malaysia. Philip Hutton is the 4th child of an English man living in Penang, but his mother (his father’s second wife) was Chinese so he always felt left out of the family. He met Endo-san, a Japanese businessman who was renting an island off the coast near his home. Endo-san taught him the art and discipline of aikido and they became steadfast friends. Their friendship even survived an ultimate betrayal. An unforgettable book that was also beautifully read.

The Gift of Rain is an unforgettable book

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Poetic storytelling of an epic scale, blending history, friendship, betrayal, and spirituality, with unforgettable characters and a haunting prose that’ll linger after its final page. Could not stop listening!

Poetic

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