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This title in other formats:The Gift of Rainby Tan Twan Eng
Review-a-Day (What is Review-a-Day?)"As the novel is set in 1939, and features Japanese and Chinese characters, a reasonably educated reader can sense that the story is destined for tragedy, and Gift of Rain is rife with it. However, between these moments of absolute heartbreak are passages of dazzling lyricism that explore the nature of honor and loyalty to family and nation." Gerry Donaghy, Powells.com (read the entire Powells.com review) Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:An epic novel nominated for the Man Booker Prize, this extraordinary debut tells the story of a young man's perilous journey through the betrayals of war and into manhood. Review:"This remarkable debut saga of intrigue and akido flashes back to a darkly opulent WWII-era Malaya. Phillip Hutton, 72, lives in serene Penang comfort, occasionally training students as an akido master 'teacher of teachers.' A visit from Michiko Murakami sends him spiraling back into his past, where he grows up the alienated half-British, half-Chinese son of a wealthy Penang trader in the years before WWII. When Hutton's father and three siblings leave him to run the family company one summer, he befriends a mysterious Japanese neighbor named Mr. Endo. Japan is on the opposing side of the coming war, but Endo paradoxically opts to train Hutton in the ways of aikido, in what both men come to see as the fulfillment of a prophecy that has haunted them for several lifetimes. When the Japanese army invades Malaya, chaos reigns, and Phillip makes a secret, very profitable deal. He cannot, however, offset the costs of his friendship with Endo. Eng's characters are as deep and troubled as the time in which the story takes place, and he draws on a rich palette to create a sprawling portrait of a lesser explored corner of the war. Hutton's first-person narration is measured, believable and enthralling." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Review:Ironies and contradictions are at the heart of "The Gift of Rain," Tan Twan Eng's ambitious, expansive first novel set in Penang, Malaya, during the Japanese occupation. Philip Hutton, the bright and serious-minded son of a Chinese mother and a British father, is the head of Hutton & Sons. The Huttons are among Penang's oldest and wealthiest trading families, and Philip lives with his father and... Washington Post Book Review (read the entire Washington Post review) Review:"Strong characters and page-turning action make this a top pick for historical fiction....Philip's personal drama unfolds against the backdrop of fascinating glimpses into Chinese culture, British imperialism, and the Japanese occupation that eventually claims the lives of everyone around him." Library Journal About the AuthorTan Twan Eng was born in Penang and lived in various regions of Malaysia as a child. He studied law at the University of London, and later worked as an advocate and solicitor in one of Kuala Lumpur's most respected law firms. He has a first-dan ranking in aikido and is a strong proponent for the conservation of heritage buildings. Eng divides his time between Kuala Lumpur and Cape Town. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!
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