The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng
This book tells of Philip Hutton, born half English, half Chinese and feeling neither, who finds an extraordinary friendship with a Japanese diplomat, Hayato Endo. Their friendship began when Philip decided to show his new-found friend around his beloved island, Penang, and Endo, in return, taught him Aikido. But what Philip didn't realise was his seemingly-trustworthy sinsei , had other intentions. When the Japanese invaded Malaya, and threatened to harm Philip's family and everything else he loved, he discovered that his sinsei had been harbouring a devastating secret. In order to protect his family, Philip had to make terrible sacrifices, including betraying his own people. As the story unfolds, he began to question himself if he was doing the right thing, and if what he did was the best for everyone. This story questions the definition of love, hatred, loyalty, betrayal, friendship, loss, freedom and happiness. Its luscious lyrical prose describing breathtaking sceneries, ...
