The Gift of Rain

Synopsis

Philip is half-British, half-Chinese, but discovers a sense of belonging in his unexpected friendship with Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat who becomes his sensei - to whom he owes absolute loyalty. Endo teaches him about Japanese language and culture, and trains him in the art and discipline of Aikido.  Forced into collaborating with the Japanese to safeguard his family, Philip turns into the ultimate outsider, trusted by none and hated by many. Tormented by his part in events, by deaths he is powerless to prevent, he risks everything by working in secret to save as many people as he can from the savagery of the invaders. In so doing he finds out who and what he really is.

Author Biography

Tan Twan Eng was born in Penang, but lived in various places in Malaysia as a child. He studied law through the University of London, and later worked as an advocate and solicitor in Kuala Lumpur. He  has a first-dan ranking in Aikido and is a strong proponent for the conservation of heritage buildings.  He has spent the last year traveling around South Africa, and currently lives in Cape Town where he is working on his second book.