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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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About this listen

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.

©2023 Tan Twan Eng (P)2023 Canongate Books 20th Century Fiction Historical Fiction World Literature Feel-Good Thought-Provoking China Friendship Imperial Japan

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All stars
Most relevant
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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Great narration and an absolute gem of a book for fans of historical fiction (think Arthur Golden/James Clavell)

Excellent

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I read and loved the other two books by the same author, They all share a mystical look at life that is oriental and marvelous descriptions of nature, but The gift of rain, with the terrible descriptions of the acts of barbarity that the Japanese did in Malaysia contrasting with the beauty of the soroundings and the surreal connection between the protagonist had an effect in my spirit similar to what the author described his main character Phillip was feeling. A very difficult thing to achieved. Thank you Tan Team Eng.

Excepcional

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book - beautiful, descriptive language and character dynamics. A poignant sense of destiny and the synchronicity of lives.

A beautiful, sweeping history

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