The Gift of Rain: A Novel | Tan Twan Eng | Magnificent, Masterful, Mesmerizing!

The Gift of Rain: A Novel | Tan Twan Eng | Packs a Huge Emotional Punch

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The Gift of Rain: ...

	The Gift of Rain: A Novel Tan Twan Eng Weinstein Books, 2008 - 448 pages average customer review:based on 13 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

An epic novel nominated for the Man Booker Prize, this extraordinary debut tells the story of a young manÕs perilous journey through the betrayals of war and into manhood. Written in lush, evocative prose, The Gift of Rain spans decades as it takes readers from the final days of the Chinese emperors to the dying era of the British Empire, and through the mystical temples, bustling cities, and forbidding rain forests of Malaya.

Magnificent, Masterful, Mesmerizing!

A beautifully written work of literature that transported me back in time and place to tell an engaging story populated by fascinating characters about an all but forgotten facet of WWII in the Pacific.

Basically it is a coming of age story so think The Catcher In The Rye meets The Karate Kid and King Rat

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Packs a Huge Emotional Punch

Read this book if you want to be taken on an unforgettable voyage with Phillip Hutton, one of literature's most unusual characters.

I agree with all the reviews. This is something to savour, cherish, and be grateful that it ever came to your attention. One of the reviewers below, I felt, was fussing about names and such.

The author has managed to weave a spell on me, and I think that's more important than any fussing about over what's a first name and what is not.

A True Gift

I won't rehash the plot that's been told by other reviewers and the publisher. What potential readers need to know is that this is a truly great novel, a modern classic. The writing is exquisite, reminding me of the best of Michael Ondaatje and Margaret Atwood. A must read!

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A triad of cultures

A tale well written and well told. On one level, this book provides insight into the blending of three major cultures (Western, Chinese & Japanese) via the protagonist, Philip Hutton, a British-Chinese young male and his interactions in the melting pot of what is now Malaysia from pre- to post-WWII. Main characters include the protagonist's family, both British and Chinese along with their help, Chinese families and Japanese military personnel. One of these Japanese people is Philip's of mentor\teacher ("sensei") whose fate is intertwined with Philip's throughout the book. Their relationship and its ramifications is at the core of the story.

On another level, the book explores the morality of choices one makes in life and the impact that has on current and future times in the lives of the main characters. The concepts of fate, destiny and choice, in the context of one's culture underlie the story. An extension of that is the impact different cultural values have when differing cultures collide.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book as it is a well-written and intriguing tale which made me think about what I had read each time I put the book down. It also made me reflect on the choices I might have made if I were in any of the main characters' position. Finally, i enjoyed the WWII historical background.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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