by Tan Twan Eng
First published 2018
Philip Hutton sits between worlds in 1939 Penang. At sixteen, he belongs neither to his English father's universe of clubs and horses nor to his dead Chinese mother's family of ancient ceremonies. An elderly fortune teller once told him he possesses the gift of rain, promising success but also trials ahead. Everything changes when Hayato Endo arrives at a gathering. The mysterious Japanese official teaches aikido, and Philip discovers focus through the discipline's demanding movements and meditation. Endo becomes his sensei, introducing him to Japanese poetry while Philip shows his teacher the hibiscus-scented island wrapped in mountain mist. Their bond transcends time itself. But when Japan launches its brutal invasion of Malaya, Philip faces an impossible choice. He must decide between loyalty to his family and devotion to his sensei, between his mixed heritage and his adopted Japanese culture. In that moment of beauty and silence, sheltered by the palace of rain, Philip finally understands his mission and chooses his own path.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, asian-american
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Malaya, Penang
Period: 1939
507 pages · Paperback · Flammarion