The Gift of Rain

Set on the richly atmospheric island of Penang during the onset of World War II, this evocative historical tale follows sixteen-year-old Philip Hutton—half-Chinese, half-English, and feeling like he belongs to neither world. Estranged from both sides of his heritage, Philip finds an unexpected bond with Hayato Endo, a charismatic Japanese diplomat who becomes his mentor and friend.

As Endo introduces Philip to Japanese language, culture, and the disciplined practice of aikido, the young man begins to feel a sense of belonging for the first time. But with the Japanese invasion of Malaya, Philip discovers the painful truth: his trusted mentor is a spy, and the knowledge he’s gained has unknowingly aided the enemy.

Torn between his loyalty to Endo and his love for his family and homeland, Philip is thrust into a world of impossible choices. As war tears Penang apart, he must navigate shifting allegiances and moral dilemmas in a desperate attempt to make amends—and to preserve what little remains of the world he once knew.