The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng is set in Penang, Malaysia, and follows Philip Hutton, a man of Chinese and English descent who befriends Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat. As World War II unfolds, Philip is torn between aiding the Japanese occupiers to protect his family and supporting the Malaysian and British resistance. The novel explores themes of cultural identity, imperialism, and the symbolism of water. It includes depictions of wartime violence and personal loss.

Tan Twan Eng’s The Gift of Rain beautifully intertwines a historical narrative with complex characters, immersing readers in pre- and post-World War II Malaya. Praised for its lyrical prose and rich cultural details, some critics feel its pacing can be slow and the plot slightly convoluted. Overall, it's a poignant and evocative read that lingers.

Readers who appreciate historical fiction and intricate narratives would enjoy Tan Twan Eng's The Gift of Rain. Similar to The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee and Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, this novel appeals to those intrigued by complex settings, poignant character development, and themes of identity and culture during tumultuous times.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Mysterious / Emotional / Inspirational

- The Gift of Rain was shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2007, highlighting its international acclaim and literary significance among debut novels.
- Tan Twan Eng, the author of The Gift of Rain, was inspired by his own Malaysian heritage and the historical backdrop of World War II, which deeply influences the novel's setting and themes.
- The novel features Penang, Malaysia as a primary setting, a location renowned for its unique cultural and architectural heritage, which adds a rich, atmospheric dimension to the story.

Tan Twan Eng

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Gift of Rain reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Gift of Rain | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Gift of Rain and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Gift of Rain Summary

Background

The Gift of Rain Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Book One”

Part 1, Chapters 1-7

The Gift of Rain Part 1, Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-14

The Gift of Rain Part 1, Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 15-22

The Gift of Rain Part 1, Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Book Two”

Part 2, Chapters 1-11

The Gift of Rain Part 2, Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 12-23

The Gift of Rain Part 2, Chapters 12-23 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Gift of Rain Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Gift of Rain Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Gift of Rain Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Gift of Rain Important Quotes with Page Numbers

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Gift of Rain Essay Topics

The Gift of Rain

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Gift of Rain?

Reading Age

Book Details