We recently concluded our second discussion of “The Gift of Rain” by Tan Twan Eng, a novel that captivated our hearts and minds with its rich narrative and thought-provoking themes. Our meetings, attended by Bob, Gary, Mary, and Danny, with email contributions from members traveling this summer, delved deep into the complexities of this poignant tale.
Set in 1939 Malaysia, the novel revolves around the profound friendship between Philip Hutton, of mixed Chinese-English heritage, and Hayato Endo, a Japanese diplomat who becomes Philip’s mentor in aikido. As the shadow of war looms larger, both characters face profound dilemmas of loyalty—to each other, to their countries, and to their families. Philip, torn between allegiance and survival, chooses to collaborate with the Japanese occupiers while secretly aiding guerrilla fighters, a decision that carries heavy moral weight.
The unanimous praise from our members reflects the novel’s impact: everyone found it deeply moving and would highly recommended it. Joan eloquently expressed in her email, “it was a truly poignant novel written beautifully with descriptions and imagery so vivid. The author neatly took the reader back and forth in time without confusing people and events of this story of the Japanese invading Malaya.” The quality of the writing left a lasting impression on all of us, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.
At its core, “The Gift of Rain” confronts the harsh realities of war and occupation, compelling Philip and Hayato to navigate moral ambiguities and endure the consequences of their choices. The spiritual dimension of the story adds another layer of intrigue, as we discover that Philip and Hayato have known each other in previous lives, grappling with forces beyond their control across different reincarnations. Will this iteration break the cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation?
The next meeting will be on Sunday, August 4 at 5:00 via Zoom to discuss “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote. It is a true crime story from 1959. We have already selected the books we will read that will take us to the end of 2024. They are: (1) The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka, (2) Siddartha by Hermann Hesse, and (3) Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterso.