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A review by dryriver
The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
After reading The Garden of Evening Mists, I was looking forward to The Gift of Rain.
I absolutely love Tan Twan Eng’s atmospheric descriptions of Malaysia and the complex characters he creates. The first half of this book was slower and focused on the web of characters as well as the setting. The second half was much more action driven, and as Tan Twan Eng’s books tend to be, heartbreaking.
I encourage anyone considering this book to read at least behind the initial setting where Philip and Michiko meet. The beginning could feel a bit slow, but framing Philip’s youth as his own recollection really adds to the poignancy of the story and it’s worth getting into.
I absolutely love Tan Twan Eng’s atmospheric descriptions of Malaysia and the complex characters he creates. The first half of this book was slower and focused on the web of characters as well as the setting. The second half was much more action driven, and as Tan Twan Eng’s books tend to be, heartbreaking.
I encourage anyone considering this book to read at least behind the initial setting where Philip and Michiko meet. The beginning could feel a bit slow, but framing Philip’s youth as his own recollection really adds to the poignancy of the story and it’s worth getting into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Rape, Torture, and War
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Abortion