The Gift of Rain

Engaging . . . rich . . . thoughtful, evocative, undoubtedly provocative * * Guardian * *
A powerful first novel about a tumultuous and almost forgotten period of history * * Times Literary Supplement * *
A remarkable book -- IAN McMILLAN
Gripping . . . compelling * * New Yorker * *
Glorious . . . as robustly absorbing as it is achingly poignant * * USA Today * *
Eng's graceful prose evokes a time and place that is little known or remembered now, making it both exotic and familiar, and his beautiful narrative is woven with strong images and characters . . . The Gift of Rain is a gift to read * * San Francisco Chronicle * *
A true saga . . . The Gift of Rain overflows with mesmerising beauty and wonder . . . an eloquent tale about friendship transforms into a frightful chronicle of betrayal and survival * * Minneapolis Star Tribune * *
Haunting and highly evocative . . . a deeply moving tale * * Cape Times * *
Beautifully written and deeply moving, Tan Twan Eng's debut novel is one of the best books I've ever read . . . Anyone who thinks the novel is in decline should read this one * * Philadelphia Inquirer * *
The Gift of Rain sends the reader back into the world of Somerset Maugham - the waning British Empire, the simmering discord between classes and races, the thick tropical surroundings that are both beautiful and suffocating - but at a different angle. Maugham casts a cynical eye on human nature and its frailties; Tan Twan Eng looks upon them with compassion, like a creator might view the imperfections of his handiwork * * Cleaveland Plain Dealer * *