Philip Hutton, the son of a British father and a Chinese mother, grows up in Penang, in what is now Malaysia, in the years before the Second World War. A Japanese man named Endo-san comes to live on the island, becomes his teacher in aikido and a friend, and the two form a close bond. When Japan invades Malaya, Philip finds himself torn between loyalty to his family and island and his respect for Endo-san, who is more than he seems. Tan Twan Eng uses the occupation to look at betrayal, honor and guilt, told by Philip as an old man.
It suits readers who like literary historical fiction set in Southeast Asia. Expect careful pacing and a serious moral center. Readers new to the author or subject should find it a manageable place to begin.
Balanced in tone; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2007
- Language
- EN
