The Gift of Rain

Philip begins his job at Hutton & Sons. He suspects that his father is working him hard to limit the amount of time he can spend with Endo. Philip learns about the vast family business, which includes rubber plantations and tin mines. He is often required to visit the harbor, where he sees the advocates for the Malayan Communist Party speaking to the workers. Noel is angry with them for “causing trouble.” With Philip, he confronts the MCP representatives on the dock. Noel announces that any of his workers are free to join the MCP, but they will not keep their jobs if they do so. He is attacked by one of the activists, whom he knocks down. When a man attacks them with a chain, Philip uses his martial arts training to break the man’s wrist. The crowd quickly disperses. Noel and Philip talk about the fight afterward; Philip feels guilty for using his training to hurt someone, even if he was protecting himself and his father.

Throughout 1940, reports of the war continue to worsen. Endo is away for long periods, while Philip’s friendship with a Japanese man causes people to mutter and gossip about him. During this time, William agrees to work with the family company even though he wishes to enlist. He purchases a camera, and Philip shows him how to use it, strengthening their bond. Eventually, however, William secretly enlists in the Navy. Noel is not pleased, but he understands his son’s decision and suggests that they host a farewell party.

Since Endo is away, Philip begins to spar with the staff at the Japanese consulate. They are stronger and more brutal than Endo; one man named Goro, in particular, is cruel and dangerous. Philip tries to avoid him. Endo knows Goro. He knows that Goro is not a good man. Philip is cautious regarding the “anti-Japanese feelings” in the community. He chooses to ignore his doubts and worries about Endo’s role in the increasing Japanese militarism.

Philip visits Kon more frequently. For the first time, he is “made aware of the possibility of such a friendship” (200). They train together, learning a great deal. Philip invites Kon to his family’s party. They drive around Penang in Kon’s sports car, as Kon tells Philip the truth about his father’s involvement in the triads. He shares an elaborate hand gesture with Philip, which can be used to earn the trust of triad members. Kon’s father is the head of the Red Banner Society, one branch of the triads. Kon says he will inherit his father’s position.

They go out at night, where many people refer to Kon by his nickname “the White Tiger,” due to his fondness for white clothing. At a bar, they see a drunken Englishman being thrown out of a brothel. Philip and Kon intervene in the fight. The man introduces himself as Martin Edgecumbe. He is impressed by the boys’ martial arts skills and their talent for languages. He reveals that he is a member of Force 136, an organized resistance campaign set up by the British to fight against a future Japanese invasion of Malaya. He invites the boys to join. They ask for time to think.

Philip’s thoughts are interrupted by the preparations for the party. He learns that Uncle Lim’s daughter Ming is now betrothed to a fisherman. He also learns that Isabel is romantically interested in an older barrister named Peter MacAllister, though she is concerned about their father’s reaction. Planning the party brings Isabel and Philip close for the first time in many years. Isabel appreciates that Philip seems to have changed, as though he now sees himself as part of the family. When he talks about Endo, however, she voices her concerns about the Japanese. Philip dismisses her concerns as “merely rumors.”

Noel encourages his children to invite many people. He invites Endo and other Japanese delegates, even with anti-Japanese sentiment brewing in Penang. He also encourages Philip to invite Aunt Mei and Philip’s grandfather. The party is set for the end of October 1941. William returns home unexpectedly, revealing that he has been assigned to the Prince of Wales warship. The family is pleased by his return.

Party invitations are sent to the British elite, as well as Chinese tycoons and Malay aristocrats. Isabel is nervous about introducing Peter to her father. On the night of the party, Philip stands beside his father to welcome the guests. Noel tells Philip that “[his] mother would have been so proud” (216). Philip thanks his father for his kind words.

Philip closely watches the polite interaction between his father and Endo, then notes his father’s pointed response to the Japanese consul, Hiroshi, regarding Japan’s plans for Malaya. Next, Noel meets Philip’s grandfather, Khoo Wu An. Their meeting is awkward but respectful; when Mr. Khoo meets Isabel and Wiliam, however, he is warm and friendly. Next, Philip introduces his grandfather to Endo. Their conversation is heavy with philosophical meaning as they talk about “fate” and previous lives. Philip shows his grandfather the rest of the house.

Kon and Towkay Yeap gather the Hutton family to reveal a secret that they have learned: A bomb has been planted at the party by the Communists. Philip recalls that one of the waiters was the man he attacked on the dock. They search the house for the man, keeping the bomb a secret from the guests. They find the waiter. Kon beats him until he reveals that he was paid by the Japanese to plant the bomb. He believes the Japanese propaganda that the Japanese army will help chase the British out of Asia and restore local rule. He fears that he will be killed if he fails in his mission, so Towkay Yeap arranges for him to leave the country quietly.

With the bomb disarmed, the party resumes. Philip wonders whether Endo knew about the bomb, especially as he plans to leave early after a brief reunion with Tanaka. As a parting comment, he confirms his belief to Philip that Japan will invade Malaya. He promises to ensure that Philip and his family will be safe, though they may have to “co-operate.” Philip feels betrayed.

Endo talks about the moment he first met Philip, when he became sure that they have “known each other for many lifetimes” (229). Occasionally, he gains glimpses into these previous lives, which ended pained and unfulfilled. They must meet again and again, he suggests, until they have resolved their lives. The invasion of Malaya is part of this cycle, and they must find their redemption soon. As Philip shows Endo a drawing, he experiences a moment of “complete clarity and total contentment” (231). He knows that he will spend the rest of his life chasing this understanding without success.

Philip returns to the party. A drunken brawl between a Chinese guest and a Japanese guest is ended by Isabel firing a rifle above the crowd. Philip and Kon speak about Force 136; Kon wants to join, but Philip feels he must protect his family. Noel Hutton delivers one of his famous speeches. He thanks his guests, then turns their attention to the sky, where Philip’s grandfather has arranged for a fireworks display. Philip thanks his grandfather, who invites him to visit the next day.

The next day, Philip speaks to Ming. She is waiting for an auspicious day to hold her wedding. Philip then travels to the city’s Chinese quarter, where his grandfather meets him. Despite his Chinese heritage, Philip is unfamiliar with the area. They go to the Leong San Thong Dragon Mountain Hall Temple, built by the clan association of the Khoo. As a Khoo, he is always welcome in this temple. Philip’s name is already inscribed in the Hall of Ancestors, alongside his grandfather, aunt, and mother. Endo, Khoo Wu An warns, is a lost man, searching for his way home. He hopes that Philip will help him find it.

Philip’s grandfather spends an increasing amount of time with Philip. He plans to move back to Penang, into a house he already owns. He assures Philip that he holds no grudge against Philip’s father, but time will be needed for the “years of bitterness” to fade away (241). William departs for the navy, asking Philip to take care of his camera.

Philip learns more about his Chinese heritage. Philip tells his grandfather that Endo is away often. He is only able to train at the consulate. His grandfather reprimands him for doubting whether the Japanese will invade. Isabel reveals that she plans to marry Peter MacAllister, despite her father’s disapproval. The Hutton family is invited to Ming’s wedding.

Philip feels “unable to face [Endo] at this moment” (250). Tanaka leaves Penang to find refuge in a mountain temple, fearing the Japanese invasion. Before leaving, he reveals to Philip that he comes from the same town as Endo, near Hiroshima. He was in love with the woman who loved Endo; he promised to watch over Endo for her when Endo was sent to Penang as part of the punishment for his father’s comments against the Japanese Emperor. He has been watching over Endo on behalf of Michiko and Endo’s imprisoned father. He believes that Endo has deliberately closed himself off from all others as he seeks atonement for his father. He asks Philip to watch over Endo.

Philip joins his family at Ming’s wedding. His mind is very much focused on Endo and his feelings of betrayal. They meet the head of the village, Mr. Chua, and Ming’s husband, Ah Hock. In a quiet moment, Philip defends Isabel’s love for Peter to his father. His own mother and father, he points out, married in controversial circumstances. Philip also mentions Endo’s warning that Japan will invade Malaya, though Noel refuses to believe it.

They attend the wedding and the luncheon afterward. Towkay Yeap notes that the opera performance tells the story of forbidden love. After the meal, Philip speaks to Kon. His friend has decided to join the guerilla movement. Philip is sad that he cannot join Kon, but he must do what he believes to be best for his family.