This is one of the books I have bought this year, probably one of the best investments i have ever made. The writing and story telling is amazing and splendid. Tan never fails in keeping my interest in the storyline and also mesmerized me with his livid presentation of the story.
Philip Hutton is the protagonist in this novel. Torn between two identities ,as a half british and half chinese, he has been isolating himself from the society which he thinks, cannot accept his existence. Along the way as he tries hard to fit in, a japanese official which is also his friend later was introduced. His name was Hayato Endo.
Endo's teachings and his existence gradually changed him into a more confident person. Little did he know that meeting Endo meant opening the pandora's box which eventually answers the question of why he is always alone in the 'Istana'. The story unfolds after meeting the japanese guy and his eventual cooperation with them in return of keeping his family safe during the war period.
Tragic events happen during the Japanese occupation in Malaya and he was witnessing them with his own eyes. Mentally tortured while witnessing such things and also with the pressure that came from his family, he had sides to choose. Life and death, pain and gain. All of that was in his own hands.
The parts in book 2 was very real as if I was watching a real scene playing live. Especially in the execution sites , I was emotional while I was reading Noel Hutton and Philip Hutton waiting to be executed.
This is the first book that had ever made me emotional. Overall , a great book. Splendid.
