Penang Island, Malaysia. 1939

Philip, a Malaysian teenager of mixed Chinese and English heritage, alienated from both worlds, forms a deep friendship with Endo, a Japanese diplomat. Endo introduces him to Japanese culture and the discipline and harmony of aikido, establishing a master-student bond based on mutual loyalty. The brutal Japanese occupation of the island will reveal secrets that will test Philip's loyalty to his mentor, his family, and his culture.

A captivating story of loyalty, friendship, deception, honor, guilt, and redemption, set against the historical backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Southeast Asia. A journey through Chinese, British colonial, Malay, and Japanese cultures, narrated with a stunning visual language.

Tan Twan Eng's debut novel has been acclaimed by critics and readers alike and was shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize.