Istana

Istana is Philip’s family mansion. His father had it built before he was born, and Philip lives in it now as an adult. Its artifice can be read as a physical manifestation of everything Philip comes to know about family and home.

Penang

Penang is a Malaysian state located by the Strait of Malacca. This could be sub-nested under Malaya as far as overarching setting is concerned. The author of The Gift of Rain was born and raised here, so it is fair to say there is significance in the choice to set the novel here.

Endo-san's Island

Endo-san's island is just off the coast from Istana, and the Hutton family owns it, eventually leasing it out to Endo-san. It is where Philip trains and spends the majority of Book 1. Here, the friendship and of Endo-san and Philip both begins and ends. The only house is a...