Set In Penang In The Years Just Before And During The Second World War, This Dbut Novel Explores The Consequences Of Love And Duty. Philip Hutton, Born To A British Father And A Chinese Mother, Finds Himself Drawn To A Mysterious Japanese Diplomat And Aikido Master, And Soon Becomes His Devoted Student. But Their Friendshipdescribed In Romantic, Even Erotic Termsis Called Into Question When The Japanese Invade The Island And Philip Must Decide Whether To Join The Resistance Or Collaborate With The Occupying Army.