East Wind, Rain: A Novel

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Gutsy Girl comes this provocative, compelling novel of irrevocable consequences for people thrust unwittingly into a devastating war of nations and American identity—based on a little-known true event.

December 1941. The inhabitants of Niihau lead a simple life. Mostly Hawaiian natives, they work the ranch of Niihau's eccentric haole owner, who keeps his island totally isolated from the outside world, devoid of cars, phones, and electricity. But then a plane crash-lands there, and although the villagers rescue the pilot, they have no idea that he has just attacked Pearl Harbor. War has now come to Eden, slowly undoing its tranquillity, widening the cracks in the already troubled marriage of Irene and Yoshio Harada, the island's only Japanese-American couple. It will test everyone's loyalties and all they believe in . . . as Paradise, once within reach, slowly falls victim to its own isolated innocence.

December 1941. The inhabitants of Niihau lead a simple life. Mostly Hawaiian natives, they work the ranch of Niihau's eccentric haole owner, who keeps his island totally isolated from the outside world, devoid of cars, phones, and electricity. But then a plane crash-lands there, and although the villagers rescue the pilot, they have no idea that he has just attacked Pearl Harbor. War has now come to Eden, slowly undoing its tranquillity, widening the cracks in the already troubled marriage of Irene and Yoshio Harada, the island's only Japanese-American couple. It will test everyone's loyalties and all they believe in . . . as Paradise, once within reach, slowly falls victim to its own isolated innocence.

Based on a little-known true event, East Wind, Rain is a provocative and compelling novel of irrevocable consequences for people thrust unwittingly into a devastating war of nations and American identity.

“A compelling psychological drama.” - San Francisco Chronicle

“Paul’s graceful, objective tone may be the book’s greatest strength . . .When it’s over, we don’t want to leave.” - New York Times Book Review

“Tackles the complex issue of national allegiance […] EAST WIND, RAIN, which is based on an actual event, rarely disappoints.” - Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

“Authentic and dramatic.” - Booklist

“Paul offers a refreshing and interesting vantage point from which readers may reconsider the episode in history. . . . [A]n excellent job of bringing complex questions to the forefront.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A complex and beautifully imagined story of evolving meanings and shifting allegiances. An intelligent and impressive debut.” - Tom Barbash, Author of The Last Good Chance and On Top of The World

“With fluid, often lyrical prose, Paul succeeds at creating a novel that’s authentic and at times artful.” - San Francisco Chronicle