"When you are lost, in this world or on the continent of time itself, remember who you have been and you will know who you are. These people were all you, and you are them. I was you before you were born and you will be me after I am gone. That is the meaning of family." This reminder from an old Chinese man to his half-caste grandson is a likely point for anyone who reads A GIFT OF RAIN to enter its spirit, no matter who you are. This novel is about family, and a very complicated one. It also is about one's sacred self whom must be obeyed.