From a trying childhood to surviving the Japanese Occupation and even falling in love, the life of Singapore's longest-serving president, the late S.R. Nathan, turned out to be more colourful than many might imagine. The Runaway Who Became President not only introduces us to a man who dedicated his life to the service of our nation, but also to the various people who helped him work through his own challenges and shape him as a well-loved and respected Singaporean icon.