Hong Kong novels |Gweilo by Martin Booth|The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum

Hong Kong books  always my favorite 

1.Diamond Hill by Kit Fan

Photography: by fiza

Diamond Hill is a novel by Hong Kong writer Kit Fan. The story takes place in the poor area of Diamond Hill in 1987, just before Hong Kong was returned to China. The main character, Buddha, is a recovering heroin addict who finds refuge in a Buddhist monastery. The book shows the contrast between the rundown neighborhood and the wealthy parts of Hong Kong. Through Buddha's journey, the author explores themes of colonialism, identity, and the feeling of being displaced. The writing is both dark and humorous, and reflects the author's background in poetry.

2.The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré

Photography: by fiza

In 1977, John le Carré unleashed the captivating sequel to his now-legendary "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy." This enthralling novel, a cornerstone of the Karla Trilogy, embarks on a captivating odyssey through the vibrant tapestry of Southeast Asia. We delve into the world through the seasoned eyes of George Smiley, the unassuming yet formidable caretaker of Britain's clandestine realm, MI6. Prepare to be enthralled by a whirlwind of clandestine operations, perilous drug trafficking rings, and daring helicopter rescues. While the narrative may be laced with the veiled language of espionage, perseverance will unveil a world as thrilling as it is intricate, leaving you yearning to devour every captivating page. on a journey through much of Southeast Asia. Through the eyes of George Smiley, caretaker chief of the British secret intelligence service MI6, our imaginations are filled with scenes of drug smuggling, helicopter rescues, and espionage. The language can be a bit jargon-heavy, but once you get your head around it, you won’t be able to put it down.

3.Tai-Pan by James Clavell

Photograph : fizagill 

James Clavell's swash buckling epic, Tai-Pan, plunges us into the ruthless world of Hong Kong in 1842, a mere heartbeat after the British victory in the First Opium War. The barren island, seized as a prize, pulsates with the raw energy of a new frontier town. Here, two titans clash: Dirk Struan, the aging but indomitable patriarch of the mighty Struan family, and Tyler Brock, his former shipmate turned bitter rival. Their enmity fuels a ruthless game of ambition, where fortunes are built and shattered with the cutthroat efficiency of a pirate's blade.

Tai-Pan is more than just a tale of high-stakes commerce. It's a cauldron of intrigue, where whispers of backstabbing and libel slither through the opulent halls of foreign traders. The air hangs thick with suspicion, as Struan and Brock maneuver for advantage, manipulating the fledgling colonial government and the powerful Chinese merchant houses. Clavell paints a vivid picture of this tumultuous era, where desperation and opportunity intertwine, and fortunes are made not just through trade, but through cunning, ruthlessness, and the occasional bit of good old-fashioned piracy. Prepare to be swept away by a world where loyalty is a luxury few can afford, and survival hinges on the edge of a razor.

4. The World of Suzie Wong by Richard Mason

In the steamy underbelly of Hong Kong, a love story unfolds. Robert Lomax, a British artist seeking inspiration, collides with Suzie Wong, a captivating woman trapped in the city's red-light district. Their passionate connection ignites a whirlwind romance, defying societal expectations. Published in 1957, this gritty tale of love and longing took the world by storm, spawning sequels and plays that continue to captivate audiences. 

5. The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum

Craving adrenaline? Dive into "The Bourne Supremacy," a heart-pounding prequel to the Matt Damon film. Unlike the Hollywood adaptation, this 1986 Cold War thriller throws Jason Bourne back into the Asian espionage game. With his wife, Marie, snatched, Bourne is forced to become a rogue agent, navigating the treacherous world of communist China and a brutal CIA clash. This gripping page-turner will keep you guessing until the very end. 

6. Gweilo by Martin Booth

Gweilo by Martin Booth

Buckle up for a whirlwind adventure through Hong Kong in the 1950s! This book takes you on a wild ride with a seven-year-old boy, just like it happened to the author, Martin Booth, when he was a kid. We'll explore hidden fishing villages in Sha Tin, peek into bustling settlements in Sheung Shui, and even get a glimpse (from a safe distance!) of the mysterious Kowloon Walled City. You might even hear whispers about a big fire in Shek Kip Mei back in 1953. Hold on tight, because this exciting story is all seen through the wide-eyed wonder of a curious child! .

7. The Monkey King by Timothy Mo

The Monkey King by Timothy Mo

This book is my favorite beacuse in which  epic battles and magical staffs for a second. This is a new take on The Monkey King, one that dives deep into the hilarious chaos of family! Wallace Nolasco thinks he's struck gold when he marries into the Poon family. It's a win-win: they get an heir, he gets status. But buckle up, because this "happily ever after" goes up in smoke faster than a firecracker on Chinese New Year. Nolasco gets tangled in a web of family drama, fueled by corruption and resentment. Mo, the author, throws in a sprinkle of Cantonese slang to make these relatable situations even funnier. So, ditch the expectations of a typical Monkey King story and get ready for a laugh-out-loud exploration of family dysfunction!