Islands and Continents: Short Stories by Leung Ping-kwan

by Ping-Kwan Leung

In this kaleidoscope of stories, translated from the Chinese, P.K. Leung, one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated literary figures, presents his personal vision of the city, evoking in his inimitable voice the local and international dimensions of this extraordinary place, capturing its poignant ambivalence as a postcolonial territory on the fringe of China. Writing in his uniquely unpretentious and honest style, he brings to life for the reader an unforgettable gallery of characters, with their shared memories and ties with Hong Kong. He portrays ordinary lives against the background of local history, mingling subtle pathos with realism and humour. This is a collection for all general readers of fiction, for all those interested in Hong Kong literature, and for the many who already know and admire P.K. Leung and his work. This collection acquaints the reader with contemporary Hong Kong’s most eloquent voice, a writer whose gentle humour is shot through with a lingering sense of melancholy, and whose involvement in serious intellectual and cultural issues is tempered by a childlike and engaging naïvety. – From the Foreword by John Minford

Genres: Travel

Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[bermudianabroad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into this collection and some stories I just couldn't finish. His stories tend to turn into literary essays- the language changes over from conversational to academic and I had some trouble following his train of thought. It's not a style I enjoy.
However he does write well and I liked it when he got experimental. I thought his shorter stories were the best- I got the feeling he didn't always know where to end it once he got going. Postcards from Prague was the most memorable for me and after that Postcolonial Affairs of Food and the Heart. He describes the feeling around the Handover with humour and flair and the food... oh my. HK writers always have to describe the food...

(Hong Kong)

[Marc Chataigner]

Hong kong 30 years ago. Gives hints on HK today.

[Maura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't find these short stories worth their while. It was a Lonely Planet recommended book for visitors to Hong Kong.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, elegant collection. Thoughtful and thought-provoking.