A Rising Son In The Land of Nine Dragons: A Eurasian Boy's coming of age during Hong Kong's Lost Era of the '50s and '60s

by Anthony G. Tebbutt

Tony Tebbutt’s creative storytelling in his breakthrough book, is a mélange of his wild and mischievous real-life experiences flavored with a dash of fiction, that takes you on a roller-coaster ride of the unique way of life that was Hong Kong in the ‘50s and ‘60s. He recounts a truly amazing litany of teenage experiences that would be foreign to most not having the opportunity to enjoy the appetizing delights of the British Colony bordering China. We get a look at how it felt to be a local born of mixed heritage passing back and forth between Oriental and Occidental cultures during a great period in the Colony’s history. We are told of life as a student in a multi-cultural high school called KGV. Tebbutt opens up his inner-self to expose his emotions, joy and personal frailties as he recounts his life lessons with personal achievement, education, women and moral values. Through it all he is able to find humor in his faults and share the exuberance of his successes. An easy read and an absolute must if you enjoy good stories, coming of age or have a connection to old Hong Kong.

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2013

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I am biased but I really liked this book. Tony has a free flowing writing style that makes for a very easy read. He shows us a fascinating view of growing up in Hong Kong; an interesting look at how small incidents in early life can influence us later in life; how he addressed moral issues that arose in his young life; and, an unexpected look at discrimination.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

From a local author in Big Canoe. He actually came to our book club meeting to tell us about the book. He did yo yo tricks too. Parts of the book contained a little too much information. It was not a favorite amongst the book club members.

[Carolyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing, not well written. Repetitive, narrative does not flow. I found it a struggle to read and only perservered because of the HK connection.

[Judy · Rating 1 out of 5]

A disappointment. Not what I was looking for in a book. I had hoped for more about Hong Kong rather than the wild antics of the author as he was growing up.