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No City for Slow Men: Hong Kong's quirks and quandaries laid bare
Author and popular blogger Jason Y. Ng has a knack for making the familiar both fascinating and achingly funny. Three years after his bestselling début HONG KONG State of Mind, the razor-sharp observer returns with a sequel that is bigger and every bit as poignant.
No City for Slow Men is a collection of 36 essays that examine some of the pressing social, cultural and existential issues facing Hong Kong. It takes us on a tour de force from the gravity-defying property market to the plunging depths of old age poverty, from the storied streets of Sheung Wan to the beckoning island of Cheung Chau, from the culture-shocked Western expat to the misunderstood Mainland Chinese and the disenfranchised foreign domestic worker. The result is a treatise on Hong Kong life that is thought-provoking, touching and immensely entertaining.
Together with HONG KONG State of Mind (2010) and Umbrellas in Bloom (2016), (2010), No City For Slow Men forms Ng’s "Hong Kong Trilogy" that traces the city’s sociopolitical developments since its return to Chinese rule.
No City for Slow Men is a collection of 36 essays that examine some of the pressing social, cultural and existential issues facing Hong Kong. It takes us on a tour de force from the gravity-defying property market to the plunging depths of old age poverty, from the storied streets of Sheung Wan to the beckoning island of Cheung Chau, from the culture-shocked Western expat to the misunderstood Mainland Chinese and the disenfranchised foreign domestic worker. The result is a treatise on Hong Kong life that is thought-provoking, touching and immensely entertaining.
Together with HONG KONG State of Mind (2010) and Umbrellas in Bloom (2016), (2010), No City For Slow Men forms Ng’s "Hong Kong Trilogy" that traces the city’s sociopolitical developments since its return to Chinese rule.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Jason Y. Ng
15 books49 followersBorn in Hong Kong, Jason Y. Ng is a globe-trotter who spent his entire adult life in Italy, the United States and Canada before returning to his birthplace to rediscover his roots. He is a full-time lawyer, a published author and a freelance writer, contributing regularly to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), TimeOut, EJInsight, and Hong Kong Free Press.
Jason is the bestselling author of "HONG KONG State of Mind" (2010) and "No City for Slow Men" (2013). His latest tome, "Umbrellas in Bloom" (2016), is the first book published in English to chronicle the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. Together, the three books form his “Hong Kong Trilogy” that tracks the city's post-colonial development. Jason's short stories have appeared in various anthologies. He is a member of the Foreign Correspondents' Club and the Hong Kong Writers' Circle.
Jason has been featured at, among others, the Hong Kong Book Fair, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, the Beijing Bookworm Literary Festival, the Singapore Writers Festival, and the Cooler Lumpur Literary Festival. He has been profiled in the South China Morning Post, the Apple Daily, City Magazine, TimeOut, Ming Pao Weekly, Hong Kong Free Press, RTHK Radio 3, the Taipei Times, GB Times, the China Daily, and the Volkskrant. He has been interviewed or cited by the Wall Street Journal, BBC News, the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg News, the Voice of America, Radio France, Breitbart News, and the Dagens Nyheter. He speaks frequently on television and radio and at universities and cultural events.
Jason is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong, where he teaches international securities law for the Master of Laws (LLM) program. He has given guest lectures and talks at Columbia University, New York University, University of California Los Angeles, the University of Toronto, York University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Hong Kong Baptist University.
Jason is also a social activist. He is an ambassador for Shark Savers and an outspoken advocate for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and the rights of foreign domestic workers and other minority groups.
In 2011, Jason was bestowed the title "Man of the Year" by Elle Men magazine for his diverse interests and balanced lifestyle. Later that year, he was featured in the SCMP Magazine for his travel exploits. In 2013, Jason was invited to be the keynote speaker at the Harvard Club Book Prize award ceremony.
Jason lives in Hong Kong and can be contacted at info@jasonyng.com. For more, visit www.asiseeithk.com.
Jason is the bestselling author of "HONG KONG State of Mind" (2010) and "No City for Slow Men" (2013). His latest tome, "Umbrellas in Bloom" (2016), is the first book published in English to chronicle the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. Together, the three books form his “Hong Kong Trilogy” that tracks the city's post-colonial development. Jason's short stories have appeared in various anthologies. He is a member of the Foreign Correspondents' Club and the Hong Kong Writers' Circle.
Jason has been featured at, among others, the Hong Kong Book Fair, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, the Beijing Bookworm Literary Festival, the Singapore Writers Festival, and the Cooler Lumpur Literary Festival. He has been profiled in the South China Morning Post, the Apple Daily, City Magazine, TimeOut, Ming Pao Weekly, Hong Kong Free Press, RTHK Radio 3, the Taipei Times, GB Times, the China Daily, and the Volkskrant. He has been interviewed or cited by the Wall Street Journal, BBC News, the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg News, the Voice of America, Radio France, Breitbart News, and the Dagens Nyheter. He speaks frequently on television and radio and at universities and cultural events.
Jason is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong, where he teaches international securities law for the Master of Laws (LLM) program. He has given guest lectures and talks at Columbia University, New York University, University of California Los Angeles, the University of Toronto, York University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Hong Kong Baptist University.
Jason is also a social activist. He is an ambassador for Shark Savers and an outspoken advocate for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and the rights of foreign domestic workers and other minority groups.
In 2011, Jason was bestowed the title "Man of the Year" by Elle Men magazine for his diverse interests and balanced lifestyle. Later that year, he was featured in the SCMP Magazine for his travel exploits. In 2013, Jason was invited to be the keynote speaker at the Harvard Club Book Prize award ceremony.
Jason lives in Hong Kong and can be contacted at info@jasonyng.com. For more, visit www.asiseeithk.com.
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March 25, 2014
Despite Hong Kong’s reputation for being very welcoming to foreigners, it’s not always that easy for expats to deeply understand the city. Hong Kong is famous for its international style, and people from all over the world enjoy the city’s comforts, yet there remains a barrier between the locals and those who hail from other places.
To share the truth about Hong Kong culture with the English-speaking world, Jason Y. Ng — resident blogger and columnist for Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post — has written “No City for Slow Men,” covering every subject an HK-phile could ask for.
Published by Blacksmith Books, the book contains 36 essays and covers a broad range of topics. For some writers, it might be a struggle to have so many chapters and keep the quality high, yet every line of Ng’s prose is well-written and full of crucial information for piecing together the puzzle of Hong Kong’s identity.
Split into three parts, the first section “Our Way of Life” concerns corrupt property tycoons, the culture of taking out loans for expensive watches, and the rise of Taobao. The title piece “No City for Slow Men” is about one of the very first impressions a visitor of the city will have — the high speed of life. Ng laments about the lack of relaxation when he writes, “Hong Kong is charming when it is bustling, but loveliest when it is tranquil.”
The second part, “Our Culture,” contains such topics as Chinese New Year and includes many interesting childhood anecdotes. The autobiographical element starts to seep in, which shows off some of Ng’s best writing. There is more on restaurants and cooking, which is, of course, very important to Chinese culture worldwide, as well as an overview of the history of the city and the famous sites that rapidly changed through generations and development.
Finally, “Our Identity” has some of the most compelling pieces of all. “HKID” says it best: Hong Kong is stuck somewhere between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, and that causes a bit of an identity crisis. The tense relationship with the mainland is an important point, reaching new lows with the labeling of mainland tourists as “locusts,” which Ng points out is an undeserved reputation. A letter from a mainland student best expresses the argument against prejudice. Another major theme is the contrast between the lives of expats and locals — with their gambling by way of cards instead of mahjong, the strange sport of rugby and lack of Cantonese fluency.
The plight of the domestic worker is an especially important topic, written about with great heart. The personal stories of abuse and tragedy of Indonesian and Filipino maids are very moving. Ng is certainly a compassionate writer and should be commended for bringing these issues to the public’s attention.
As the book concludes, the final essays cement the autobiographical element. After a piece detailing Ng’s struggles with stuttering in his early life, the penultimate “My Father the Artist” goes over the very man whose illustrations pepper the book. It all ends with a touching interview of the author’s mother.
As an emigrant from Guangdong Province who struggled through years of tumultuous change, from poverty to a happy retirement abroad, she best exemplifies the contradictions that make up the history and identity of Hong Kong. “All these years, mother and son have been swept up in a complicated dance of love and reticence,” Ng writes. “Each aching to reassure the other of their happy existence.”
(From my SZ Daily review: http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2014-0...)
To share the truth about Hong Kong culture with the English-speaking world, Jason Y. Ng — resident blogger and columnist for Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post — has written “No City for Slow Men,” covering every subject an HK-phile could ask for.
Published by Blacksmith Books, the book contains 36 essays and covers a broad range of topics. For some writers, it might be a struggle to have so many chapters and keep the quality high, yet every line of Ng’s prose is well-written and full of crucial information for piecing together the puzzle of Hong Kong’s identity.
Split into three parts, the first section “Our Way of Life” concerns corrupt property tycoons, the culture of taking out loans for expensive watches, and the rise of Taobao. The title piece “No City for Slow Men” is about one of the very first impressions a visitor of the city will have — the high speed of life. Ng laments about the lack of relaxation when he writes, “Hong Kong is charming when it is bustling, but loveliest when it is tranquil.”
The second part, “Our Culture,” contains such topics as Chinese New Year and includes many interesting childhood anecdotes. The autobiographical element starts to seep in, which shows off some of Ng’s best writing. There is more on restaurants and cooking, which is, of course, very important to Chinese culture worldwide, as well as an overview of the history of the city and the famous sites that rapidly changed through generations and development.
Finally, “Our Identity” has some of the most compelling pieces of all. “HKID” says it best: Hong Kong is stuck somewhere between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, and that causes a bit of an identity crisis. The tense relationship with the mainland is an important point, reaching new lows with the labeling of mainland tourists as “locusts,” which Ng points out is an undeserved reputation. A letter from a mainland student best expresses the argument against prejudice. Another major theme is the contrast between the lives of expats and locals — with their gambling by way of cards instead of mahjong, the strange sport of rugby and lack of Cantonese fluency.
The plight of the domestic worker is an especially important topic, written about with great heart. The personal stories of abuse and tragedy of Indonesian and Filipino maids are very moving. Ng is certainly a compassionate writer and should be commended for bringing these issues to the public’s attention.
As the book concludes, the final essays cement the autobiographical element. After a piece detailing Ng’s struggles with stuttering in his early life, the penultimate “My Father the Artist” goes over the very man whose illustrations pepper the book. It all ends with a touching interview of the author’s mother.
As an emigrant from Guangdong Province who struggled through years of tumultuous change, from poverty to a happy retirement abroad, she best exemplifies the contradictions that make up the history and identity of Hong Kong. “All these years, mother and son have been swept up in a complicated dance of love and reticence,” Ng writes. “Each aching to reassure the other of their happy existence.”
(From my SZ Daily review: http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2014-0...)
February 14, 2022
This book is indeed a collection of essays about Hong Kong’s “quirks.” It is a great vessel of cultural life, but I’m a bit perplexed at why Jason Ng seems to focus on what many would see as the worst parts of Hong Kong (and/or the great parts that have disappeared).
Ng’s writing style also comes off as very authoritative. He writes in harsh judgements, and makes countless sweeping generalizations about Hong Kong and many many other nationalities (“France is like this,” “American’s act this way,” etc.). You can really tell he’s a lawyer. It’s interesting enough that he writes a paragraph about barbecue culture in a couple of countries, but he ends up making himself sound like an elitist (especially in the essay about food, geez — the man really said that Italian food sucks and then blames Americans for overhyping it. The problem isn’t his statement as much as his blazing disdain).
Perhaps he writes this way to imbue his writing with some global context, or come off as well-traveled (he would almost certainly be my least favorite person at a dinner party), but in my opinion these comments make him look like a tourist who doesn’t spend long enough in a place to get to know it authentically (aside from Hong Kong). You would think that traveling the world would make someone less ethnocentric, not more. But then again, it is a thin line that divides patriotism and love of home and ethnocentrism.
My issues with Ng’s writing is certainly not what he says as much as how he says it. His statements might have some truth to them; he just speaks from the perspective of an outsider, a judger, as opposed to someone who can empathize with what they see. Seems like he’s missing a whole layer of understanding.
Jason - sub out your morning dose of haterade for some nice, relaxing tea and smile to someone on the street every once in awhile.
Ng’s writing style also comes off as very authoritative. He writes in harsh judgements, and makes countless sweeping generalizations about Hong Kong and many many other nationalities (“France is like this,” “American’s act this way,” etc.). You can really tell he’s a lawyer. It’s interesting enough that he writes a paragraph about barbecue culture in a couple of countries, but he ends up making himself sound like an elitist (especially in the essay about food, geez — the man really said that Italian food sucks and then blames Americans for overhyping it. The problem isn’t his statement as much as his blazing disdain).
Perhaps he writes this way to imbue his writing with some global context, or come off as well-traveled (he would almost certainly be my least favorite person at a dinner party), but in my opinion these comments make him look like a tourist who doesn’t spend long enough in a place to get to know it authentically (aside from Hong Kong). You would think that traveling the world would make someone less ethnocentric, not more. But then again, it is a thin line that divides patriotism and love of home and ethnocentrism.
My issues with Ng’s writing is certainly not what he says as much as how he says it. His statements might have some truth to them; he just speaks from the perspective of an outsider, a judger, as opposed to someone who can empathize with what they see. Seems like he’s missing a whole layer of understanding.
Jason - sub out your morning dose of haterade for some nice, relaxing tea and smile to someone on the street every once in awhile.
June 7, 2024
This is a collection of blogs made by the author. It's an interesting and light read. I've picked it up in preparation for a trip to Hong Kong. I'd say it gave me a good introduction to the city, but it didn't go deep on anything. There are also a couple of chapters that are personal to the author and his family. I guess they also make sense as he grew up in Hong Kong. There are a lot of mentiones of the prices of real estate in Hong Kong, so I can see what's the main issue for the writer, and I guess the population. It was focused on the authors experience, so I can't call it authorative.
Overall, it was a quick read that kept me engaged.
Overall, it was a quick read that kept me engaged.
January 26, 2016
I bought this book for my brother at the airport and ended up reading it all on my flight. It's a great light read in terms of it having a short chapter for each issue. It's observant without being preachy, and cynical without being pessimistic. Throughout the book I felt myself nodding along and agreeing with the author. One notable part of the book was a letter written by a young man who had moved to Hong Kong from Mainland China. There are a lot of prejudices about the Mainland Chinese, and whether you agree with the stereotypes or not, the letter offers an important and necessary perspective that I think many Hong Kongers would benefit from reading. Yes, the book is a little cynical in its observations of Hong Kong, but as I read it, I felt a lot of pride and love for the city, and it's all thanks to the author's style of writing.
September 16, 2021
Amazing! Funny and insightful, never really knew about this deep history in certain parts of HK. This book also explains and creatively writes on the humanistic culture of HKers. Overall, really enjoyed this book, jumping through different short stories. It would be very very interesting to see a newly updated one as this was written is 2014 (according to my library).
Overall, very insightful and lovely read. Provided me a window to peek in the locals' heads for certain occasions and happenings.
Overall, very insightful and lovely read. Provided me a window to peek in the locals' heads for certain occasions and happenings.
August 20, 2020
Kind of a Master of None-style series of essays and vignettes on daily life in Hong Kong. It’s nothing totally perspective-shattering, but it does put into words many of the feelings you get living in Hong Kong but might not take time to reflect on. While it does occasionally touch on larger political or historical messages, most of the essays are grounded in simple observations on everyday life.
I also appreciated how precise the observational writing was, going so far as to include Chinese characters and Cantonese romanisations for many key terms and all the essay titles (helpful for someone learning Cantonese!). It’s a short read that’s definitely worth picking up if you live here or are curious about life in Hong Kong.
I also appreciated how precise the observational writing was, going so far as to include Chinese characters and Cantonese romanisations for many key terms and all the essay titles (helpful for someone learning Cantonese!). It’s a short read that’s definitely worth picking up if you live here or are curious about life in Hong Kong.
July 4, 2020
TL;DR HK is that quirky friend you are annoyed with all the time, but whom you miss the most when you're apart. I also finally get why there is a Rolex shop on every curb in HK.
Ng's second try at social critique is an extremely funny exposition of the way his city works. Perhaps it got better because Ng himself, having bought a house and settled into HK, is more settled in this weird and wonderful place. I have a lot of favourite sections so here we go:
"Many restaurants operate under the misguided notion that quality of service is measured by how quickly dishes are cleared from the table. Fast eaters, with their plates taken away as soon as they finish eating, must sit in front of an empty placemat and watch their friends eat the rest of their meal. In more extreme cases, diners find themselves in a tug-of-war with an overzealous waiter, while that last strand of pasta dangles precariously between their mouth and the vanishing plate, dripping sauce and all."
[On Taobao] "It is increasingly the first place Chinese shoppers will look to for clothing, cosmetics and everyday household items. If you can type it in Chinese, they will sell it. Some of the strangest items sold include pet pigs, Botox injections and breast milk. It is Walmart if you could chat with its sales staff at 1AM. It is Louis Vuitton if they sold wallets at ¥250 a pop and delivered them right to your doorstep"
"Another common frustration shared by online shoppers is the uncertainty. Shopping on Taobao feels a bit like online dating - the person who shows up at Starbucks rarely looks anything like the profile picture on Match.com."
"A managing director at an investment bank may make 30 times the salary of an entry level analyst, but the two men may easily be wearing the same HK$80,000 timepiece. It is as indispensable to men as Coco Chanel's 2.55 handbag is to the battalion of "office ladies" in Central. It is a Hong Kong thing.
Whenever men need an excuse to buy an expensive watch, they invariably invoke the "i" word: investment ... They may call it what they may, but a purchase is only an investment if the owners are willing to part with it ... Contrary to popular belief, they almost never go up in value. A brand new timepiece depreciates 20% the moment you take it out of the store. Whoever thinks he can buy a Rolex, wear it for a few years and sell it at a profit is fooling himself - and his wife."
"Then there are the slow people - how we loathe the slow people! In supersonic Hong Kong, they get pushed aside and ridiculed ... What these people don't know - and what we simply don't have the time to explain to them - is that Hong Kong is no place to stop and smell the roses. The only thing we put our noses to is the grindstone. Forgive us if we seem crass, but we have a 14-hour day ahead of us and a 30-year mortgage to pay off."
"I tell them Hong Kong is a practical place. The Cantonese don't seem interested in much else other than making money and buying things."
[Pet Peeves]
"The Arctic Blast - In Hong Kong, nothing says luxury like bone chilling indoor temperature. It is as if the class of a shopping mall is measured by the horsepower of its air-conditioners."
"Foreign Names - Plenty of ink has been spilled on the weird names Hong Kongers give themselves. Every day we run into respectable people called Devil, Mistress and Nitrogen. Funny names are amusing, but not irritating. What crosses the line is when Chinese people start using Japanese, Italian or French names ... I am sorry, but Giuseppe Chan just sounds ridiculous. So if John and Jane are too boring, then please just stick to Creamy and Chlorophyll."
"The Taxi Thief - The rain is coming down in sheets and I have been standing by the curb waiting for a taxi for a good 15 minutes. Some guy comes out of a building, sees me and walks 10 steps in front of me ... I remember an expat friend once observed there are two types of people in Hong Kong: selfish and very selfish."
Ng's second try at social critique is an extremely funny exposition of the way his city works. Perhaps it got better because Ng himself, having bought a house and settled into HK, is more settled in this weird and wonderful place. I have a lot of favourite sections so here we go:
"Many restaurants operate under the misguided notion that quality of service is measured by how quickly dishes are cleared from the table. Fast eaters, with their plates taken away as soon as they finish eating, must sit in front of an empty placemat and watch their friends eat the rest of their meal. In more extreme cases, diners find themselves in a tug-of-war with an overzealous waiter, while that last strand of pasta dangles precariously between their mouth and the vanishing plate, dripping sauce and all."
[On Taobao] "It is increasingly the first place Chinese shoppers will look to for clothing, cosmetics and everyday household items. If you can type it in Chinese, they will sell it. Some of the strangest items sold include pet pigs, Botox injections and breast milk. It is Walmart if you could chat with its sales staff at 1AM. It is Louis Vuitton if they sold wallets at ¥250 a pop and delivered them right to your doorstep"
"Another common frustration shared by online shoppers is the uncertainty. Shopping on Taobao feels a bit like online dating - the person who shows up at Starbucks rarely looks anything like the profile picture on Match.com."
"A managing director at an investment bank may make 30 times the salary of an entry level analyst, but the two men may easily be wearing the same HK$80,000 timepiece. It is as indispensable to men as Coco Chanel's 2.55 handbag is to the battalion of "office ladies" in Central. It is a Hong Kong thing.
Whenever men need an excuse to buy an expensive watch, they invariably invoke the "i" word: investment ... They may call it what they may, but a purchase is only an investment if the owners are willing to part with it ... Contrary to popular belief, they almost never go up in value. A brand new timepiece depreciates 20% the moment you take it out of the store. Whoever thinks he can buy a Rolex, wear it for a few years and sell it at a profit is fooling himself - and his wife."
"Then there are the slow people - how we loathe the slow people! In supersonic Hong Kong, they get pushed aside and ridiculed ... What these people don't know - and what we simply don't have the time to explain to them - is that Hong Kong is no place to stop and smell the roses. The only thing we put our noses to is the grindstone. Forgive us if we seem crass, but we have a 14-hour day ahead of us and a 30-year mortgage to pay off."
"I tell them Hong Kong is a practical place. The Cantonese don't seem interested in much else other than making money and buying things."
[Pet Peeves]
"The Arctic Blast - In Hong Kong, nothing says luxury like bone chilling indoor temperature. It is as if the class of a shopping mall is measured by the horsepower of its air-conditioners."
"Foreign Names - Plenty of ink has been spilled on the weird names Hong Kongers give themselves. Every day we run into respectable people called Devil, Mistress and Nitrogen. Funny names are amusing, but not irritating. What crosses the line is when Chinese people start using Japanese, Italian or French names ... I am sorry, but Giuseppe Chan just sounds ridiculous. So if John and Jane are too boring, then please just stick to Creamy and Chlorophyll."
"The Taxi Thief - The rain is coming down in sheets and I have been standing by the curb waiting for a taxi for a good 15 minutes. Some guy comes out of a building, sees me and walks 10 steps in front of me ... I remember an expat friend once observed there are two types of people in Hong Kong: selfish and very selfish."
December 27, 2023
I liked this one even less than the previous one, the author once more managed to show off how well off he is and kept bragging about travelling abrout 24 times a year and receieving so much education in Europe and Northern America that it would siccice for at least two avergea people. Do not recommend if you have started to like him after reading Umbreallas in Bloom.
April 12, 2018
I really like it, it gives deep and interesting perspectives into Hong Kong society, culture and lifestyle.
The essays are a pleasure to read.
The essays are a pleasure to read.
August 10, 2018
A really good and thoughtful read to understand a city in stories told by a man growing up through different cities and despite being everywhere, home is still the place we all go back to.
November 19, 2020
A must read for expats living in HK and looking to understand this city.
December 8, 2020
Todas las ciudades creen que son distintas. Pues no.
May 31, 2025
3,5/5
January 4, 2026
Fantastic and very funny read on most things Hong Kong.
A take on the mundane things, but very easy and funny read.
5 stars.
A take on the mundane things, but very easy and funny read.
5 stars.
September 23, 2018
Compared to Jason Y Ng First Book” Hong Kong State Of Mind”, “No City For Slow Men” contains 36 essays which not only focus on cultural themes, but also address economic and social issues facing Hong Kong. The book gives us different insights of this international city which is covered by three areas: Our way of life, Our culture and Our Identity.
Every time I have western friends who come to visit Hong Kong, they will always ask me the same question, “Why do so many Philippino ladies occupy the open space in Central and Causeway Bay on the weekend?” The essay “Maid In Hong Kong” which features in “Our Identity” chapter describes why this unique phenomenon occurs. There are thousands of Philippino citizens and Indonesia women who sacrifice their family and children to come to Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper, where they earns very little money. The essay includes several interviews with the ladies who has been treated unequally, sexual harassed and required to perform extra work which they are not supposed to. This essay provided the voice of the migrant worker community and the difficult situation that they are facing.
When they came to Hong Kong to take care of the local family for long periods, they must sacrifice the chance to see their children grow up. They work without any support and only have one day off per week. All they want is an open space to meet up and share their hometown food from their community However, Hongkongers treat them like outsiders and do not appreciate their hard work and perseverance.
Personally, this is my favourite book of the Hong Kong Trilogy series because it provided deeper aspects of Hong Kong culture and issues for readers. If you are interested in Hong Kong topics, this book will provide you fantastic insights. At the end of the book is my favourite essay, Jason Y Ng shared his childhood memories with his dad who was a freelance illustrator. To support the family, Jason and his brother would assist his dad in delivering the drawings to the newspaper agencies.
This essay has shown that most of the local residents were struggling to make a living during the Old Hong Kong period (1950-1960’s) Ng’s parents retired to Canada after they contributed to the Hong Kong community throughout their entire life. The story demonstrates the Hong Kong “Lions Spirit” and how it enables people from Hong Kong to contribute their local community and country.
Every time I have western friends who come to visit Hong Kong, they will always ask me the same question, “Why do so many Philippino ladies occupy the open space in Central and Causeway Bay on the weekend?” The essay “Maid In Hong Kong” which features in “Our Identity” chapter describes why this unique phenomenon occurs. There are thousands of Philippino citizens and Indonesia women who sacrifice their family and children to come to Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper, where they earns very little money. The essay includes several interviews with the ladies who has been treated unequally, sexual harassed and required to perform extra work which they are not supposed to. This essay provided the voice of the migrant worker community and the difficult situation that they are facing.
When they came to Hong Kong to take care of the local family for long periods, they must sacrifice the chance to see their children grow up. They work without any support and only have one day off per week. All they want is an open space to meet up and share their hometown food from their community However, Hongkongers treat them like outsiders and do not appreciate their hard work and perseverance.
Personally, this is my favourite book of the Hong Kong Trilogy series because it provided deeper aspects of Hong Kong culture and issues for readers. If you are interested in Hong Kong topics, this book will provide you fantastic insights. At the end of the book is my favourite essay, Jason Y Ng shared his childhood memories with his dad who was a freelance illustrator. To support the family, Jason and his brother would assist his dad in delivering the drawings to the newspaper agencies.
This essay has shown that most of the local residents were struggling to make a living during the Old Hong Kong period (1950-1960’s) Ng’s parents retired to Canada after they contributed to the Hong Kong community throughout their entire life. The story demonstrates the Hong Kong “Lions Spirit” and how it enables people from Hong Kong to contribute their local community and country.
February 9, 2017
This books has a random structure as it feels like you are reading different opinion columns of a newspaper as you turn each page. However, Jason seems to be a smart, genuine guy who really loves his city and the values of people in Hong Hong - this book is worth reading.
He reflects on some very important issues that were new to me - the most disturbing was his reflections on growing old in Hong Kong. Although you get low taxes during your work career there is no safety net when it's time to retire and your kids can't afford to keep you, as the property prices are so outrageous.
Many of his reflections are relevant beyond Hong Kong - he has a chapter on his pet hates on the way people behave, and I think he ticked every item on my own list. The most funny reflection was about people who stop at the top of an escalator to plan the rest of their day. I once gave someone an OH&S lecture on the dangers of this practice, so I am totally on his side.
Overall the tone is a bit melancholy. I spent a fair bit of time in Hong Kong prior to the handover and it is hardly surprising to see where things are going. However, many of the issues he raises are not new. During the British rule, many political aspects of Hong Kong were just as bad (like they never got a vote until it was time to handover to China) and many of the underlying issues like unaffordable housing and big corporate practices were being nurtured at the time. You're average person in Hong Kong has always been a victim of this successful city in which they live.
He reflects on some very important issues that were new to me - the most disturbing was his reflections on growing old in Hong Kong. Although you get low taxes during your work career there is no safety net when it's time to retire and your kids can't afford to keep you, as the property prices are so outrageous.
Many of his reflections are relevant beyond Hong Kong - he has a chapter on his pet hates on the way people behave, and I think he ticked every item on my own list. The most funny reflection was about people who stop at the top of an escalator to plan the rest of their day. I once gave someone an OH&S lecture on the dangers of this practice, so I am totally on his side.
Overall the tone is a bit melancholy. I spent a fair bit of time in Hong Kong prior to the handover and it is hardly surprising to see where things are going. However, many of the issues he raises are not new. During the British rule, many political aspects of Hong Kong were just as bad (like they never got a vote until it was time to handover to China) and many of the underlying issues like unaffordable housing and big corporate practices were being nurtured at the time. You're average person in Hong Kong has always been a victim of this successful city in which they live.
January 4, 2016
Jason Ng "gets" Hong Kong and is able to wax poetic on the city's flaws and strengths with an ease that most essayists wish they had. If HK had its own version of The New Yorker (sadly, none of the English-language publications in the Pearl of the Orient come anywhere close), then he'd be the dude on the last page penning the column that everyone nods their head while reading and murmurs: "Hm, I see where this guy's coming from!"
From HK's lack of culture to its inferiority complex in the shadow of Big Brother China, everything is covered here with great wit. (Not to mention Jason's on-the-nose essay about how people in Hong Kong just don't read enough.) If you've ever stepped into this weird East meets West fusion city where nobody has time for anything that isn't finance, fashion or fitness, then you'll get a kick outta this one.
From HK's lack of culture to its inferiority complex in the shadow of Big Brother China, everything is covered here with great wit. (Not to mention Jason's on-the-nose essay about how people in Hong Kong just don't read enough.) If you've ever stepped into this weird East meets West fusion city where nobody has time for anything that isn't finance, fashion or fitness, then you'll get a kick outta this one.
July 3, 2018
As someone aspiring to visit Honk Kong, I highly enjoyed this book. It’s not a travel guide (yet there are some places mentioned as worth looking around) and insights offered are clearly by the local, not a visitor. Independent chapters touch on various cultural, social and political aspects varying from real estate issues and neighborhoods’ history to food culture and single peoples’ struggles. This book is not painting Honk Hong just in rosy light colors. There is a bunch of issues mentioned and analyzed, which makes the book more insightful and educating. And while some stories such as workaholic Hong Kong culture are widespread and well-known, it was enlightening to learn about poorly-paid maids, single people ratio and several other lesser known (at least to me) aspects of this stunning city.
March 2, 2014
I really enjoyed Jason Ng's first book and thought his second book, "No City for Slow Men" was equally as good. He gives an insider's look into current issues in Hong Kong. For anyone who has been to Hong Kong, lives there, or hopes one day to visit, his books are invaluable. This book contains excellent essays about the domestic worker issues in Hong Kong; how mainland Chinese are misunderstood and mistreated; and why men and women often have a hard time connecting in a city with many more women than men (opposite to mainland China), just to name a few.
March 9, 2016
I did not find this collection of essays particularly insightful. It felt like each essay stayed on the surface. The organization of the essays felt random to me, and the autobiographical essays were abrupt and felt inconsistent with the book as a whole (although they were my favorite essays). If you're looking for a light read about some unique aspects of Hong Kong's culture, this book is for you. If you are looking for something deeper -- why Hong Kong is the way it is, the history and psychology of Hong Kong's inhabitants, etc. -- I don't think this book will be satisfying.
February 23, 2014
Charming read that offers a succinct insight into the distinctive tidbits that describe Hong Kong. Surely familiar to its residents and intriguing to expats and outside observers, Jason Ng delivers anecdote riddled chapters comfortable to read in a leisurely fashion. Though the summative nature of the topics beckon further personal research, dipping your toes into the perspectives offered here is a welcome prospect.
January 3, 2017
after reading Hong Kong State of Mind I was eager to learn even more about the city and its social and political quirks. I love the style of his books because the super short chapters each give a taste of a different aspect of the city and its community without overwhelming the reader with too much information. really glad to have finished it right before I leave for HK!
May 17, 2014
Lucid, witty and compellingly written. A succinct guidebook of sorts! Certainly not all-encompassing, but narrated in the voice of Jason Ng - one who is clearly rooted in his hometown but has the flexible, balanced perception of the "globe trotter" that he is!
October 24, 2014
Insightful:
I don't normally read non-fiction, but this was lent to me and it was well worth reading. Probably knowing Hong Kong and living in Shanghai made this more readable for me...but people stopping at the top of escalators is VERY important in my life!
I don't normally read non-fiction, but this was lent to me and it was well worth reading. Probably knowing Hong Kong and living in Shanghai made this more readable for me...but people stopping at the top of escalators is VERY important in my life!
February 9, 2024
Very well-written and insightful. I thoroughly enjoyed Ng’s writing. This book features a wide range of topics relating to Hong Kong’s politics, society, culture and history. Definitely worth picking up whether you’re a local or a foreigner who is interested in knowing more about Hong Kong.
June 6, 2014
In my opinion, this book was better than the previous one. The essays and topics are more focused as well as being more specific on Hong Kong issues. Really enjoyed reading this.
March 8, 2016
No boring history lectures or dizzying statistics, humorous and easy to understand. A perfect book for expatriates or anyone who wants to learn more about Hong Kong.
August 7, 2015
quite insightful, witty, humorous, thought provoking and well written.
August 6, 2015
An interesting series of essays on Hong Kong. Through these essays Ng gives us a fascinating insight into the social and cultural life of Hong Kong that only an Hong Kongese could give.
April 8, 2016
Short essays of life in Hong Kong. Deepened my appreciation for this city its people.
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