Do Not Keep Silent

by Anthony Addis

Pete Anderson pulls himself out of an aimless, lost existence, creates his own company, becomes respectable. But success costs him his girlfriend and sense of self. Taking a break, he visits Hong Kong and meets a protest leader called Mae.

In post-National Security Law Hong Kong, organising a protest will get you arrested or disappeared, so Mae and Pete’s budding relationship seems doomed. Besides, the last thing Mae needs is to be seen with an Englishman, the personification of colonialism. Yet, time and again, they are drawn to one other.

When Mae's protest ends in tear gas, rubber bullets and her disappearance, Pete discovers they have both been used as unwitting pawns in a greater game. Mae and Pete possess resources the authorities never suspected, but are they enough against fading British foreign interests and the might of China?

343 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2024

About the author

My experiences while living in Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia inspired me to write stories set in different locations. Some of the locations for my stories include Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. I have also written a fantasy book called Tale of the Birds. My short stories have appeared in several anthologies and Internet magazines, receiving positive reviews from readers and editors.

I live in Lichfield with my wife and our two adopted Indonesian streetcats, and also, during university holidays, our son and daughter.

Reviews

[Micheal A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have such a unique voice, and I really admire the way you were able to make every page so engaging. Honestly, it’s one of those books that stays with you long after reading.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do Not Keep Silent by Anthony Addis is a gripping novel set against the tense political backdrop of Hong Kong's ongoing protests. Mae Yang, a dedicated protest leader prepared to risk everything, finds herself drawn to Pete Anderson, a man from Brighton trying to reshape his life after personal setbacks. Despite knowing the potential consequences, they are continually pulled toward each other, creating a complex connection that defies both cultural and political barriers.

As Mae leads protests that could threaten her safety and even her life, the story delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the fight for freedom. Through the powerful choices Mae and Pete must face, Do Not Keep Silent explores how personal and political struggles can intersect, offering a thought-provoking narrative on resistance and sacrifice in the pursuit of justice. This 345-page novel provides an emotional look at courage amidst repression, ideal for readers interested in romance laced with social and political tension.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do Not Keep Silent is a suspenseful read that is centred around a Hong Kong protest. The location descriptions were very realistic and helped me feel like I was in Hong Kong. The protagonist, Mae is a strong, powerful woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she feels is right. The mixture of a love story within the protest brought in all sides of Mae’s life as she had to overcome the challenge of being in love while being the public face of the protest. Parts of the story had me up and down with tension, worrying about Mae!