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King Hui: The Man Who Owned All the Opium in Hong Kong
Some periods in history are best illuminated by the stories of the people who lived through them. This is one such story ? the bizarre but true account of Peter Hui, a man involved with scandal, corruption, drugs, pirates, triads and colonial high society; who collaborated with the Japanese, spied on the Communists and fought with American servicemen on R&R; who really did, for a short time, own all the opium in Hong Kong.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
348 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2007
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About the author
Jonathan Chamberlain
37 books9 followersI am a writer who has been hijacked by life. When my daughter, Stevie, exploded into my life with all the problems she had to cope with I ended up founding two charities for children with developmental disabilities (and wrote a memoir of this time in my book: Wordjazz for Stevie) - then when my wife was diagnosed with cancer I had a new battle on my hands - and this led to a series of cancer books starting with Fighting Cancer: A Survival Guide (1996) to the latest book The Cancer Survivor's Bible (2012) - see my website www.fightingcancer.com and cancer blog www.cancerfighter.wordpress.com. I am now seeking to get back to my writing career and in recent years have published the rather controversial novel, The Alphabet of Vietnam, and my comic take on the London 2012 Olympics (Dreams of Gold) - I have also started a blog In Praise of Older Books www.2ndhandbooklover.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 12, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Jonathan Chamberlain retells King Hui's life story giving readers an indepth view of what Chinese life was like in Hong Kong and Southern China spanning a period of 50 years; the Japanese Occupation of HK, The Cultural Revolution, family life, corruption and opium are just a few of the highlights of this entertaining and insightful read. It contrasts well to Martin Booth's 'Gweilo', a book I also loved, which tells the story of a young English boy growing up in Hong Kong.
It will appeal to readers who live, have lived or visited or would like to visit Hong Kong!
It will appeal to readers who live, have lived or visited or would like to visit Hong Kong!
September 27, 2008
I love oral history. This is the perfect introduction to a deeper look at Hong Kong. Peter Hui's story of his life, true or not, adds depth to places Hong Kong residents pass and take for granted everyday. A great account of what daily life was like for some adventurous souls during the turbulent times of the past century.
August 9, 2018
Collection of stories that take you through a changing Hong Kong and its many characters. An oral history of the city. Some of the stories could have been left out for the narrative flow.
January 18, 2011
Jonathan Chamberlain has done history a great favour; filling in what for many a keen observer is a void in Hong Kong's not-so-distant past.
In KING HUI, he preserves from the sands of time a story like no other; one that weaves its way through the Fragrant Harbour's colourful colonial heritage; a rich tapestry as depicted by an aging 'Peter' Hui, a man that at one time owned all the opium in Hong Kong.
". . . Scandal and corruption, drugs and pirates, triads and flower boats; the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and the Communist takeover of Canton. Peter Hui was there. He knew everybody and saw everything. This is the real story of Hong Kong, told with the rich flavours of the street . . ."
How true the backcover blurb! But this story is so much more. It's an invitation into the psyche of the Chinese mind. It's where East accommodates West, then fellow East, then West again. It's a rare insight into Hong Kong's idiosyncratic culture and meteoric rise to become the trading capital of the world, as told, rather refreshingly, from the straight-talking perspective of a local witness and without an Orientalist agenda.
It's the story of Peter Hui – revered kung fu fighter, slickly dressed entrepreneur, handsome womaniser, gambler, drinker; friend of the rich, the famous, the powerful . . . as well as the destitute, the deviant and the downright dangerous. But most of all it's a touching story, told with candour and flavoured with nostalgia, from the heart of an endearing old man; one who no doubt realises he is not long left for this world and has a tale he believes should to be told . . .
. . . and when you're compelled to read the last page of this book again and again as I was, head spinning with thoughts and emotions brought to bear by the life of someone you've never even met, you fully appreciate why Jonathan Chamberlain is best placed to tell it.
Chris Thrall is the author of Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Drug Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland
In KING HUI, he preserves from the sands of time a story like no other; one that weaves its way through the Fragrant Harbour's colourful colonial heritage; a rich tapestry as depicted by an aging 'Peter' Hui, a man that at one time owned all the opium in Hong Kong.
". . . Scandal and corruption, drugs and pirates, triads and flower boats; the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and the Communist takeover of Canton. Peter Hui was there. He knew everybody and saw everything. This is the real story of Hong Kong, told with the rich flavours of the street . . ."
How true the backcover blurb! But this story is so much more. It's an invitation into the psyche of the Chinese mind. It's where East accommodates West, then fellow East, then West again. It's a rare insight into Hong Kong's idiosyncratic culture and meteoric rise to become the trading capital of the world, as told, rather refreshingly, from the straight-talking perspective of a local witness and without an Orientalist agenda.
It's the story of Peter Hui – revered kung fu fighter, slickly dressed entrepreneur, handsome womaniser, gambler, drinker; friend of the rich, the famous, the powerful . . . as well as the destitute, the deviant and the downright dangerous. But most of all it's a touching story, told with candour and flavoured with nostalgia, from the heart of an endearing old man; one who no doubt realises he is not long left for this world and has a tale he believes should to be told . . .
. . . and when you're compelled to read the last page of this book again and again as I was, head spinning with thoughts and emotions brought to bear by the life of someone you've never even met, you fully appreciate why Jonathan Chamberlain is best placed to tell it.
Chris Thrall is the author of Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Drug Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland
October 8, 2017
My review of this book here: The Lowly, Majestic, King Hui and the Real Hong Kong
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews