Foresight

Uncle Chow Tung #2

by Ian Hamilton

1980: A pivotal year in modern Chinese history as Premier Deng Xiaoping begins what he intends to be the transformation of China into an economic superpower. The most visible evidence of Deng’s policy is the creation of Special Economic Zones, and one has been set up in Shenzhen, next door to Hong Kong and on Fanling’s doorstep. Among Triad leaders, Uncle is the only one who recognizes that Deng’s intentions could have profound repercussions on their organizations. To protect his gang and their interests, he acts to not only minimize the negative impact, but to turn events to his advantage.

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Thriller, Crime, Mystery, China, Mystery Thriller

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2020

About the author

Ian Hamilton has been a journalist, a senior executive with the federal government, a diplomat, and a businessman with international links. He has written for several magazines and newspapers in Canada and the U.S., including Maclean's, Boston Magazine, Saturday Night, Regina Leader Post, Calgary Albertan, and the Calgary Herald. His nonfiction book, The Children's Crusade, was a Canadian Book of the Month Club selection.

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense and absorbing political thriller is not what I was expecting for this second book of a trilogy about the head of a Hong Kong triad establishing businesses in southern China. Ian Hamilton, creator of the Ava Lee series, does some of this best work here, recreating exactly how it is possible for corruption to take place in China’s Special Economic Zones.

If this story has any truth to it, real life in triads is long periods of calm: Uncle Chow Tung is young for a triad leader, in his forties, but for all the criminality of gang-life, his daily existence is remarkably staid. His only vice is playing the horses at Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Racecourse. Lesser leaders get up to more deviltry in their free time, perhaps, but the fact that Uncle provides a stable, low-drama income from betting shops, restaurants and massage parlors is what his triad and others in the area appreciate about him.

We get a course in foresight, the savvy business planning Chow engages in to supplement the triad’s falling income as a result of economic changes in Hong Kong. It’s the 1980s. Chow reads in the paper that Deng Xiao Ping is trying something new: socialism at the top of society and a loosened market-based environment at the individual level.

The circumstances in Shenzhen and the other special economic zones were unlike anywhere else on earth at that time and the Chinese government was making it up as they went along. If things started booming a little too wildly, they would clamp down with a blinding ferocity. Hamilton walks us through a mini-purge and it is terrifying. The individual is insignificant and rule of law is virtually unknown.

Despite the fact that there were only two women in this entire book, one being a restaurant owner selling congee and one showing up for one or two sentences in the last quarter of the story, I was surprised to find I did not really feel the lack. To me, learning the relative ease with which Uncle began his empire in China as well as concise details about the bribes he had to pay and the conditions of his continued investments was utterly absorbing. I was as stressed as Uncle through the twists and turns of his fortunes.

At the very end of the book, I was left pondering the dubious legality of all the foreign investment enterprises in those special zones and the odd criminality that comes out of political infighting in China. In politics as in business, there is hardly a safe place of truth and virtue. Is that something we just have to acknowledge and get on with the business of skimming, lying and personal advantage and to hell with everyone else? What a chump I am. I can’t make it in the real world, I’m afraid.

I love the work Hamilton did here. The tension is ratcheted up high in parts, and for Chow Tung and us both, it is pure torture. I can’t wait to read the next installment which should bring us our first glimpse of Ava Lee. This is terrific, addictive storytelling.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncle Chow Tung is a young Mountain Master with a problem: he won't deal drugs, a local gang is trying to muscle their way into Fanling, and their gambling operation is being eroded by the local racetrack opening its own betting shops. Uncle becomes intrigued by the local Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in nearby Shenzen, where his triad currently buys Izod knockoffs for its Night Market. He decides to invest in better equipment and an additional factory, eventually getting involved with the local authorities to get the necessary permits. Uncle also meets some more senior officials and fronts for the construction of warehouses, and he becomes a pawn in a political battle among the senior leadership in Beijing. Uncle is a class act.

[Lilisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the 1980s, this is the second in the Uncle Chow Tung series - the Uncle in Ian Hamilton’s Ava Lee series. From assuming leadership of the Fanling triad in Hong Kong in the first book, this novel sees Uncle expanding business into China as Premier Deng Xiaoping begins to lay the foundation for China’s transformation into an economic powerhouse - a challenge for Uncle on two fronts - business and personal. Under pressure to grow the triad’s might both in size and financially, Uncle looks to China’s economic stimulus focus to expand his business. On the personal front, China is where Uncle escaped from - barely - and at great personal loss. The storyline is solid but didn’t hang together as much as I would have liked, particularly the second half. Uncle is still a great character and I enjoyed his foibles and penchant for food, beer, and cigarettes! This is more of a “let’s while away the time” kind of book, rather than the taut, fast-paced, focused, smart, and action-oriented Ava Lee series. I’d categorize this one as an okay read, hopefully building up to the next book to be on par with Ian Hamilton’s Ava Lee series, which is a favorite of mine. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triad business turns towards the People's Republic of China!

Once more I am dazzled by Hamilton's understandings of historical times in China and Hongkong.
An escapee from China under tragic circumstances has Uncle vowing never to return. But needs must. When Uncle turns his eyes towards Shenzhen there is the worry that even though Uncle has HongKong ID, the People's Republic will not respect that.
I was absorbed by the continuing story of Uncle Chow and the Fanling triad's move into business in the Special Economic Zone in "Shenzhen, next door to Hong Kong and on Fanling’s doorstep." Zones created by Premier Deng Xiaoping as a move towards
transforming "China into an economic superpower." (A happening we are now all familiar with.)
Its 1981 and Uncle and the Fanling triad are in trouble. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a legal betting monopoly and they have been gathering momentum putting Uncle's operations under increased pressure. Uncle will have nothing to do with "loan-sharking, protection rackets, and drug dealing." This makes him the odd man out with the rest of Hong Kong's triad organizations, and yet to my mind an honorable man with a peculiar sense of right and wrong.
I am glued to how Uncle absorbs losses and as a man of vision continues to creatively develop his fiefdom. I am struck by his sense of integrity and loyalty. Who would think that I'd become so fond of a triad leader. And there you have it! Fond I am of Uncle Chow. Of course his story gives us the background to how Ava Lee and her associates were able to develop their clothing design business.
I am so intrigued, by and appreciative of Uncle's story, that I read this in one sitting!

An Anansi Press ARC via NetGalley

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting story explaining a lot about Uncle and his long time connections from his past. Stayed up late to finish it.

[Alan (the Lone Librarian rides again) Teder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncle goes back to Communist China after 20 years
Review of the House of Anansi Spiderline paperback edition (January 2020)

For fans of the Ava Lee series, there has been nothing greater in recent years than author Ian Hamilton adding a second series in the Uncle Chow Tung prequels to his annual publications. The only downside currently is that only a prequel trilogy is currently planned in Fate (2019), Foresight (2020) and Fortune (expected 2021). Hopefully the author will see the increased interest in the expanded world of Ava Lee and will continue with both.

Foresight covers a period in the 1980's when Communist China began to open up to restricted capitalism in new Economic Zones. Uncle's triad is meanwhile hard pressed for income as legalized off-track betting has reduced their gambling income and Uncle's moral stance is such that he forbids drugs and human trafficking in his triad. The opportunities for a new source of income by investing in factories and warehouses in Communist China presents itself and Uncle will take the risk which will endanger not only his personal safety but the entire investment of his brotherhood.

Mild Spoiler Bonus for Ava Lee fans, chauffeur/bodyguard Sonny has a cameo in this book.

[Jennifer S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hamilton continues developing Uncle's backstory. Foresight begins 10 years after Uncle is elected as Mountain Master in Fanling. His profits from racetrack betting are declining and he has cut his payments to his Triad folks, leading to a perception of weakness. He finds an opportunity to expand business operations in Shenzhen, a newly-defined Special Economic Zone with huge growth potential. Wary of returning to China, he establishes some partnership arrangements which turn out to be highly profitable but exposes him to more political shenanigans. We get our first very brief peek at Sonny's origins about mid-way through the book, which is a fun teaser for those familiar with the Ava Lee books.

[Wendy Hearder-moan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have used some editing; Liu’s aunt is usually Ms Gao but sometimes Ms Ko. Apart from that quibble an OK read. The tone is much like the Ava Lee series. I’m not sure if I still like it as much as I used to...but will still read the 3rd book in the trilogy when it appears.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I wasn't sure this series would work for me, because I'm not a fan of prequel stories in general, there being too many plot points and relationships that must be set in stone. I felt the first book, Fate, perhaps went too far into Uncle's past. I don't really want to know him from before he was a triad brother.

Foresight however, starts with Uncle already being the Mountain Master of a Fanling gang, and I enjoyed seeing how he dealt with pressure from all sides and kept his enterprise going.

I have to very minor quibbles though. First the dialogue felt on the tame side. Knowing how colourful Hong Kong slang tends to be, it's hard for me to accept how respectfully most of the brothers speak. This could be Uncle's influence, but it stretches my disbelief.

Secondly, the last act is tense and gripping, but since we know Uncle's character, we have a very good idea of what his choices will be, and his avenues of action are very limited, so he doesn't have as active a participation in the outcome as I would like. I was terrified for him though.

As always, Hamilton puts you right into the setting. He doesn't concentrate so much on the visceral sights, sounds, smells of the setting but rather on the society and attitudes. If you were anywhere near Hong Kong or Shenzhen prior to the handover, this book will bring you right back.

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always interesting to read Ian Hamilton's books, prior to the Ava Lee series. This the second book in the series of Uncle Chow Tung's activities as 'Mountain Man', leading one of the triads in Hong Kong, albeit one that doesn't sell drugs or allow other triads to sell them in their district.

The book also provides access to some history of the developments of the last few decades in China, as well as Uncle's reflection of his experiences growing up in China until escaping through hazardous conditions when he was in his 30's, following all his family starving to death during Mao's Great Leap Forward".

This book looks at the era of Deng Xioping as premier in the early 80's and the early development of "capitalism with Chinese/communist characteristics" & the Special Economic Zones along the coast, as well as plans for Hong Kong from 1997 onward. The roles of the People's Liberation Army within the political context also become more evident.

[Janice Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book exploring the origins of Uncle Chow Tung from the Ava lee series starts off very slowly. Like many of Hamilton's Ava Lee books, huge chunks of the book are devoted to conversations between characters with very little action That changes in the last third of this book, and even though you know that things must turn out right for Uncle (it is after all, a prequel!), tension builds until there is resolution.

The plot revolves around the creation of the Special Economic Zones in China in the 80s, and Uncle's decision to get the triad's foot in the door, as he realise's that unification of Hong Kong with China n 10 years is inevitable. Things go almost too well until one of the Chinese officials it was necessary to bribe gets caught up in one of the frequent political purges that plague the Communist Party, dragging Uncle along with him.

[Julie Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Ava Lee series, and so I began reading the Uncle series, though they would probably not have appealed to me without the Ava Lee background. Well, here’s what happened: I fell asleep reading the book, set in the 80s, before the concession of Hong Kong. I stopped at a point where Uncle is in grievous and confusing danger from the Chinese military police. I woke up the next morning, reached for my phone to see what tome it was, and got a newsflash that began “President Xi declares...”. My blood ran cold. I learned I shouldn’t go to sleep after reading this sort of tautly constructed book! I was also delighted to recognize some characters who will become important in books set later in Uncle’s life.

[Susan Ovans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of Ian Hamilton's books about Canadian-Chinese forensic accountant Ava Lee and her business partner, Uncle Chow Tung. This is the second book of a trilogy that tells Uncle's history as the leader of a Chinese triad. I particularly enjoyed this novel, whose backdrop is China after Mao, the years of rebuilding the economy in a peculiarly Chinese fashion, thanks mainly to real-life Premier Deng Xiaoping and visionaries who may have shared some traits with the fictional Uncle. As always, Hamilton is brilliant at detailing his characters' lives through descriptions of food, fashion, architecture, and pop cultural references.

[Mihir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncle is 10 years in as the head of the triad, and trouble blooms as the betting business faces challenges in a dynamic market. Uncle is forced to look chinawards, as the Shenzen special economic zone opens up. But this move comes with its own trials and tribulations
The plot weaves itself beautifully with the real developments of the Chinese market. Very insightful into the opening up of the chinese economy, the various forces at play there. Real characters merge with Uncle to create a tale that is very intriguing.
Uncle's character development is also very well handled and the one exits the book with greater admiration for the man that is Uncle. Loved it overall

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Uncle/Ava Lee books. This Uncle backstory book covers the period in the early 1980's when Uncle, as the Mountain Master of Fanling, moved the triads into the emerging Chinese Special Economic Zones, further diversifying and expanding their economic base. In it we have the first mention of Sonny, and more on Xu and the depth of his relationship with Uncle.

Overall, I thought this book was definitely better than the first Uncle book, Fate.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a massive fan of the Ava Lee series for a long time, and of course, Uncle is one of my favourite characters. I’ve been eager to know more about his backstory, and this series hasn’t disappointed yet. It shows Uncle’s political acumen and the way he’s able to garner utmost respect and loyalty from everyone. I was a bit excited when I saw the mention of Sonny, but I guess the backstory there will have to wait.

[Timc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me up all night. I was actually mesmerized by the latest ventures of Uncle that I could not turn off the light. Ian Hamilton is a great writer. His stories are full of action, and the descriptions of the various locales and food are reasons enough to try one of his stories. However, I suggest they be read in order, beginning with the Ava Lee series. I’m pretty sure you will be hooked on them, as I was.

[Hopsnbarley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying these Uncle Chow books. The Ava books have been going downhill for me so I was reluctant to give these ones a go. I really like the history but also feel that I don't really need to remember much of Uncle's past that was presented in the Ava books in order to fully enjoy these stand alone's. In fact I like the style of writing better as it wasn't presented a thriller mystery to be solved but more of a history of his prior life which did include some intrigue.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamilton has written the second in his Uncle trilogy and it does not disappoint. It is a treat to discover all the back characters who end up prominently in the Ava Lee series. A bonus in the book is the thinking by China leadership on how to expand the country's economic successes at a critical point in its history. Uncle is right in there when it happens.

[Maddie Brozen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite uncle book. He’s making amazing progress running the triad but the storyline shows he’s not invincible and that the geopolitical issues between Hong Kong and mainland China are probably more than he understands. It’s always entertaining to see how he thinks and where he finds strength.

[Martina]

#2 in the Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung books by Ian Hamilton. Publishes January 21, 2020 by Spiderline. I love these Ava Lee/Uncle Chow Tung books! This one is 1980.... Hamilton writes the most amazing high octane thrillers!

[Mark ATTISHA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well paced and deftly plotted, “Foresight” is a worthy successor in the Uncle Chow Tung series. Fans will be left anxiously waiting for the next installment that promises the backstory of another well-loved and trusty character from the Ava Lee series.

[Sue Ricketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner

Uncle Chow Tung relives the story of how he and the Heaven and Earth.Society began funding and growing businesses in Shenzhen, Peoples Republic of China in the late 1990s. I enjoy the as and the Ava Lee series from Ian Hamilton. I await the new Ava Lee, number 13.

[Kevin Vrieze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Uncle series. Wonderful character development. Indeed that's the focus of the book. Crimes, yes, but much bigger stories inside. Perhaps one of the best stories about relatively modern China outside of Qiu Xiaolong. A very satisfying must read.

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another prequel to explain where “Uncle”:came from. He is a good guy even though he is a triad. Don’t know where Ian Hamilton, the author finds out about all these secret Chinese sect, but it is plausible, fun to read, and suspenseful enough to say when is the next book going to be out.

[Trena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author really seduces you with the characters. The intriguing plots have you on the edge. But its the attention to detail that makes his work excemaraly. Just know I am in for a treat when I get my hands on one of his books. Shame they are so hard to find in Australian book stores

[Laronda Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling story line, Uncle is an interesting, well-developed character, and it was all more tense and suspenseful than I'd expected. Well-written series, and I'm enjoying seeing how the Uncle in the Ava Lee books came to be.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Ian Hamilton carries forward the story of Ava Lee by going back in time and reintroducing us to Uncle and his background. Can't wait till they meet.

[Jaclyn]

Not getting into this at all. DNF Jan 12, 2020.

[Rocklee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Thanks, Ian Hamilton for extending the story of Uncle and Ava.