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The Widening of Tolo Highway: A Hong Kong story of paranoia and protest
ANNA RETURNS TO FACE A PAST
SHE NEVER TRULY LEFT BEHIND
It wasn’t the middle but the very edge of nowhere.
It was always just a little too still.
It is 2017. Typhoon Hato has ripped through the streets of Hong Kong. National Day is looming. The momentum of the 2014 Umbrella Revolution has faded. British woman, Anna, has returned to her old village in the New Territories to search for Kallum, a disillusioned local activist, from whom she has heard nothing since her departure two years ago.
Suspecting he was targeted for his involvement in the protests, Anna widens her search, scouring the streets of Kowloon and the Island for signs he is alive. Alone in her tiny, rented room in the notorious Chungking Mansions, gruesome flashbacks disturb her sleep. Paranoia swells. Memory, delusion, and reality begin to blur.
Against a backdrop of construction works, storm damage and scaffolding, Anna is confronted by a daunting panorama. She may know more about the past than she’s let herself believe.
SHE NEVER TRULY LEFT BEHIND
It wasn’t the middle but the very edge of nowhere.
It was always just a little too still.
It is 2017. Typhoon Hato has ripped through the streets of Hong Kong. National Day is looming. The momentum of the 2014 Umbrella Revolution has faded. British woman, Anna, has returned to her old village in the New Territories to search for Kallum, a disillusioned local activist, from whom she has heard nothing since her departure two years ago.
Suspecting he was targeted for his involvement in the protests, Anna widens her search, scouring the streets of Kowloon and the Island for signs he is alive. Alone in her tiny, rented room in the notorious Chungking Mansions, gruesome flashbacks disturb her sleep. Paranoia swells. Memory, delusion, and reality begin to blur.
Against a backdrop of construction works, storm damage and scaffolding, Anna is confronted by a daunting panorama. She may know more about the past than she’s let herself believe.
248 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 30, 2022
A gripping story, full of beautiful prose, exploring the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests and memory.
Anna returns to Hong Kong, re-exploring the places she once lived and experienced. Through this a vivid picture of the city, a life and friends left behind is painted. "There's no place like somewhere that once felt like home"
A great read for anyone!
Anna returns to Hong Kong, re-exploring the places she once lived and experienced. Through this a vivid picture of the city, a life and friends left behind is painted. "There's no place like somewhere that once felt like home"
A great read for anyone!
May 10, 2022
I adored this book.
There were so many deeply relatable issues touched upon - a daughter's insatiable, viscious desire to prove that she is better than her mother. A fear of being viewed as what she increasingly feels she is - an outsider. A battle with the self against memories that might or might not be her own, and a longing for direction and home.
The language featured is stunning, and there are some phrases that will stay with me for a very long time. There is imagery and motif in absence and in the contrast of the vibrant chaos of the city's backdrop.
I can't wait to read the next piece from this author. I'm certain it will be as much of a joy to read as this fantastic work was.
There were so many deeply relatable issues touched upon - a daughter's insatiable, viscious desire to prove that she is better than her mother. A fear of being viewed as what she increasingly feels she is - an outsider. A battle with the self against memories that might or might not be her own, and a longing for direction and home.
The language featured is stunning, and there are some phrases that will stay with me for a very long time. There is imagery and motif in absence and in the contrast of the vibrant chaos of the city's backdrop.
I can't wait to read the next piece from this author. I'm certain it will be as much of a joy to read as this fantastic work was.
February 8, 2024
This book is a compelling read. It successfully entangles the reader in the now and the then. In search of a person cared about (and possibly imprisoned), we are taken through the emotional experience that is retracing the past by revisiting the locations and people involved. It is a thought-provoking read exploring how we recount memory, and the challenge of being honest about ourselves in the process.
Having worked and lived in this region, Lucy’s depictions really satisfied my senses with their wonderful authenticity. So many lines stood out throughout the book that captured the environment, the feelings, and the relationships of those in it perfectly. However, this is one set that perhaps works well for the book overall, and a personal favourite: ‘The island wont lose them, but it wont guide them either. They just need to keep walking; it doesn’t matter if they trust it’. Enjoy!
Having worked and lived in this region, Lucy’s depictions really satisfied my senses with their wonderful authenticity. So many lines stood out throughout the book that captured the environment, the feelings, and the relationships of those in it perfectly. However, this is one set that perhaps works well for the book overall, and a personal favourite: ‘The island wont lose them, but it wont guide them either. They just need to keep walking; it doesn’t matter if they trust it’. Enjoy!
January 4, 2024
Took me on a journey through the darker side of Hong Kong, recapturing some of my own misgivings from my own recent visit. Intrigue of what had happened to the main character’s friend, coupled with brave challenges by the author of political events, rarely described ‘from personal experience’ of being part of the ‘Umbrella Revolution’ kept me captivated. A truly unique book, providing an alternative and realistic view of life as a ‘Westerner’ living and working in HK. I felt ‘The Mother’s’ excitement at her visit and the main character’s frustration at her parent’s naivety. Academically brave to tackle such controversial narratives. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
January 26, 2024
I really enjoyed "The Widening of Tolo Highway" - it's a great narrative woven with very readable and engaging prose, delving into the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests and the intricacies of memory. I found Lucy Hamilton's portrayal of relationships to be moving and at times poignant. The book's language, imagery and exploration of political events can be quite captivating too, offering an interesting perspective on life in Hong Kong - you could tell that author had really lived in the city, and it made me want to visit there for sure, even after recent developments. A must-read for its insightful depiction of societal changes... I look forward to her next book!
January 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book with its vivid descriptions of Hong Kong life. The book flips between Anna’s past experiences and her present story as it unfolds. I loved how Anna’s relationships with the other characters were explored through her journeys; I particularly related to the changing relationships with her friends and how she tried to make herself different from her mother. There is also a distinct sense of loneliness and looking for something lost throughout the book that really resonated with me, especially when I travel!
January 12, 2024
Lucy Hamilton's writing is a captivating blend of vivid imagery and insightful storytelling. Her prose skillfully navigates between personal experiences and broader political contexts, creating an intimate yet socially relevant narrative. The well-managed pacing and thoughtful use of metaphors, add depth to the exploration of societal changes in Hong Kong. Overall, Hamilton's writing is not just compelling but also a literary exploration of the human experience.
Would definitely recommend reading!
Would definitely recommend reading!
January 9, 2024
A very well written book in a nice punchy style with a great depiction of Hong Kong Life, that really encapsulates the feel of the city. The western perspective feels fresh and allows for a really nice entry into the city and the characters, feel very real and relatable.
There are some great turns of phrase in the book and I would and have Highly recommended it to those I know
There are some great turns of phrase in the book and I would and have Highly recommended it to those I know
January 4, 2024
A brilliant novel that explores the 2014 political landscape of Hong Kong.
Anna’s memories and relationships are portrayed beautifully through the authors use of language. A really interesting and somewhat relatable story.
I will be looking forward to other works by this author!
Anna’s memories and relationships are portrayed beautifully through the authors use of language. A really interesting and somewhat relatable story.
I will be looking forward to other works by this author!
January 5, 2024
An engaging story that explores the politics and memory of a truly unique city.
Amongst deeper topics, the author creates an honest and authentic encapsulation of Hong Kong that feels very familiar to anyone who has spent time in the city and an alluring insight for anyone yet to visit!
Amongst deeper topics, the author creates an honest and authentic encapsulation of Hong Kong that feels very familiar to anyone who has spent time in the city and an alluring insight for anyone yet to visit!
January 12, 2024
Immersive and thought-provoking, the author skilfully weaves a gripping tale set against the back drop of Hing Kong. Is a must read for those seeking both thrilling storytelling and a deeper understanding of real-world struggles.
January 5, 2024
This book is beautifully written and really immerses you in Hong Kong - I learnt a lot. Anyone would enjoy this book, would recommend. Look forward to the next book from this author.
January 18, 2024
This book was amazing!
I’ve lived around that area of the world and descriptions were so vivid, they brought all my memories straight back. The story was also so gripping, fully recommend!
I’ve lived around that area of the world and descriptions were so vivid, they brought all my memories straight back. The story was also so gripping, fully recommend!
February 12, 2024
A beautifully written book. I really enjoyed this one and glad I started the year with this read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews