Hong Kong, a new perspective

After a recent trip to Hong Kong, this is the book that keeps the memories and images vivid and adds so much to the enjoyment and understanding of the place. More a biography and a book about relationships than a travel guide, it's set in the 1950s, and presents a highly evocative account of the island and territories in colonial times, through the eyes of an enquiring and extremely adventurous 7 year old boy. Written many years later, shortly before a premature death, by the adult Martin Booth, it is as real, alive, poignant, and precociously curious as if it was written by the child he once was. Often very funny, but equally full of tragedy, it is the tale of a family that takes a very diverging view of the posting to the island. Highly recommended as reading to add a new dimension to a trip to Hong Kong, as you relive and visualise today's city, geography and climate as it was over 60 years ago.