The ‘great’ Hong Kong novel is probably still to be written. But for a definitive account of what the people of the city live by and die for, look no further than David T. K. Wong.

At last a native son has captured brilliantly the essence of a unique society. A range of characters, from barmen to laborers, from scholars to wealthy businessman, infuse these memorable stories with the dreams and concerns of those living in a British colony turned into a special administrative region of China.

These stories are carefully crafted in the grand tradition of O. Henry, Maugham and Saki. They can be dipped into and savored over time or devoured in one sitting. But in whichever way they are read, they are filled with insights into the soul of one of the greatest cities in the world.