Book Description
Augustus John Polly is a restless academic, uncomfortable in the colonial environment of 1950s Hong Kong. Prompted by sexual fantasies, he is drawn into a conspiracy that unfolds disastrously.“Amidst the decline of empire, a restless colonialist in Hong Kong debates the meaning of history. By turns funny and philosophical, this story of one man’s whimsy – but also courage – in taking a side challenges our own complacencies with political notions of right and wrong, as well as the inequalities of our own time.”– Cyril Wong, poet and fictionalist.“Mr. Polly’s world is a rich tapestry. The reader is transported to a world already gone, but not forgotten. It’s a cornucopia of themes, impressions, and moods. Like preparing a magical potion in a sorcerer’s cauldron, Malcolm Jack’s prose effectively uses a number of fascinating ingredients: The blend is sensuous, lascivious, delicious, funny, witty, ironic, intellectual, philosophical, political, historical, and human – a true cornucopia of life.”– João Mendonça, translator and author.“Malcolm Jack’s latest is a page-turner, a taut political thriller that never loses its momentum. The text has a cinematic quality, the protagonist a quiet Briton who contemplates the end of history and the fragility of empire. Hong Kong is lovingly and nostalgically depicted in glorious Technicolour as a city on the brink of change, at once beguiling and inscrutable.”– Kennie Ting, historian and curator.
Malcolm Jack was brought up and schooled in Hong Kong before returning to university in the UK. As a child, he learned Cantonese at the same time as English. He has had a career both as a public servant and a writer. His writing includes books, articles, reviews on history, literature, philosophy, and politics, as well as travel works on Portugal, and most recently, on South Africa. He is a frequent visitor to Hong Kong.
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37 reviews
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Malcolm's latest work returns to Hong Kong to tap a rich seam. This is an intimate look at the interaction in Hong Kong of Cantonese culture with British colonial rule in the 1950s, under the looming spectre of recently established Communist China just over the border. John Polly, a minor academic, having left Britain seeking a better life finds himself lured by sexual desire into dangerous political activity. All of this sounds terribly serious, but in fact it is a witty, engaging read as the author weaves relatable characters into a multi-layered story. It evokes a Hong Kong still well within living memory. What a joy it would be to sit down with some of Malcolm's characters at the Peninsula Hotel for a drink and chat about this story. I really enjoyed Mr Polly's Bonfire Party and thoroughly recommend it.
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A "CrackerJACK" novel, characters well sketched.
Interesting juxtapose of the Ottoman empire at a time when the region and the conflicts are uppermost in daily news and anxiety.
Well done Malcolm!
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A charming book giving an insight into Hong Kong's academic and political worlds in the 50s. An easy read with compelling characters
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A thriller based within the lofty halls of academia within empire and Hong Kong; the naive and well meaning protagonist is drawn further and further into a complicated web of deceit. A bold debut by Malcolm Jack and hopefully the first of many.
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"Mr Polly’s Bonfire Party" by Malcolm Jack is a delightful and reflective story that captures the beauty of everyday life. With gentle humor and emotional insight, Malcolm portrays a character whose quiet struggles and dreams feel deeply human. A meaningful read that leaves a lasting impression.
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Natasha Green. Cambridge School of Art MA Fine Art Graduate 2025
Malcolm's novella is absolutely delicious. His characters are intelligent, sensuous, colourful and brought to life with his attention to detail. He masterfully weaves philosophy, history and politics with great insight and timing. Calling attention to inequalties and differing perceptions and identities in an authentically honest way. It is deep yet witty for a work of fiction. As a family member, the world he conjures transports me to a time and place where I feel nostalgic and facilitates a sense connection. His observations and the inner world of the protagonist Mr Polly are soul felt, intimate and gorgeous. I couldn't put the book down. A real treat, Bravo!
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A very good first fiction effort from a talented intellectual travel and historical writer.
His knowledge of Hong Kong and its arcane mores is well portrayed in this debut novel. I'm sure we will be reading many more such novellas in the future.
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Malcolm Jack’s sly take on the campus novel places his anti-hero, lecturer Augustus John Polly, at the crossroads of colonial history while probing larger questions of agency and determinism. Witty, unsettling and often darkly comic, this carefully plotted novel, set against the febrile atmosphere of 1950s Hong Kong, asks how far the individual can act on principle when swept up in broader political currents and the agendas of others.
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