Mr Polly's Bonfire Party

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.

Customer Reviews

4.8

32 reviews

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!
Ashley de Safrin

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.
C. Dille

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.
Guy Thompson

The pervading humid heat of Hong Kong perfectly reflected by the elevated political temperature in this hugely readable depiction of turmoil as cultures clash. Very enjoyable!
Allan Watt

Mr Jack has excelled in recreating in words an exotic, exciting and privileged way of life long since gone. The central character is Mr Augustus John Polly, an academic of some standing, who gives us an insight to the broad philosophical and political thinking that was existent in Hong Kong prior to the revolution. The author is in an almost unique position, having been in his early formative years exposed to an intimate contrast of the different cultural norms of the time. Interspersed with sexual fantasies, we get a detailed emphasis of the principal of “keeping face”, which is of paramount importance of Chinese culture. Each chapter may be short, but beautifully written. The psychological academic arguments are intertwined with the imminent threat of political change, which ultimately leads to a cliff hanging and unhappy ending. Hopefully Mr Jack will continue his storytelling as several characters are left with uncertain futures. An exciting and informative read.
Rosemary Seton

Malcolm Jack’s latest book is inventive, clever, witty and thought provoking. It is also quite a page-turner. Set in 1950s Hong Kong which is vividly brought to life the novel features Mr Polly, a history lecturer at the University. Despite appreciating the luxurious life style he is ill at ease and on edge. Something is going to happen but what. The author skilfully keeps us guessing until the very last page!
Sandy Cook

Mr Polly’s Bonfire Party is a bold, intelligent and deeply atmospheric novel. Malcolm Jack conjures 1950s Hong Kong with vivid texture, where empire teeters and ideals crumble. Augustus John Polly is an unlikely hero—wistful, absurd, and perceptive —whose descent into intrigue is as comic as it is tragic. The novel dances between satire, menace and philosophy, drawing the reader into reflections on power, repression, and identity. Jack’s prose is rich and playful, making even the darkest turns strangely luminous. This is historical fiction with teeth and heart—an elegant, subversive tale that lingers like smoke from a fire long after it ends
Jon P

Hugely enjoyable and beautifully written, this was was a great opportunity to dive into a world which, while unfamiliar to me, is richly painted here from the author’s extensive experience and knowledge. I enjoyed spending time in Mr Polly’s company, and letting his commentary - and his mischief - guide me through colonial Hong Kong!