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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34 reviews
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Malcolm Jack's excursion into fiction is an unqualified success. His latest book, Mr Polly Bonfire Party unfolds in Hong Kong soon after the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. These are unsettling times: Mao's Communist Party is firmly installed in the mainland and the Fragrant Harbour is ripe with rumours and conspiracy. In this febrile word lives our protagonist, Augustus John Polly, Reader in Comparative History. When he is not teaching, his days are coloured with receptions, excursions and parties and enlivened with copious G and Ts and high level of testosterone. Whilst he is attracted to his ace student, Clarence and his muscular gardener in a platonic way, his real affair is with the beautiful and mysterious Cynthia Lee who is more than just a lover. Mr Polly is not immune to mischief as proved by an abortive attempt to burn down the famous Peninsula Hotel. As the narrative develop to a surprising and explosive climax, the reader learns not only about the academic, but also the social life of Hong Kong. And we cannot have a better guide than Malcolm who had grown up and, until recently, taught at the University there.
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An alluring picture is painted of class, empire and societal structure in 1950s Hong Kong.
This is a mesmeric place, with the author focussing on picturesque sensory details throughout.
The beautiful prose and intelligent scene-setting, keep the pages turning. Be warned though, this book should be enjoyed at a slower pace and relished!
A riveting book, that depicts a time and place I yearn to visit, but fear the opportunity has long passed me by.
A fascinating and exquisite read.
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A great Hong Kong story by an original storyteller gifted with a keen sense of humour. A little gem to read - and re-read
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Ioannes Chountis de Fabbri
A great book, bringing the social milieu of Hong Kong alive. Very entertaining and highly recommended.
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Mr. Polly’s Bonfire Party with its vivid descriptions, brings the characters and the Hong Kong of a bygone era to life. A real page turner laced with both humour and pathos, all leading to a dramatic conclusion!
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A rich patchwork which works on many levels. Set in Hong Kong in the early 1950s, it tells of Augustus John Polly, a university lecturer (with William Beckford's Vathek in his pocket). Marvelously evoking the diverse worlds of the colony and academia. There are many surprises as we turn the pages. A work to be slowly re-read to fully savour its many subtleties
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Lovely insight into the world of Colonial Hong Kong
I enjoyed so much, I have bought a couple of copies for HK friends
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Much enjoyed Mr Polly‘s excursion to old Hong Kong which is vividly captured in Malcolm Jack‘s book.
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