Karen Cheung Books

In a place where time is running out, remembrance becomes a radical act. Hong Kong, a city of extremes, has transitioned from a British colony to a territory under increasing authoritarian control from China. Amid mass protests against threats to democracy and freedoms, the city is often misunderstood and romanticized, with its complexities oversimplified in Western narratives. Drawing from her experiences and interviews with artists, protestors, students, and writers, journalist Karen Cheung offers an insider's perspective, urging us to view Hong Kong as a cautionary tale for global democracies. Growing up after Hong Kong's reunification with China in 1997, Cheung navigates various identities shaped by her international school environment and traditional family background. She shares her personal struggles with affordable housing and mental healthcare in one of the world's priciest cities. Cheung also explores Hong Kong's vibrant indie music and literary scenes, which serve as spaces for creative resistance. Ultimately, her journey leads her to the heart of the protests, where her understanding of belonging in Hong Kong crystallizes, revealing the profound connections between personal identity and collective struggle.