The Hong Kong Diaries

The Hong Kong Diaries is a captivating book penned by the talented Chris Patten. This intriguing piece of literature, published in 2022, takes readers on an unforgettable journey. The genre of this work is difficult to pin down, as it seamlessly blends elements of travel, history, and personal memoir. Patten, with his unique narrative style, transports the reader to the vibrant city of Hong Kong, sharing his personal experiences and observations. The Hong Kong Diaries is more than just a book; it's an immersion into a different culture and time. Released by the renowned Penguin Books Ltd, this book is a testament to their commitment to publishing quality literature. The book is written in English, making it accessible to a broad audience. Don't miss out on this literary gem.

The diaries of the last British Governor of Hong Kong, published on the 25th anniversary of the handoverIn June 1992 Chris Patten went to Hong Kong as the last British governor, to try to prepare it not (as other British colonies over the decades) for independence, but for handing back in 1997 to the Chinese, from whom most of its territory had been leased 99 years previously. Over the next five years he kept this diary, which describes in detail how Hong Kong was run as a British colony and what happened as the handover approached. The book gives unprecedented insights into negotiating with the Chinese, about how the institutions of democracy in Hong Kong were (belatedly) strengthened and how Patten sought to ensure that a strong degree of self-government would continue after 1997. Unexpectedly, his opponents included not only the Chinese themselves, but some British businessmen and civil service mandarins upset by Patten's efforts, for whom political freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong seemed less important than keeping on the right side of Beijing. The book concludes with an account of what has happened in Hong Kong since the handover, a powerful assessment of recent events and Patten's reflections on how to deal with China - then and now.