Current location:opinions >>
Hong Kong's leading bookstores decline to stock new book by last governor Chris Patten
opinions86272People have gathered around
IntroductionAt least three leading bookstore chains in Hong Kong have declined to stock a new book written by th ...
At least three leading bookstore chains in Hong Kong have declined to stock a new book written by the city’s last governor Chris Patten, even as the title sells out at independent shops.
Commercial Press, Bookazine and Eslite told an HKFP reporter posing as a customer that they were not carrying The Hong Kong Diaries. A Commercial Press representative added that the chain “would not be selling it,” and advised ordering the book online from overseas stores instead. Bookazine claimed it “could not find a supplier” for the title.
The Hong Kong Diarieswas published last month to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to China. According to a summary on publisher Penguin’s website, the title delves into “how Hong Kong was run as a British colony and what happened as the handover approached.”
This is not the first time that a mainstream bookstore has refrained from carrying a political title. In December 2020, Bookazine declined to stock a book by columnist Kent Ewing, citing the national security law in email correspondence seen by HKFP.
The law, enacted by Beijing two years ago in the wake of pro-democracy protests and unrest against a controversial extradition bill, criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts.
While authorities say it has restored stability and peace to the city, critics say the legislation has silenced civil society groups and prompted censorship in cultural spaces, including at bookstores.
Since the passing of the law, the government has pulled books off public library shelves over national security concerns. Titles removed included those written by pro-democracy figures and critics of Beijing.
When asked by a lawmaker earlier this year for a list of books that have been banned from libraries, the government refused to publicise the information, adding that doing so would be “unfavourable to the safeguarding of national security.”
‘One of our best selling books’
Meanwhile, independent bookstores that are carrying Patten’s book said the title has been heavily sought after.
Sheung Wan bookstore Mount Zero offered pre-order services for customers to purchase the book ahead of its release. “We have sold more than 100 copies,” Sharon, from the bookstore, told HKFP.
She added that they had sold out of The Hong Kong Diaries but are ordering another shipment that is expected to arrive next week.
Across the harbour, the owner of Hunter Bookstore in Mong Kok said it had also sold over a hundred copies, with only a “small number” left.
“I would say it is one of our bestselling books this year,” Leticia Wong, a former district councillor, said.
Kelly and Walsh, under Swindon Book Group, told an HKFP reporter asking as a customer that there was significant interest in The Hong Kong Diaries. The book is currently sold out and the store is ordering more, a shop assistant said.
The release of Patten’s title came amid reports that a series of new secondary school textbooks state that Hong Kong was never a British colony, but an occupied territory, as the Chinese government did not recognise the “unequal treaties” with Britain. Last week, authorities said books about national security would be distributed to kindergartens, primary and secondary schools.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Cultural Compass news portal”。http://pakistan.carpetcleaningepping.com/content-233c299766.html
Related articles
Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
opinionsAn 'arrogant' doctor who punched a vulnerable patient for making a racist comment and spitting at hi ...
【opinions】
Read moreSydney Sweeney 'apologizes' for 'having great t**s' during bikini
opinionsSydney Sweeney shared bikini-clad vacation photos of her Mexican getaway on Instagram on Sunday whil ...
【opinions】
Read moreGOP lawsuits over voting creates shadow war ahead of the election
opinionsCHICAGO (AP) — As President Joe Biden and Donald Trump step up their campaigning in swing states, a ...
【opinions】
Read more
Popular articles
- Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
- Travis d'Arnaud homers again and Bryce Elder shuts down Marlins in Braves' 3
- MLB players' union asks court to confirm arbitration decision against Bad Bunny firm
- Orioles put outfielder Austin Hays on injured list and cut Peyton Burdick
- What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
- Sydney Sweeney 'apologizes' for 'having great t**s' during bikini
Latest articles
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
You can't park there! Council builds new £51million 850
Minnesota and other Democratic
GOP lawsuits over voting creates shadow war ahead of the election
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
Stalker bodybuilder, 32, is branded a monster by his girlfriend after he smashed up her house
LINKS
- China: Political settlement only viable way out of Ukraine crisis
- Xi Says to Continuously Consolidate, Develop China
- Chinese FM meets Russian ambassador to China
- Retired general Pavel wins Czech presidential election
- Xinhua Headlines: Key Takeaways from Xi's Diplomacy in 2023
- UN chief calls for restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel
- UN urges maximum restraint amid rising tensions between Iran, Israel
- With secret contract, U.S. uses spyware to supervise world: NYT
- UN responds to devastating ferry tragedy in Mozambique
- Huawei opens 2nd store in Saudi Arabia