Positives Louisa Lim's Indelible City is widely praised for its deeply personal and authentic portrayal of Hong Kong's history, culture, and identity, particularly from a local perspective often overlooked in other narratives. Reviewers highlight the book's success in conveying the unique spirit of the city, tracing its evolution from a British colony through the handover and up to recent events. Many found the historical sections, including details about pre-colonial Hong Kong and the nuanced explanation of its distinct identity, to be incredibly informative and eye-opening. The author's ability to interweave her personal experiences as a mixed-race Eurasian growing up in Hong Kong, along with the story of the eccentric street artist known as the King of Kowloon, is frequently commended for providing a rich, emotional, and engaging narrative thread that helps illustrate the city's resilience and defiance. The book is described as devastating, edifying, honest, and exceptional, offering a crucial understanding of Hong Kong's struggle against the erasure of its past and the suppression of its freedoms.
Negatives However, some readers expressed reservations about the book's structure and focus. A recurring criticism is that the author's personal experiences and family history, while intended to add depth, sometimes overshadowed the broader narrative of Hong Kong, making the book feel more like a memoir than a comprehensive history or reportage. Reviewers also noted that the extensive detail given to the King of Kowloon, while interesting, occasionally felt overplayed or awkwardly integrated, leading to a perceived lack of direction in some parts. The author's struggle with journalistic neutrality, and her eventual decision to abandon it in favor of activism, was a point of contention for some, who desired a more objective political analysis or a broader examination of the protests and China's response, rather than a focus on individual stories and her own involvement. Some felt the latter half, covering recent political events, was tedious if already familiar with the details, or that it lacked sufficient context for those less informed.
Conclusion Overall, Indelible City is considered a powerful, important, and emotionally resonant work that offers an intimate look into Hong Kong's soul. It is highly recommended for readers interested in understanding the city's complex identity, its historical struggles against colonial powers (both British and Chinese), and the recent pro-democracy movement from a deeply personal and local viewpoint. While those seeking a purely objective, comprehensive political analysis or a fast-paced account of the 2019 protests might find its memoir-like aspects and narrative style less to their taste, the book excels at capturing the spirit of a city and its people fighting for their voice and history against overwhelming odds. It is particularly valued by those who "fucking love Hong Kong" and wish to keep its memory and unique character alive.
