Tale of Hong Kong’s journey

The Gate to China: A new history of the People's Republic and Hong Kong By Michael Sheridan, HarperCollins, $39.99 .. .. .. .. ..

.. .. We've all seen the protests in Hong Kong over increasing Chinese control in this once-independent state. Hong Kong enjoyed some autonomy under an agreement between the Chinese authorities and Britain. But its young people want more than just a nod to autonomy.

Sheridan outlines the history of the Hong Kong territory and how it dealt with China from the 19th century. There's the early opium wars and the eventual handover of the state to China, followed by the battle for democracy on the streets in the last couple of years. This is a political history well told, and the story of protests for free speech run throughout.

The Gate to China is a fantastic trip through Hong Kong's journey, shining light on previously ignored yet consequential actors, whilst detailing the inevitable but fraught relationship the city has with its overlord. — Linda Thompson