The People’s Republic of Hong Kong

Following in the footsteps of legendary oral historian Studs Terkel, S.T. Riley delivers an unprecedented ground-level view of Hong Kong as it transforms under Beijing’s tightening grip. Through intimate conversations and careful observation, Riley captures the voices of ordinary citizens navigating the delicate balance between prosperity and political control in modern China.

This collection of narratives and oral histories reveals Hong Kong at its most vulnerable moment—caught between protests and pandemic, between democratic aspirations and authoritarian control. Riley’s “guerrilla journalism” approach brings readers face-to-face with the real people living through this historic transition: entrepreneurs calculating their next moves, activists weighing their words, and ordinary citizens learning to navigate the invisible boundaries of the new normal.

What emerges is a profound portrait of how China’s social contract actually works on the ground. While Deng Xiaoping’s maxim that “to get rich is glorious” still holds true, Riley exposes the careful choreography required to pursue success without crossing the Communist Party’s ever-shifting red lines.

Most chillingly, the book reveals how authoritarianism arrives not with tanks and soldiers, but through subtle pressures and quiet compromises. As Riley writes, “If Hong Kong in the wake of protest and COVID teaches anything, it might be how subtly the ascendancy of China’s oligarchs and their bureaucratic attendants can arrive—how soft-footed their appearance at your apartment can be.”

Editorial Review ★★★★★

In this compelling work of oral history, S.T. Riley captures the voices and experiences of Hong Kong citizens during a pivotal period of transformation. Following the methodological tradition of Studs Terkel, Riley creates an intimate portrait of everyday life through carefully collected personal narratives and observations.

What sets this work apart is its ground-level perspective on social change. Through detailed interviews and careful observation, Riley documents how ordinary citizens navigate shifting social and economic realities. The author’s “guerrilla journalism” approach provides valuable insight into how individuals adapt to institutional changes while maintaining their daily lives.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its collection of diverse voices. Through conversations with entrepreneurs, activists, and ordinary citizens, Riley creates a multifaceted portrait of urban life in transition. The author’s ability to capture subtle details in personal narratives demonstrates particular skill in oral history methodology.

Particularly impressive is Riley’s attention to sociological detail. Rather than focusing solely on dramatic events, the author documents the subtle ways that institutional changes affect daily life. The examination of how citizens navigate economic opportunities while adapting to new social parameters provides important insight into urban transformation.

The writing effectively balances journalistic observation with academic rigor. Riley’s ability to organize diverse narratives into a coherent examination of social change demonstrates significant skill in oral history compilation. The author’s attention to both individual stories and broader patterns creates a comprehensive analysis of urban transformation.

“The People’s Republic of Hong Kong” stands as a significant contribution to oral history literature, offering readers intimate insight into how residents experience institutional change.