The Heir

By Henry Luk

Book Overview

Hong Kong-a marriage of East and West, where the old blends with the new, where ancient Chinese culture and civilization linger below towering structures of steel and concrete. Beth O'Connor, former... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312871929
• ISBN13: 9780312871925
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: Forge
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Gripping original fiction marries East & West most amicably.

A fascinating trip through the halls of power of one Hong Kong family empire, and the modern Western woman who has married into it. Beth Connor navigates the treacherous currents of Hong Kong's business world, and the autocratic Chang family that she has become an essential part of. Set in the year of transition, when Hong Kong is being returned to China's rule, it is a most compelling drama told in the spirit of James Clavell's TAIPAN but with a more contemporary feel.Henry Luk has built upon his first novel, China Bride, bringing back characters who grow more complex as the series of plots develops. The swashbuckling Irish-American Beth Connor and Chang Wing Hing, the venerable patriarch of the Chang family, never become cariactures--as they might have in the hands of a less skilled (or knowledgeable) writer. In fact, it is the dynamic relationship between these two characters that moves the storyline along in a most satisfying manner. I look forward to more works of fiction by Henry Luk, and hope he continues this storyline into future books. As Hong Kong slowly throws off the last vestiges of British colonial rule, it is nice to know that there is an author there to chronicle the interaction between this capitalist territory and the communist government that now governs. Highly recommended.

Great thriller

US Olympian Beth Chang nee Connor married fellow Harvard graduate Michael Chang. They left the United States for Hong Kong where Michael is THE HEIR to a large business dynasty. Her in-laws treat her like a devil except the family patriarch Chang Wing Hing who respects Beth for her business acumen, and ability to adapt and learn a new culture. With the transfer of power from England to China coming soon, everyone expects radical change. However, Beth never realizes how dangerously ambitious her beloved Michael is until the countdown to reunification begins. A disabled Chang Wing Hing turns to Beth to keep the family firm afloat. She steers past bloodthirsty family members who want her to fail even at the cost of the business and piranhas seeing a chance to gain wealth and power with the transfer of Hong Kong to China. She also struggles with the attractive efforts of friend Peter Lau to start an affair. THE HEIR is a powerful heir to the sensational CHINA BRIDE continuing Beth's story, which provides a look into Hong Kong and China during the final countdown. Although Beth is too perfect as she cleverly adapts to being a fish out of water in a sea of piranhas and sharks, her efforts add depth to a deep plot. The transfer of power is less than five years old, yet Henry Luk gives his book (and the prequel) a historical feel to it. Fans of historical fiction and readers who enjoy contemporary news tales will relish Beth's stories and want to read the next chapter in her life.Harriet Klausner