Three Wishes in Bardo

THREE WISHES IN BARDO draws an intimate picture of twentieth century Hong Kong while telling the story of a typical Hong Kong bright boy and his devoted mother. It is also a story of scientific labour and discovery, where single-mindedness, integrity, talent and skill rise from the mire of academic sharp-practice and envy. Different strands of the plot weave together to form a climactic ending where all characters’ lives resolve into fulfilment with a touch of humour and true catharsis created from genuine surprise. This exploration of a Eurasian boy’s early life in Hong Kong, and his later troubled career as a neuroscientist in America, contains elements of realism and detective mystery along with Buddhist fable and modern fairy tale-an unconventional mixture that makes for a diverting read. And, in spite of moments of sadness and darkness, it is a story ultimately suffused with good karma. -David Diskin, Proverse Prize winner 2011, author of The Village in the Mountains. Expect the unexpected. Expect…Karmic Fiction! … expect details, grand narrative sweeps, and a menagerie of varied characters! -Lawrence Gray, Proverse Prize winner 2015, author of Adam’s Franchise, Cop Show Heaven, and Odds and Sods. An emotional, entertaining and educational tale very well written. Strongly recommended. -Dr Paul Murray Three Wishes in Bardo is a simple, clever story that will appeal particularly to those who remember post-war English Hong Kong. -Bill Purves