The World of Suzie Wong: A Novel

I was drawn to this book because I have been to Hong Kong several times and I am interested in its history. I was there twice while it was still a British colony, and the energy was amazing. I really did not know what to expect from this book in terms of insights, but my curiosity prompted me to buy and read it..Suffice it to say I loved every page of this stone classic. It is a smooth read, really nicely written. Suzie was a fascinating character study, and I totally fell in love with her, as did the British narrating character. There are lots of twists and turns and ups and downs in the plot, but it was the authentic characters that I loved the most in this story.There was one American guy who seemed fully psycho to me, and I wish he had not been so blatantly despicable, but he was just one of many character who pass through the pages.The story also has some great thoughts about art--what inspires and makes good art, and it effect it has on us. For an artist, avoiding the pretensions that come with art is another challenge which is thoughtfully discussed.The narrating character was very compassionate and kind, and he was the perfect counterpoint to Suzie. I kept hearing Gregory Peck's voice in the narration, I'm not exactly sure why, because he didn't play the role in the movie and I have not even seen the movie (yet).If you've been to Hong Kong, you know all the monuments to Bruce Lee. I really feel like they need to install at least one tasteful statue or monument to the sweet, amusing, and beautiful Suzie Wong. She captures the best of the feminine Asiatic spirit, and I came away from this book respecting Hong Kong culture more than ever.

I had seen the film several times and was interested in the novel. They have similarities in story, but there are differences as well. The story line for the film is based off the relationship between Suzi and Robert. The secondary relationship Robert has in the film is very minor in this book. However, it was an interesting read without that conflict.This was written in a time where authors used more description than what is permissible now days. Keep that in mind. Show, don't tell has a different meaning now. So there is not as much dialog as the author explains in exposition more than not. Not to say there isn't dialog and that it is not entertaining. I am of the age this was not a setback for me. The tale is interesting, and the differences were as intriguing. Suzi in the film was merely a veneer of what she is in this book. Her character has a depth which reveals why she does what she does. Backstory for both Robert and Suzi offers a good insight into their characters. Be advised this book was written in a time when attitudes were different. Post World War II still is embraced by stereotypes and bigotry of a sort. If this sends you off in a tizzy, buy another book. There isn't a great deal of racial conflict. Yet this is another era and it is reflected here. Not in a ugly way. You still sense a small bit intolerance at some points. That intolerance touches all the characters equally.The book is well written and reads quickly, if you are agreeable to the author's style of exposition. I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it a great deal, but gave it four stars because of the exposition. More as a head's up for readers who find this to be tedious. I found it to be a page turner.

Robert Lomax gives up routine work to paint. He moves to Hong Kong, and while living in a luxury hotel can see nothing that inspires him to paint. Looking out across the city, he sees the seamier side of Hong Kong and decides to find a small hotel there, where the lower classes might excite his interest in painting. Moving into the Nam Kok Hotel, he finds a bar on the floor and decides to get a drink. Inside he discovers the bar is filled with prostitutes, but they offer what he needs, picturesque interest for his paintbrush. He remains merely to paint, not wishing sex as it would ruin the mood. But then he hadn't counted on Susie Wong.I read this novel when it was first released in 1957, and being a teenager I thought I wanted to live in a brothel myself. It sounded like an exciting life. Of course that didn't happen. After 56 years I had a yen to read the novel again, just to see if it had the same affect on me. But this time I discovered it for the beauty it really was. What I thought back then was an erotic novel is actually a literary romance story. Sex is only hinted at, and there is no vulgar language at all. But the story is told in a manner that pulls at your heartstrings, and you want Robert and Susie to find love, and live happily ever after. You will cry at their heart brakes, and laugh at Susie's simple philosophy and childish behavior, but you want them to survive the many stumbling blocks along the way. I am not a romance reader, but this story kept me turning the pages as the characters came alive, and I felt their anguish, their fears, their tragic circumstances, and finally their triumph over great odds. Perhaps there is a romantic in all of us.

I was sucked in when I saw a William Holden movie trailer. Now I am glad of it. Very moving / intricate story. Extremely well written, not just dialogue but the scenes and characters. A wonderful read.

I liked this book so much that was sorry when I finished it. Liked reading about old times in China; it held my interest. The ending is typical, nothing dramatic, and this may be the only downside to the novel. If you like light reading with an interesting plot and likeable characters, then you will enjoy it.

Great story. very entertaining. Brought back the old memory.

I read this the first time while studying in Hong Kong...and just as magical a decade later. It captures a time and place - perfect travel read!

An unusual story of romance in a Hong Kong that no longer exists

I very much enjoyed this vivid and heartwarming love story between an English artist and a Chinese prostitute. It was refreshing to see the characters portrayed with such humanity and dignity.

I've seen the film with William Holden and Nancy Kwan so it was great to visualise them whilst reading. The book was so sensitively written, quite poetic in places yet down to earth about perceptions and inner quality. I would recommend this book very highly.

Excellent Story

Great, touching romance between American and Hong Kong prostitute, ok , Suzie's perhaps one dimensional but the heart and soul of the author's in the right place and the book is of it's time. I found it very touching and paints an atmospheric picture of 50s Hong Kong, with sympathetic portraits of the prostitutes.