Gweilo: Memoirs of a Hong Kong childhood
Encyclopedia
Gweilo: Memoirs of a Hong Kong Childhood is an autobiography by author Martin Booth
published in 2004 shortly before he died. The book discusses the author's childhood in Hong Kong
. The term "gweilo
" is Cantonese for ghost, but has been applied as a racial epithet for Caucasians (as in white ghosts). Over time, the racial undercurrrents of the term have diminished, but it is still a term that has to be used with some caution in areas where Cantonese is spoken. The book is rich with vivid descriptions of the author's explorations of Kowloon
and Hong Kong
, his learning of Cantonese and his numerous interactions with Chinese people in Hong Kong. In the United States
, the book was marketed under the title Golden Boy.
Martin Booth
Martin Booth was a prolific British novelist and poet. He also worked as a teacher and screenwriter, and was the founder of the Sceptre Press.-Early life:...
published in 2004 shortly before he died. The book discusses the author's childhood in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. The term "gweilo
Gweilo
Gweilo or Gwailo is a common Cantonese slang term for foreigners, and has a long history of racially deprecatory use. If there is some racially deprecatory meaning or it is expressive of hate, it is shown by the addition of the adjective, sei or as a prefix: seigwailo...
" is Cantonese for ghost, but has been applied as a racial epithet for Caucasians (as in white ghosts). Over time, the racial undercurrrents of the term have diminished, but it is still a term that has to be used with some caution in areas where Cantonese is spoken. The book is rich with vivid descriptions of the author's explorations of Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
and Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, his learning of Cantonese and his numerous interactions with Chinese people in Hong Kong. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the book was marketed under the title Golden Boy.