Foresight: The Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung

Written by Ian Hamilton

Narrated by Michael Braun

1980: A pivotal year in modern Chinese history as Premier Deng Xiaoping begins what he intends to be the transformation of China into an economic superpower. The most visible evidence of Deng's policy is the creation of Special Economic Zones, and one has been set up in Shenzhen, next door to Hong Kong and on Fanling's doorstep. Among Triad leaders, Uncle is the only one who recognizes that Deng's intentions could have profound repercussions on their organizations. To protect his gang and their interests, he acts to not only minimize the danger, but to turn events to his advantage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781980063339

Ian Hamilton

IAN HAMILTON is the acclaimed author of sixteen books in the Ava Lee series, four in the Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung series, and the standalone novel Bonnie Jack. National bestsellers, his books have been shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada Award (formerly the Arthur Ellis Award), the Barry Award, and the Lambda Literary Prize. BBC Culture named him one of the ten mystery/crime writers who should be on your bookshelf. The Ava Lee series is being adapted for television. 

Reviews for Foresight

[alanteder · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Uncle goes back to Communist China after 20 yearsReview of the House of Anansi Spiderline paperback edition (January 2020)For fans of the Ava Lee series, there has been nothing greater in recent years than author Ian Hamilton adding a second series in the Uncle Chow Tung prequels to his annual publications. The only downside currently is that only a prequel trilogy is currently planned in Fate (2019), Foresight (2020) and Fortune (expected 2021). Hopefully the author will see the increased interest in the expanded world of Ava Lee and will continue with both.Foresight covers a period in the 1980's when Communist China began to open up to restricted capitalism in new Economic Zones. Uncle's triad is meanwhile hard pressed for income as legalized off-track betting has reduced their gambling income and Uncle's moral stance is such that he forbids drugs and human trafficking in his triad. The opportunities for a new source of income by investing in factories and warehouses in Communist China presents itself and Uncle will take the risk which will endanger not only his personal safety but the entire investment of his brotherhood.Mild Spoiler Bonus for Ava Lee fans, chauffeur/bodyguard Sonny has a cameo in this book.

[eyes92c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Triad business turns towards the People's Republic of China!Once more I am dazzled by Hamilton's understandings of historical times in China and Hongkong. An escapee from China under tragic circumstances has Uncle vowing never to return. But needs must. When Uncle turns his eyes towards Shenzhen there is the worry that even though Uncle has HongKong ID, the People's Republic will not respect that. I was absorbed by the continuing story of Uncle Chow and the Fanling triad's move into business in the Special Economic Zone in "Shenzhen, next door to Hong Kong and on Fanling’s doorstep." Zones created by Premier Deng Xiaoping as a move towards transforming "China into an economic superpower." (A happening we are now all familiar with.)Its 1981 and Uncle and the Fanling triad are in trouble. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a legal betting monopoly and they have been gathering momentum putting Uncle's operations under increased pressure. Uncle will have nothing to do with "loan-sharking, protection rackets, and drug dealing." This makes him the odd man out with the rest of Hong Kong's triad organizations, and yet to my mind an honorable man with a peculiar sense of right and wrong.I am glued to how Uncle absorbs losses and as a man of vision continues to creatively develop his fiefdom. I am struck by his sense of integrity and loyalty. Who would think that I'd become so fond of a triad leader. And there you have it! Fond I am of Uncle Chow. Of course his story gives us the background to how Ava Lee and her associates were able to develop their clothing design business.I am so intrigued, by and appreciative of Uncle's story, that I read this in one sitting!An Anansi Press ARC via NetGalley