Hong Kong Lit Club

About Hong Kong Lit Club

While the city is often portrayed as a busy financial hub where nobody has time to read, the reality is that people do read - and they write, too. Discover the work of both past and contemporary authors, and dive into the the literary heritage of Hong Kong that often gets overlooked. Each episode will feature three parts: a read-aloud ("Words Unfold"), either by your host, Julia, or by guest authors reading their own pieces, a discussion section to delve deeper into the meaning of the text ("Deep Dive"), and a short language section focussing on a Cantonese word or phrase ("Local Lingo"). Ultimately, this podcast is a celebration of Hong Kong's literary landscape and an invitation for listeners to embark on a literary journey that transcends borders. Learn more here (https://hongkonglitclub.mystrikingly.com/).

Publisher

Julia Besnard

Category

arts · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Feb 2025

Latest episode

27 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Jun 2026

   #12: Dead Girl Walking: Liann Zhang on Satire, Surviving the Internet, and Finding Your People

   "Julie Chan has nothing. Her twin has everything. Except a pulse." That's the hook of Julie Chan is Dead — and this book is absolutely unhinged. I devoured this darkly hilarious satire about a young woman who steps into her deceased twin sister's influencer life. Think of Yellowface meets Bunny - an immersive, fast-pace thriller with a dash of horror exploring the ins and outs of influencer culture and what it does to your head. I could not put it down. When I found out Liann Zhang was coming to Hong Kong for the International Literary Festival in March 2026, I had to get her on the show. Despite a packed schedule, she squeezed in time to chat—and she was exactly what I hoped: approachable, funny, warm, and oddly sane for someone who wrote a book this chaotic. As well as going into depth about how she landed her book deal, we talk about the importance of finding a critique group, being on the cusp of Gen-Z and millenial, Liann's real-life stint as a "skinfluencer" and what is next for her. About Liann Zhang: Second-generation Chinese Canadian author, former skincare content creator, and debut novelist. Julie Chan Is Dead is an instant international bestseller and was longlisted for Canada Reads 2026. Website (https://www.liannzhang.com/) | Instagram @theliannz (https://www.instagram.com/theliannz/) Follow Hong Kong Lit Club: Instagram @hongkonglitclub (https://www.instagram.com/hongkonglitclub/) 🎧 RSS | Spotify | Apple Podcasts

2. 

   28 Mar 2026

   #11: Who Gets to Speak: Emma Pei Yin on Representation and Writing Beyond the Traditional Narrative

   In this episode, Julia and Emma Pei Yin continue their conversation about Emma's debut historical novel, When Sleeping Women Wake. Emma reflects on how readers in Hong Kong have connected with the book's themes in a way that feels different from her Australian audience, and how writing the novel lead her to rediscover a side of the city she'd missed growing up. She also opens up about her editorial agency, Yinfluence, which she founded to support underrepresented writers, including Asian Australian and queer voices. The conversation explores who gets to tell which stories in fiction, and what happens when the industry leans toward familiar narratives. On the craft side, Emma shares her writing habits, her unexpected relationship with writer's block (or rather, "option overload"), and what she's learned from working on her second book. A thoughtful conversation about storytelling, representation, and the stories worth telling. Follow Emma Pei Yin on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/emmapeiyin/) | Website (https://www.emmapeiyin.com/) Listen to all episodes of Hong Kong Lit Club on RSS (https://rss.com/podcasts/hong-kong-lit-club/) | Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/74ppnKTrwRblRux3IZkeP8) | Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/hong-kong-lit-club/id1802428478) & Follow on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hongkonglitclub/)

3. 

   10 Mar 2026

   #10: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Courage: Launching ‘When Sleeping Women Wake’ with Emma Pei Yin (Part 1)

   When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin follows Mingzhu, Qiang, and Biyu in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong, 1941. Not generals, not politicians, but women fighting to reunite while the world collapses around them. This novels shows the quiet heroism of everyday people. This books tells the stories that History books do not. This book matters. Emma launched this novel at Bookazine Social in November 2025. I was deeply honoured when she invited me to host. I recorded the night—you will hear Emma answering my questions with wit and charm, the audience discovering something beautiful, and the kind of conversation that happens when people actually feel a book. This is that episode. Enjoy, and don't forget to listen to Part 2, where Emma talks even further about her writing process and reads the opening chapter of When Sleeping Women Wake. Guest: Emma Pei Yin - Find on her Website (https://www.emmapeiyin.com/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/emmapeiyin/) About her: Emma Pei Yin is an Australian-Chinese writer and editor. Her debut novel, When Sleeping Women Wake, has been published globally, translated into multiple languages, and awarded many prizes. She is the founder of yinfluence editorial (https://www.emmapeiyin.com/yinfluenceeditorial), and also co-hosts Served With Rice Poddy (https://servedwithricepoddy.com/) Host: Julia Besnard Follow Hong Kong Lit Club: Website (https://hongkonglitclub.mystrikingly.com/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hongkonglitclub/)

4. 

   8 Feb 2026

   #9: A Conversation with Siobhan McDermott on Myth, Heritage, and Magic

   Join Julia for a captivating interview with Siobhan McDermott, author of the enchanting middle-grade fantasy series, Paper Dragons. We dive deep into the wellspring of her creativity: the rich tapestry of her dual Irish-Chinese heritage. Siobhan shares how the myths and legends told by her parents not only shaped her childhood, but also built the very foundations of her magical worlds. In this episode, Siobhan traces her writing journey from its earliest spark, recalling how her imagination first took flight during the regular ferry trips from Lantau Island to Hong Kong. She opens up about her creative process, the profound influence of cultural stories, and her powerful message that it is never too late to become a writer. Whether you're a writer seeking inspiration, a lover of myths, or someone fascinated by the beautiful collision of cultures, this conversation is filled with warmth, wisdom, and a tangible sense of magic. Find Siobhan McDermott on Instagram @siobhanmcd91 (https://www.instagram.com/siobhanmcd91/) and on her website (https://www.siobhanmcdermott.com/). Want to explore more works by Hong Kong writers? Subscribe to Hong Kong Lit Club wherever you get your podcasts! Follow us on Instagram @hongkonglitclub (https://www.instagram.com/hongkonglitclub/) and Threads.

5. 

   26 Jan 2026

   #8: Three Women, One Wok: Reinventing a Home Kitchen

   A follow-up to Episode #7 (https://rss.com/podcasts/hong-kong-lit-club/2390456/), this is our most personal episode yet. It’s not an interview; it’s a kitchen recording. Inspired by her previous conversation with James Beard-nominated author Christine Wong, our host, Julia — a Frenchwoman living in Hong Kong — decides to put the celebrated cookbook The Vibrant Hong Kong Table to the ultimate test. Armed with two of Christine’s iconic veganised recipes (“Jing Seui Daan” steamed eggs, with no eggs, and “Yu Heung Ke Ji” fish-fragrant eggplant — with no fish!), she embarks on a culinary experiment that becomes a beautiful family affair. Joining her is her valiant mother-in-law, Mama, a brilliant Cantonese cook who navigates the kitchen with awe-inspiring skill despite being visually impaired, and Archie, their patient and gifted domestic helper. What follows is an amusing, heartfelt, and sometimes chaotic odyssey. Listen in as three women, bridging generations and cultures, communicate across a whirlwind of Cantonese, English, and later, French (when a toddler returns from playgroup). It’s a story about more than just recipes — it’s about translation in every sense, the joy of collaborative creation, and what happens when you try to reinvent a home kitchen, one vegan dish at a time. In This Episode You’ll Hear: The sizzle, the steam, and the very real sounds of a home kitchen experiment. The challenge (and comedy) of cooking from a recipe that redefines classics, guided only by Christine Wong’s book. Mama’s incredible expertise and intuition, challenging the notion of disability in the kitchen. Archie’s graceful support, acting as photographer, translator, and calm centre. The linguistic tango of coordinating in Cantonese, English, and French. The final, hopeful taste test of our plant-based creations. Featured Cookbook & Recipes: Cookbook: The Vibrant Hong Kong Table: 88 iconic dishes from dim sum to late-night snacks by Christine Wong (Chronicle Books). A James Beard Award-nominated cookbook that lovingly veganises 88 iconic Hong Kong dishes. Recipes Attempted: Jing Seui Daan 蒸水蛋 (Steamed “Eggs”): The ultimate comfort food custard, made without a single egg. Yu Heung Ke Ji 魚香茄子 (“Fish Fragrant” Eggplant): The iconic, savoury-sweet sauce clinging to soft eggplant, with zero fish. Listen to the Inspiration: Want to hear the interview that started it all? Check out Episode 7 (https://rss.com/podcasts/hong-kong-lit-club/2390456/): Macaroni Soup, Minus the Ham: Christine Wong on Reimagining Hong Kong's Iconic Foods, Plant-Based, for the fascinating conversation on heritage, sustainability, and the art of veganising Hong Kong’s food memories. Where to Find Our Podcast: Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts (https://link/), Spotify (https://link/), RSS (https://link/), or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Us: Instagram @hongkonglitclub (https://www.instagram.com/hongkonglitclub/) Support the Show: If this chaotic, heartfelt kitchen journey resonated with you, please leave us a 5-star review.

6. 

   17 Dec 2025

   #7: Macaroni Soup, Minus the Ham: Christine Wong on Reimagining Hong Kong's Iconic Foods, Plant-Based

   James Beard Award-nominated author Christine Wong discusses her plant-based culinary journey and reimagines Hong Kong's iconic foods while preserving culinary nostalgia and promoting sustainability in this interview.

7. 

   5 Oct 2025

   #6: On Othering: Minding the Human Gap with Ritu Hemnani

   Author Ritu Hemnani discusses using writing to foster empathy and address social issues, drawing from her poem "Mind the Gap" and her children's books, in an interview with Julia Besnard.

8. 

   16 Jul 2025

   #5: The Black Line: The Silent Struggles of Family Life with Jennifer Wong

   Writer Jennifer Wong discusses her short story "Burden," which explores family tension, cultural identity, and the struggles of aging in Hong Kong through a child narrator's perspective in this interview.

9. 

   5 Jun 2025

   #4: A Museum of the Mundane - Hong Kong in 39 Objects with Dr Antony Huen

   Dr. Antony Huen discusses his poem that uses everyday objects to explore Hong Kong's identity, blending personal nostalgia with cultural commentary in an interview with Julia.

10. 

    3 May 2025

    #3: When Home Is A Language: A Conversation With Wong Yi

    In this deeply personal episode, we explore Overseas Bride, a short story by Wong Yi that captures the emotional toll of migration, language loss, and the fragile ties between love and belonging. Set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s shifting identity, the story asks: What does it mean to leave home when home is a language? Wong Yi reads an excerpt in Cantonese (followed by the whole story English), and joins Julia for a conversation about: Mother tongue as sacrifice – Why losing Cantonese can feel more devastating than physical displacement. Marriage as escape – How the story subverts romantic tropes with a pragmatic proposal. Hong Kong’s cultural paradoxes – Is the city truly a "cultural desert," or a place of vibrant artistic resilience? Writing in Cantonese vs. English – The challenges and joys of weaving colloquial idioms into literary fiction. Featured work: Overseas Bride by Wong Yi (trans. Jennifer Feeley) – Read the story here (https://chajournal.blog/2024/10/26/overseas-bride/). Companion essay: Mother Tongue Overseas – Wong Yi’s reflections on the story’s global resonance. Read here (https://chajournal.blog/2024/10/26/mother-tongue/). Where to Find Wong Yi: Follow her on Instagram @wongyiwrites (https://www.instagram.com/wongyiwrites/) Challenge for listeners: Can you spot the theme linking this month's "Local Linguo" Cantonese phrase with the ones featured in Episodes #1 and #2? Tell us on Instagram @hongkonglitclub (https://www.instagram.com/hongkonglitclub/)! Subscribe for next month’s episode with Dr Antony Huen. Host: Julia Besnard

11. 

    29 Mar 2025

    #2: Dining After Dark: A Dystopian Feast with Rinkoo Ramchandani

    Would you break the law for a taste of home? In this episode, we explore dystopian food culture, sibling bonds, and the power of culinary memory through Rinkoo Ramchandani’s Pushcart Prize-nominated short story A Fistful of Feet. Set in a near-future New York where meat is illegal, the tale follows rule-following accountant Jane Chan as she risks prison to dine at an underground "eateasy" – and reconnect with her estranged brother. In the "Deep Dive" interview section of the show, Julia and Rinkoo discuss the author's inspiration behind this speculative story, family dynamics when confronted with opposing values, comfort foods, and Hong Kong's literary communities. Our "Local Linguo" section focusses on the Cantonese phrase 同枱食飯，各自修行 - "Eating at the same table, but walking separate paths". About the Author: Rinkoo Ramchandani is an executive coach, creative writer, and committee member of Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society (https://www.hkwips.com/). About the Host: Julia Besnard is a librarian and creative writer based in Hong Kong. Learn more about the podcast here (https://hongkonglitclub.mystrikingly.com/).

12. 

    5 Feb 2025

    #1: The Sounds of Hong Kong and the Heartache of a Grandchild with Maureen Tai

    Malaysian author Maureen Tai reads her prose poem Life We Can No Longer See, a text both poignant and lighthearted about a teenager grappling with the ageing of his beloved grandfather. The poem was inspired by the many evocative sounds of Hong Kong. In the discussion that ensues, In the conversation that ensues, Maureen and Julia delve into the complexities of caring for elderly loved ones, cultural attitudes towards death, and the evolving use of technology in maintaining human connections. The writer shares personal insights, the importance of being present, and the influence of diverse cultural backgrounds on her storytelling. Additionally, the episode emphasises using smartphones creatively and fostering a love for reading and literature among young people. - Who is behind this episode? Host: Julia Besnard Find out more about the Hong Kong Lit Club Podcast here (https://hongkonglitclub.mystrikingly.com/). Guest: Maureen Tai Read Maureen's featured story, Life We Can No Longer See, here (https://www.asiancha.com/wp/article/maureen-tai/). Check out Maureen's website: https://maureentai.com/ (https://maureentai.com/)

Who has been a guest on Hong Kong Lit Club

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Christine Wong
• Ritu Hemnani
• Jennifer Wong
• Dr Antony Huen

Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

26

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Hong Kong Lit Club

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.