Although historically there has been a strong tradition of Cantonese literature most of it has failed to make translation. Hong Kong therefore is not placed highly in the international literature scene. The most notable works are travel and other non-fiction books, rather than novels. Here are a few notables in the genre:

Frank Welsh – A borrowed place: A History of Hong Kong (1997)
A general history of Hong Kong

Jan Morris – Hong Kong – Epilogue to an Empire (1997)
A nice summary of the country during the final part of colonisation. It has been updated to cover the recent history.

Mark Robertis – The Fall Of Hong Kong: Chinas Triumph and Britain Betrayal
A Bitter analysis of Hong Kong before and after the hand over in 1997.

There are a few novels worth mentioning:

Paul Theroux’ – Kowloon Tong (1997)
This book looks at the issues faced by a Hong Kong English family on the Even of the hand over.

Timothy Mo – An Insular Possession (1986).
Concentrating more on Macau than Hong Kong this is a well put together, describing the life of a colonial time lost to history.

John Le Carree – The Honourable School Boy (1977)
A spy novel set in Hong Kong.

James Clavicle – Noble House and Tai-Pan (1966)
This book is for those looking for the blockbuster view of Hong Kong.

Richard Mason - The World of Suzie Wong (1957)
A beautifully romantic novel that inspired a successful film starring Jackie Chan.