Quick Take

Chris Thrall left the Royal Marines to find fortune in Hong Kong, but following a bizarre series of jobs he ended up homeless and hooked on Crystal Meth. He began working for the 14K, the city's most notorious crime syndicate, as a nightclub doorman in the Wan Chai red-light district. Heavily in psychosis, he uncovered a huge global conspiracy, made all the more confusing by the 'Foreign Triad' - a secretive expat clique in cahoots with the Chinese mafia. Desperate, addicted and alone in the neon glare of Hong Kong's seedy backstreets, Chris was forced to survive in the world's most unforgiving city, addicted to the world's most dangerous drug. Engaging, honest and full of Chris's irrepressible humour, this remarkable memoir combines gripping storytelling with brooding menace as the Triads begin to cast their shadow over him. The result is a truly psychotic urban nightmare.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Crystal Meth Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland

Introduction

"Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Crystal Meth Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland" by Chris Thrall is a gripping memoir that takes readers on a journey into the dark world of crystal meth addiction and the criminal underworld of Hong Kong. Thrall, a former Royal Marine, shares his harrowing experiences of how he became addicted to meth while working as a nightclub doorman for the 14K triad in Wan Chai. As his addiction spirals out of control, Thrall becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional, uncovering a global conspiracy that only adds to his mental breakdown.

About Chris Thrall

Chris Thrall, the author of "Eating Smoke," is a former Royal Marine Commando who served in the Northern Ireland Conflict and trained in parachuting and Arctic warfare. He is also the host of the popular podcast "Bought the T-Shirt." With his extensive background in adventure and addiction recovery, Thrall brings a unique perspective to his memoir, combining gripping storytelling with honesty and humor.

Analysis of Views

Engaging and Honest: Readers praise Thrall's writing style for being engaging and honest, allowing them to connect with the protagonist's experiences. The author's ability to convey the reality and paranoia of drug psychosis is particularly well-received, creating a sense of immersion in the story.
Gritty and Realistic: The book's gritty portrayal of life in Hong Kong and the seedy underworld of the triads resonates with readers who appreciate realism in their reading. The descriptions of the city's neon glare and the harshness of life on the streets add to the overall atmosphere of the book.
Informative about Hong Kong: Readers who are familiar with Hong Kong or have an interest in the city appreciate the insights provided by Thrall. The book offers a unique perspective on the city's culture, language, and social rules that govern the triads, providing a valuable addition to the ongoing story of Hong Kong.
Humor and Wit: Thrall's use of humor and wit throughout the book is a standout feature for many readers. The author's ability to inject humor into even the darkest moments of his journey adds levity to the narrative and makes it more enjoyable to read.
Unpredictable Plot: The book's unpredictable plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats. From humorous encounters with locals to dangerous situations with the triads, Thrall skillfully weaves together a series of events that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Reasons for Recommendation

Honest and Engaging: Readers highly recommend "Eating Smoke" for its honest portrayal of addiction and its ability to captivate readers from start to finish. The author's engaging writing style and willingness to share his personal experiences make it a compelling read for anyone interested in true stories of survival and redemption.
Informative about Hong Kong: For those who have an interest in Hong Kong or want to learn more about its culture and social dynamics, this book provides a valuable insight into the city's underbelly. The author's firsthand account of life in Hong Kong adds depth to their understanding of this fascinating place.
Humor and Wit: The book's humor and wit make it an enjoyable read even for those who may not be familiar with Hong Kong or addiction. Thrall's ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations adds a lighthearted touch to an otherwise dark subject matter, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Resolution: Some readers feel that the book lacks resolution, as it ends abruptly without providing closure on certain aspects of the protagonist's journey. They feel that more information about how Thrall overcame his addiction and found redemption would have added depth to the narrative.
Repetitive Descriptions: A few readers mention that certain sections of the book feel repetitive, with constant introductions of new characters who are never fully explored or resolved. They suggest that some editing could have streamlined the narrative and made it more cohesive.

Conclusion

"Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Crystal Meth Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland" by Chris Thrall is a compelling memoir that offers readers an engaging and honest portrayal of addiction, survival, and redemption. With its gritty descriptions of life in Hong Kong, humor, and unpredictable plot, this book captivates readers from start to finish. While some readers feel that it lacks resolution or suffers from repetitive descriptions, overall the book is highly recommended for those interested in true stories of personal transformation and the dark underworld of Hong Kong's criminal underworld.