Passing Words: Lam Wing-kee

On the shelves, in an endless meander of stacks and piles, the books felt warm to the touch; the soul allowed itself to trace the spines and covers, sparks of electricity coming from each one. "These are ... alive?" the soul asked (amazed) and Peter answered, "In a way; the despair and triumph and dedication to life that is captured on every page continues to give insight, wisdom, and hope ... a call to freedom can never really stop ringing out." And the soul closed its eyes in wonder and relief that here, at last, the words might also bring peace. It sat at the counter automatically and began to organize things, pulling certain tracks to the displays so that they would not be overlooked. Peter left it to its own devices, for the books had asked for the soul by name when they sensed its arrival.

In memory of Lam Wing-kee of Causeway Bay Books in Taipei, Taiwan; due to its stock of politically relevant titles, Lam was kidnapped by the government with four other employees in 2015 and subjected to interrogation and confinement as a criminal. He was returned to the bookstore eight months later to gather a list of its customers for prosecution, but held a press conference instead and outed his captors. He continued to live under scrutiny and threat until 2019 when placing himself in self-exile. Even in semi-hiding, Lam continued his activism and open criticism of the government and reopened the bookstore in 2020. He passed of lung cancer this month at the age of 70.