I have written many book reviews, but I have never felt so sad, as I do now. Behind this collection of essays, Becoming 18 in the Air, is a young life that abruptly ended at just 18 years of age: Marco Lam Kuan Long.
Born and raised in Macau, Marco went to study International Relations at the London School of Economics after finishing middle school here. During his college years, he not only “read ten thousand books,” but also “travelled a thousand miles.” He set foot in “non-conventional” destinations such as Angola and Nepal, and put his observations and thoughts into column articles for the Macao Daily News, Va Kio Daily and various other publications.
I got to know Marco through his writings. Several years ago, a newspaper article caught my eye by chance. The author discussed how the absence of an effective system in Qatar, at that time in a diplomatic crisis, had resulted in the predicament of the Nepalese laborers working there, drawing on his own experience as an intern in the Center for Migration and International Relations in Nepal.
It was rare to see a discussion on international politics in Macau, let alone by an author with first-hand experience and in-depth analysis! I was curious and eager to find out who he was. To my surprise, the author turned out to be a young Macau student living in the UK.
Our city, Macau, has a small size and a small population; its residents are used to living a life of ease. As a result, criticism of the youth of Macau is common, centering on how they lack an international outlook, intense determination and competitive spirit.
But Marco was a living example that the city does not lack young talents with big dreams and great vision. True, kids like Marco who love reading and relentlessly chase their dreams may be seen as anomalies in Macau, but it is precisely because of this that we adults should find ways to protect, encourage and gather these “sparks” scattered throughout the city, so that they can have more liberal and diversified options for their development, and light up the city of Chinese and Western cultures in the future.
The essays in Becoming 18 in the Air span more than a decade, from 2007 to 2018. From simple records of his feelings in the beginning, to the later political commentaries and cultural critiques with unique subjects, wide horizons and sharp insights, readers can see the growth of a talented young man, breathe with him and think with him. This book captures the journey of a short but radiant life. Like a small torch, it will light up the road for the younger generations in the city.
The sudden death of Marco was a terrible shock to me. I feel deeply sorry for Macau's loss of a writer who would definitely have created more good works in the future. But fortunately, we are finally able to see the publication of his words.
At the launch ceremony of Becoming 18 in the Air at the 21st Macau Book Carnival this July, the venue was filled with Marco’s family, friends, and readers. What passes leaves its traces. As long as the words carrying the rich life of a young man are still preserved, read, pondered over and reflected upon, Marco is with us. The candlelight of his spirit may be faint, but it is firm and imperishable.
