freedom unfinished

In 2018, the author left his media and embarked on an interview trip in Europe as an independent journalist.

She did not go to Western Europe, where more people were paying attention, but settled in cold Sweden. In Northern Europe, which is famous for its welfare, she saw another side of paradise - the academician's scandal was exposed, causing the Nobel Prize for Literature to be suspended for one year; a large number of refugees sought asylum, causing different backlash.

On the 30th anniversary of the revolution in Eastern Europe, she visited Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Baltic countries, looking for the footprints of these countries along the way, and even their lives after leaving the Soviet Union - some people became spurned by others after becoming president from a protester; Some people insist on telling the history of the country’s struggle and will not let the country forget it; some people participated in the “Baltic Road” and it became an important experience in their lives.

This year, she visited big cities and small towns. Through interviews and observations, she understood the different challenges these countries face - some are coveted by big powers and often harassed; some are slowly falling into the hands of dictators. Freedom is gradually being tightened; some rightists are rising and causing controversy. Despite this, many people are still working hard to find a better future, going the extra mile for what they believe in, participating in school strikes, writing true reports, telling past experiences, and staying in their hometowns.

The history of these countries and the difficulties they are facing have nothing to do with Hong Kong, but some issues are not as far away as imagined, and some experiences have been successfully connected with us at a certain time. As the famous Czech writer Klima said, "From history Learning is important." In addition to avoiding repeated mistakes, you can also learn from others.

"In Europe, she recorded a great era of great changes with her pen. When she returned to Hong Kong, she faced another great era. If she wants to record social changes objectively and truthfully where she lives, she will inevitably have to endure more intense hardships. The collision between reason and emotion shows Zi Ling's dedication to the journalism profession, and I sincerely look forward to seeing 'and this is Hong Kong today' in her writing."

──Chen Licheng

"Thanks to this book for bringing these European memories into the hands of Hong Kong people, as a carrier of wisdom and a flame of hope."

──Yin Zixuan

Director of European Studies, Hong Kong Institute of International Studies

"'Unfinished Freedom' proves the value of traveling to the scene. Readers can follow Zi Ling's words to visit different countries and embark on different people's pursuit of freedom."

──Liu Zhixin

Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Taiwan's non-profit media "The Reporter"

"I'm glad that Hong Kong journalists have their own works, taking Hong Kong people on a trip to Europe and reflecting on the ideological changes after freedom."

──Guan Zhenhai

Founder of Zhi Media

"I read about searching, hesitation, and self-expectation in the book, and found that Zi Ling seemed to have gone through this journey and was ready to move on."

──Lin Yuli

Correspondent in Germany