A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club 2nd of April 2024
5 out of 5 stars
Tony Henderson’s The Shanghai Circle, the opening book in the Chinese Circles series, immerses its audience in the chaotic and vibrant life of 1930s Shanghai. This narrative weaves a complex story of mystery, dominance, and endurance in the city’s enigmatic depths.
The book interlaces the lives of diverse characters navigating through power struggles, ambition, and survival. At the heart of the story is Joseph, a young man inducted into his family’s triad, struggling with his identity and the murky underworld politics. Davina Guest represents the challenge of being a woman in the male-dominated business sphere amidst the looming shadow of war. Meanwhile, British expatriates Thomas and James, along with Russian émigré Irina Donsky, face their own trials, adapting to life in a city of dazzling riches and dark secrets. Their interlinked stories reveal a complex tapestry of life in a city that epitomizes opportunity and danger, showcasing the human spirit’s resilience.
The book has a remarkable ability to draw readers into its story and maintain their engagement. I thoroughly enjoyed how the book immerses readers, particularly with its depiction of the Sung triad as a powerful force in Shanghai’s fabric. The narrative vividly illustrates the triad’s control over brothels, its dominance in the opium trade, and the emerging trend of heroin as the drug of choice in the city’s streets, nightclubs, and gambling establishments. The triad’s involvement in a range of unlawful activities, along with its emphasis on member loyalty through specific rituals and oaths, is meticulously depicted, underscoring the organization’s intricate position within society. It operates according to unique honor and loyalty codes, adeptly maneuvering through Shanghai’s darker aspects.
I also found the depiction of Joseph particularly engaging. As the son of the leader of a powerful triad, he is thrust into a world where power, loyalty, and violence intersect. His character arc navigates the tension between his inherited position within the organization and his morals and aspirations. This conflict humanizes him, offering readers a glimpse into the personal struggles faced by those born into positions of power within criminal organizations.
There wasn’t a single aspect of this book I could fault; I was completely engrossed from the first page to the last. The portrayal of conflicts between triads, the vivid descriptions of Shanghai and Hong Kong, and the stark contrast between extreme wealth and devastating poverty, along with the backdrop of China’s conflict with Japan, all captivated me. I was particularly struck by how the author seamlessly integrated fictional characters into real historical events and settings.
Having said all this, I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction set in early 20th-century Asia, particularly those interested in Shanghai’s history, organized crime, and complex power dynamics. It’s also suitable for adult readers who appreciate deep explorations of social contrasts and personal struggles within historical contexts. Yet, prospective readers need to note that the book tackles heavy themes such as rape, murder, child labor exploitation, massacres, torture, violence, gang wars, prostitution, and the horrors following the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. While these elements contribute to the story’s realism, their sensitive nature may not be suitable for everyone.
In summary, I give The Shanghai Circle a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars. The book is polished and well-edited, with just a couple of grammatical mistakes. It brings to life a complex web of characters caught in the struggles of power, survival, and ethics, providing an in-depth look at historical events and their impact on the human condition. The presence of intense and challenging themes adds to the story’s realism, reminding readers of the harsh realities of history.