A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 12th of March 2024
4 out of 5 stars
Set in the tumultuous landscape of Shanghai in 1936, The Shanghai Circle by Tony Handerson weaves an enthralling tale filled with family feuds, power dynamics, and the chaos of post-war society. Amidst this backdrop, the Sung Triad, led by Cheung Pak-ho, targets the Guest family in a longstanding vendetta, a mission that Cheung entrusts to his son, Joseph. British expatriate Charles Guest and his daughter, Davina, find themselves entwined in these complex rivalries while attempting to make a life in Shanghai, alongside Irina Donsky, a Russian émigré in search of safety. With the shadow of a Japanese invasion looming, the lives and destinies of these characters are fraught with uncertainty, encapsulating the volatile atmosphere of Shanghai during this era.
The reason I like this book lies in its captivating recreation of a historic Shanghai, bringing to life the complexities and challenges of an era without modern conveniences. The novel’s attention to detail, from the dangerous sea journeys to the strict societal norms, enriches the story, immersing readers in a world defined by honour, loyalty, greed, and betrayal.
Traditional attire, transportation, and cultural practices are vividly portrayed, adding layers to the narrative. Within this intricately designed setting, the characters of Davina, Joseph, and Irina stand out, each battling their ambitions and difficulties against the backdrop of Shanghai in the 1930s, making their stories particularly compelling and the book a favourite of mine.
The reason I disliked this book is due to its explicit portrayal of graphic violence, prostitution, and the practice of foot binding, which can be quite unsettling. These elements, while underscoring the brutal realities of life in Shanghai during a tumultuous era, might be disturbing for some readers. Although these aspects contribute to the authenticity of the historical setting and provide a deeper understanding of the social and political intricacies of the time, the stark depiction of such harshness makes certain parts of the narrative difficult to engage with, detracting from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Given the rich historical detail, complex character development, and vivid portrayal of 1930s Shanghai, I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The narrative excels at transporting readers to a bygone era, offering a deep dive into the social and cultural dynamics of the time. The meticulous attention to detail and the immersive storytelling are particularly commendable, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction.
However, the explicit depiction of graphic violence, prostitution, and foot binding, while historically accurate, was unsettling to me. These elements, although integral to the story’s authenticity, detracted from the overall enjoyment for those sensitive to such portrayals. Therefore, while the book is an outstanding representation of its genre, these considerations slightly affect its overall rating. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.