A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 13th of March 2024
5 out of 5 stars
The story takes place at a time when Shanghai was divided into three distinct sections: the International Settlement, the French Concession, and the independent countries not part of China.
Cheung Pak-ho is the current leader of the Sung Triad Society. The triads control drugs, prostitution, and corruption. Joseph wishes to join and be trained as his father’s successor. He looks forward to embracing his new life with the Sung Society. They have a sworn enemy, a British company called Guest. The triads exploited whatever opportunities were available and made money, irrespective of the suffering they caused.
The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson is the first novel in the Chinese Circles series. A fascinating journey into the world of divided Shanghai, describing the Japanese invasion with a deep insight into both the lives of very rich Taipans and their compradors and the plights of poor Russian and Jewish refugees who were fleeing war and persecution.
The story revolves around Joseph, Irina, Davina, and Thomas. Joseph is the successor of Cheung Pak-ho of Sung Society. Irina is the Russian refugee whose fate takes a dark turn when she meets Joseph’s father. Davina is the heir to the Guest group of companies, and Thomas is an employee with the Guest company who, despite being from a different country, understands Shanghai’s culture and is desperately keen to make a name for himself and blend in.
I liked both Irina’s and Davina’s characterizations. I applaud Irina’s resolution. Despite being born into an affluent family, circumstances force her to lead a life by bending her moral values. The close relationship between Charles Guest and his daughter, Davina, has been beautifully presented. It was no easy task for Davina to take over as taipan after her father’s demise during times when a woman holding an authoritative position was unheard of.
The story brings to light the harsh realities of life. How do those with power rule the less fortunate? The gore, violence, rape, and killings open our eyes to a new world where compassion seems seriously lacking. With triads dominating the streets of Shanghai, there is a fine line between right and wrong, which, when crossed, can even lead to death. While creating havoc in the day-to-day lives of the people of Shanghai, the triads leave no stone unturned to prove their might.
The compelling narrative kept me engrossed till the end. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, as there is nothing to dislike. I found one error which proves the book is exceptionally edited. Ideal for mature audiences who are willing to read about violence against women and scenes of graphic brutality.