A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 22nd of March 2024
4 out of 5 stars
The Shanghai Circle, the first book in a trilogy by Tony Henderson is an enjoyable and sometimes fascinating read set in Chiang Kai-shek’s Communist China during the mid- 1930s. Henderson blends history and fiction in a seamless fashion and the story compels you to read long past bed time. It would have been interesting if more information about the Triads and the background of the Chinese/Japanese war had been included.
The author offers an interesting and sometimes disturbing look at the Chinese culture of the time. The story starts in Shanghai and moves to Hong Kong as the characters strive to escape the looming Japanese invasion.
I found the characters to be believable and relatable. Even the ‘walk-on’ characters have depth. I won’t go into all of them, but here are a few of the main actors:
Cheung Pak-ho, the leader of the Sung Society, personifies the stern ruthlessness that one would expect of a Triad leader. His son, Joseph, who stands to inherit his father’s empire, struggles with his family obligations as the eldest son, and learns some hard lessons along the way.
Thomas, an Englishman from a rural farming community has dreamed of traveling to other places and winds up in China as an employee of an English company, Guest. A thoroughly engaging and courageous man who makes you want to meet him and be his friend. (Or as I like to say, invite him over for a BBQ)
Davina, the daughter of Charles Guest, an English businessman, must step up to take the reins of the company after her father dies, and is the type of strong-willed, resilient woman any young girl can look up to. Her relationship with Thomas challenges the bounds of East-West propriety.
Irvina, a Russian ex-patriate who has survived many terrible trials yet maintained her sense of self and ultimately triumphs finding success in her endeavors through her strength of will and hard work.
There is some sexual content that readers may find distasteful.
Murder, vengeance, a giant typhoon and rampaging Japanese soldiers keeps your interest and the story moving along at a brisk pace. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars mainly due to the use of profane language.