A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 29th of December 2023
4 out of 5 stars
“I rate this book 4 out of 5.
“The Shanghai Circle” by Tony Henderson is an exciting story that takes place in Shanghai in 1936. It’s the first book in the Chinese Circles series. The main characters are Charles and Davina Guest, who run a family trading business. They face challenges because Japan is threatening to invade Shanghai, and communism is also on the rise.
The story introduces us to Joseph Cheung, who is part of a group called the Sung Society, kind of like a gang known as a triad. Joseph has his own personal reasons for being involved with them. Then there’s Irina, a Russian woman caught up with the triads and trying to escape.
The book shows us what Shanghai was like in 1936, describing the city’s racial tensions, drug problems, and the danger of a Japanese invasion. The author, Tony Henderson, brings the city to life, making it feel real and interesting.
The characters in the book are all different, and each chapter tells the story from a different person’s point of view. It’s like putting together a puzzle because everyone is connected in some way. They all have their own goals, and as a reader, you can see how even small actions can cause big problems.
One of the best things about the book is that there’s something for everyone. Each chapter is like a mini-story with its own character and problems. The characters are driven by their own desires and struggles, making the story suspenseful and exciting.
The author did a great job researching and describing Shanghai before World War II. The book paints a picture of a city dealing with racial issues and a growing drug trade. If you weren’t interested in Shanghai during this time before, this book might change your mind.
The one thing that I disliked a little about the book is that the intricate web of characters and multiple viewpoints felt confusing rather than compelling. The constant shifts in perspective disrupted the flow, making it challenging to connect with any character on a deeper level. The historical backdrop of 1936 Shanghai seemed overshadowed by a lack of coherence in the storytelling.
In simple terms, “The Shanghai Circle” is not just a history book; it’s like going on an adventure to a different time and place. The characters and their stories make it a book that’s hard to put down. If you like stories about interesting characters in a unique setting, this book is worth checking out. It might even make you curious to learn more about Shanghai in the past.