A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club 2nd of January 2024
5 out of 5 stars
Tony Henderson’s captivating historical fiction book, “The Shanghai Circle,” unfolds in 1936 Shanghai—a period marked by turbulent transformation and intrigue. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of diverse characters navigating the complex sociopolitical landscape of a city torn between colonial control, modernization, tradition, and the looming threat of Japanese invasion. At the story’s core is Joseph, a young man initiated into the Sung Triad Society, offering a profound exploration of organized crime and its strict code of conduct. His journey unveils the conflict between violence and loyalty among triad members.
Davina, the daughter of a prominent businessman, emerges as another important character, grappling to carve her path in a male-dominated society. Her journey, characterized by ambition and tenacity, sheds light on the challenges women face in a rapidly changing world. Meanwhile, Russian Irina and her family, once affluent, find themselves in Shanghai after the fall of the Tsar. Struggling with her father’s debts and destitution, Irina must navigate the harsh realities of the society she now inhabits—even if it means compromising her own body. “The Shanghai Circle” is a thrilling and action-packed thriller. The author keeps the reader in suspense until the very end, exploring a period and location that are often overlooked in popular literature, making the book even more fascinating.
Given its explicit content, “The Shanghai Circle” is recommended for readers aged 18 and above, featuring strong sexual themes and grim subject matter, including graphic sexual scenes and instances of rape. These sections vividly portray the brutal reality of the historical era, though some readers may find them challenging to read. Throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed the seamless character development executed by Tony Henderson. There was nothing I didn’t like in this book. The writing was impeccable and well-edited; upon close inspection, I couldn’t spot any errors. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to those seeking an immersive experience in a historically accurate portrayal, leaving a lasting impression.