A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 19th of December 2023
4 out of 5 stars
“The Shanghai Circle” by Tony Henderson provides a captivating glimpse into life in Shanghai in the 1930s amid rising tensions between China and Japan. Through well-developed characters and meticulous historical detail, Henderson immerses the reader in the decadent yet dangerous world of this cosmopolitan city.
The story follows Joseph Cheung, the son of the leader of the prominent Sung Triad Society. After completing his initiation into the triad, Joseph is eager to learn the ins and outs of the criminal organization that has been his family’s legacy for generations. He is taken under the wing of Hao-wei, a seasoned member who schools Joseph in the inner workings of the Shanghai underworld. Through Joseph’s eyes, the reader is introduced to the diverse and dangerous personalities that populate the city’s gangs, brothels, and opium dens. While the organized crime aspects are fascinating, Henderson also shines a light on Shanghai’s harsh socioeconomic realities. Joseph witnesses the contradictions of unbelievable wealth existing mere blocks from abject poverty and squalor. Henderson portrays the dire conditions factory workers toiled in and the lives of hardship led by many of the city’s poorest residents with heart-breaking accuracy. These glimpses provide crucial historical context for understanding Shanghai at this pivotal moment.
In addition to vividly depicting 1930s Shanghai, Henderson also crafts complex and memorable characters. Joseph struggles with his desire to follow in his father’s ruthless footsteps while maintaining his own code of ethics. Meanwhile, the ruthless yet intelligent Du Yueh-sheng, leader of the massive Green Gang triad, looms as a chilling yet compelling figure of authority. Henderson excels at developing multidimensional characters with intriguing backstories. The editing of “The Shanghai Circle” by Tony Henderson stands out for its adept coverage of historic events, intricately woven with compelling characters. The book is free from grammar mistakes, ensuring a polished and error-free reading experience. Henderson’s narrative skillfully incorporates emotional depth, adding a poignant layer to the historical storyline. Overall, the editing of “The Shanghai Circle” contributes to an immersive and emotionally resonant exploration of significant events and characters.
While the underworld intrigues may not be for all readers, “The Shanghai Circle” delivers compelling historical fiction. Those interested in organized crime, 1930s Shanghai, or simply an absorbing character-driven saga will find much to admire in Henderson’s intricately crafted first novel. I would rate it 5 out of 5.