A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 18th of May 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Welcome to the tumultuous and vibrant world of 1936 Shanghai, as depicted in The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson. Here, amidst the brink of war and political tumult, readers are introduced to a captivating narrative. The story orbits around three central characters: Davina, a spirited young woman fiercely defending her family’s trading house; Joseph, an heir to the formidable Sung Society torn between duty and personal vendettas; and Irina, a captivating Russian beauty caught in the treacherous web of the triads. Henderson skillfully weaves their lives together amidst the backdrop of impending war, the ascent of communism, and natural calamities, crafting a narrative brimming with intrigue and the instinct for survival.

What I liked the most about this book is the way the author has vibrantly portrayed the 1930s Shanghai. The meticulous historical detail breathes life into the city, from the opulent residences of the elite to the shadowy alleys controlled by the triads. The author’s precise descriptions made me almost hear the bustling markets and sense the underlying tension. I found the characters equally enthralling; Davina’s resilience and determination, Joseph’s internal struggle between loyalty and morality, and Irina’s desperate fight for survival are deeply engaging. The plot is full of twists and turns, maintaining a relentless pace that kept me eagerly flipping pages to uncover the next revelation.

There is nothing that I essentially disliked about this book. It is the first novel in the Chinese Circles series. One thing that I believe is essential to note before choosing to read this book is that it contains gore descriptions of violence and abuse, which some readers may not be comfortable with.

I can say that this book has gone through professional editing, as I did not stumble upon any significant errors during my reading. So, based on all the things that I felt about this book, which I have mentioned above, I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to enthusiasts of historical fiction, especially those intrigued by early 20th-century Asia and the complex social and political tapestry of Shanghai during that turbulent period. Though it tackles intense themes such as violence and betrayal, the narrative also explores resilience and redemption, providing a rich and deeply satisfying reading experience.