A review  of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 19th of October 2023

4 stars out of 5

In the historical narrative crafted by Tony Henderson, The Shanghai Circle, a Chinese series unfolds, chronicling the intertwined lives of a taipan, a triad leader, and a captivating White Russian woman. At its heart, the story revolves around Davina Guest, a young taipan entrusted with the stewardship of her family’s trading house. However, her cherished enterprise faces imminent threats from the impending Japanese invasion and the rise of communism.

Unbeknownst to her, another perilous danger lurks in the shadows. Joseph Cheung, an heir to the Sung Society, finds himself compelled to master the intricacies of the triad. Shanghai’s criminal realm is a harsh domain ruled by vice and brutality, but Joseph is driven by unresolved business. Meanwhile, Irina, a beautiful stateless Russian woman, unwittingly falls into the clutches of the triads and fiercely fights for her freedom. Tony Henderson has skillfully created a cast of compelling protagonists for this remarkable novel, where each character grapples with the challenge of survival and the future of their respective organizations. The suspenseful narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats as hidden secrets are gradually unveiled. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those with a profound interest in historical tales.

One of the aspects I find most captivating about this book is the central characters, hailing from diverse backgrounds and missions, delving into the historical events within the world of Shanghai. Moreover, they uncover intriguing connections among them. The narrative within the book vividly portrays elements of inhumanity, romanticism, deception, and territorial power struggles. The story kicks off with a sceptic’s rumour about the 1936 Japanese invasion, which sows confusion among various organizations. This uncertainty revolves around the idea of nurturing a successor who could predict the fate of the organization. As a result, forging connections with individuals in positions of authority becomes increasingly vital for these groups as they brace themselves for potential adversities. This element injects a constant sense of suspense into the historical narrative, consistently challenging readers to abandon preconceived notions. Irina’s wit and humour, as she observes Joseph’s evolution into a mature male and his immersion into the world of the triads, shine a spotlight on Chinese culture and the beginnings of a typical Chinese family.

I have to admit that the part of the book I particularly disliked was the repetitive and unnecessary descriptions of the environment. In my view, these aspects detracted from the overall experience. However, it’s important to note that the book compensates for this dislike with a compelling narrative about the historical event it portrays, enriched by insightful commentary that enhances the reading experience and still adds a fascinating element to the story. This book successfully captivates the audience with its building tension and excitement. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The book excels in several aspects, such as its compelling narrative about a historical event, the insightful commentary that enhances the reading experience, and the captivating element it adds to the story. These strengths contribute to a fulfilling and engaging reading experience. However, my main point of contention was the repetitive and unnecessary descriptions of the environment, which I found somewhat detracted from the overall enjoyment. If these descriptive elements were more concise and focused, it could easily be a 5-star read.