A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 20th of October 2023
3 out of 5 stars
The Shanghai Circle, penned by Tony Henderson, is a compelling Chinese historical series that chronicles the rich tapestry of Shanghai’s past. It unfurls a captivating saga of power struggles and wealth battles between the formidable Sung Society, a prominent triad group, and a British trading family. At the core of the story lies the journey of Davina Guest, a young taipan entrusted with the responsibility of preserving her family’s trading legacy.
However, her cherished enterprise faces imminent threats posed by the looming Japanese invasion and the growing tide of communism. Unbeknownst to her, another peril lurks in the shadows. Joseph Cheung, an heir to the Sung Society, is compelled to unravel the intricacies of the triad world in Shanghai, a harsh realm marked by vice and brutality. His motivation stems from a quest for closure and unfinished business. Simultaneously, Irina, a captivating stateless Russian woman, unwittingly becomes entangled with the triads and fiercely battles for her freedom. In this remarkable novel, Tony Henderson skillfully crafts a cast of engaging protagonists, each grappling with the challenges of survival and the future of their respective organizations. The suspenseful narrative keeps readers on tenterhooks as concealed secrets are gradually unveiled. I would recommend this book to readers who have a strong interest in historical fiction and are willing to explore stories that delve into the complexities of crime organizations, such as the Triads, and their impact on society.
What truly astounds me is the writer’s adeptness in shaping characters and vividly bringing scenes to life. Amidst the cast of characters, one individual who truly captured my attention is Davina Guest. Throughout the novel, it becomes evident that she hails from a profoundly affluent and influential family. However, what distinguishes her is her remarkable humility and the exceptional manner in which she treats the company’s staff, from security guards to cleaners. Davina’s authentic passion for her work shines through, and she embraces the tumultuous world of business with unyielding zeal. In contrast, her female companions appear solely focused on Shanghai’s social circuit and the pursuit of marriage. The author’s imaginative writing style and the seamless integration of these characters into a finely crafted narrative are nothing short of remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to aficionados of historical fiction.
The reason I dislike this book is the extreme nature of the Triad’s justice system. From my perspective, there should be a more balanced approach to punishment that doesn’t involve the public beheading of an individual in front of their family and friends, regardless of the severity of the offence committed. I’m not suggesting that the person’s actions were justifiable, but rather that the punishment should better correspond to the crime. In this instance, the punishment seems excessively severe. Additionally, the dire consequences of transgressing the rules, including the loss of one’s life, naturally discourage such actions. I felt that the author could have opted for a less graphic portrayal when describing the beheading of Leung Tat-Wu. The author’s talent for vividly depicting such a scene, unsettling as it may be, is unquestionably commendable.
I gave this book a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. The reason for this rating is primarily due to the extreme and unsettling nature of the Triad’s justice system, as described in the book. The excessive brutality of punishments, such as public beheadings, left me with a strong sense of dislike for this aspect of the story. While the author’s skill in vividly depicting such scenes is commendable, it made it challenging for me to fully appreciate the narrative. However, it’s essential to note that this rating is based on my perspective and the particular aspect of the book that I found unsettling. Other readers may have a different interpretation and experience of the story. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.