A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 21st of April 2024
4 out of 5 stars
“The Shanghai Circle” by Tony Henderson is a gripping novel set in 1930s Shanghai, a time of political upheaval and cultural exchanges that drew various characters from across the world to its bustling streets. Henderson’s narrative weaves through the lives of multiple characters, each entangled in their personal dilemmas and ambitions amidst the broader geopolitical shifts.
At the core of the narrative is Joseph, a young man being groomed to succeed his father as the leader of a powerful triad society. Henderson does a masterful job of portraying Joseph’s internal conflict as he grapples with the values imposed by his family and the violent realities of his inheritance. This is contrasted with the story of Davina Guest, a spirited woman navigating the male-dominated world of international business. Her journey from Shanghai to Hong Kong reflects both her personal growth and the broader socio-political changes impacting the region.
The novel also provides a vivid depiction of the city itself—Shanghai is presented almost as a character in its own right, with its glamorous nightlife and seedy underbelly. The author’s rich descriptions of places, from opulent boardrooms to grimy streets, effectively set the stage for the unfolding drama.
Henderson maintains a fast-paced narrative with clear, engaging prose that manages to handle complex storylines without overwhelming the reader. The dialogues are crisp and carry the cultural nuances well, contributing significantly to character development and the setting.
One of the book’s strengths is its historical accuracy and attention to detail, which serve to enrich the plot without bogging it down. The dynamics within the triad, the business strategies employed by expatriates, and the depiction of societal norms are all well-researched and convincingly portrayed.
However, the novel could benefit from a deeper exploration of some secondary characters who sometimes feel like mere backdrops to the more dynamic leads. Also, while the book is mostly error-free and professionally edited, a closer inspection could reveal a few minor typos that do not detract significantly from the reading experience.
Overall, “The Shanghai Circle” earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It is an engrossing read with a well-crafted plot and compelling characters. The book will particularly appeal to readers interested in historical novels that blend intrigue with the exploration of cultural and personal identities.