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
In Tony Henderson’s tale, The Shanghai Circle, we find a rich tapestry of Chinese traditional storytelling. The story revolves around a group called the Sung society, a British firm called “Guest,” viewed as their supposed adversary, and a society where every rule broken has consequences. The narrative explores themes of the realities of the drug trade, the ravages of war, deception, the sex trade, and assault. Central to the narrative is Cheung Pak-ho, the esteemed leader of the Sung society, whose legacy hangs in the balance as his son, Joseph, prepares to succeed him.
As Joseph familiarizes himself with the inner workings of the triad, he inherits his father’s deep-seated animosity towards the Guest family, perpetuating a cycle of vendetta. Meanwhile, Davina emerges as a beacon of strength and determination to sustain her family’s trading enterprise, unaware of the lurking dangers. Irina, unfortunately, becomes entwined with the triads, struggling daily for survival and facing sexual abuse. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy intricate and immersive storytelling with a blend of suspense, action, and rich cultural elements.
The reason I like this book is because it is captivating and intriguing, as I liked the traditional setup and the blend of suspense and action. But what truly captured my attention was the profound bond between Charles and his daughter. Their relationship added a layer of depth and emotion that resonated with me. Moreover, Davina’s entrepreneurial spirit in expanding her father’s business showcased resilience and innovation, which I found inspiring. These elements combined to make the story not just entertaining but also relatable and thought-provoking, which is why I found myself drawn to it.
The reason I dislike this book is due to the violence and initial complexity in the first few chapters, which may discourage some readers from continuing. While I understand the importance of setting the tone and establishing the plot, the excessive violence and complexity right from the start can be off-putting. It creates a barrier for me, who prefers a gentler introduction or a smoother entry point into the story. This aspect of the book detracts from its overall appeal, potentially alienating a portion of its audience and limiting its accessibility.
I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars due to the rich tapestry of Chinese traditional storytelling, coupled with themes of the drug trade, war, deception, and the intricacies of triad societies, it creates a compelling and immersive narrative. The profound bond between characters like Charles and his daughter, as well as Davina’s entrepreneurial spirit, adds depth and relatability to the story. However, the excessive violence and initial complexity in the first few chapters may deter some readers, detracting from the overall appeal and accessibility of the book. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.