A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 22nd of April 2024

4 out of 5 stars

This book The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson is by far one of the best books I’ve read. It’s beyond amazing. The book took me on a long ride; it was exciting to know and gain knowledge about some historical events that took place long ago. This book portrays events, situations, and, most importantly, the deepest things you don’t get to know about that happen in the water. This book gives that thrill any reader will be looking for, even if you don’t like reading books.

The reason I like this book is the way the author made me not just see but feel the drill, at every point in time while reading the book, I was amazed because it was unpredictable. and seeing the author also write about his own experience made the book very intriguing. At some point, I thought I was experiencing all that was going on in the book. I also enjoyed the way the characters were portrayed in the book. It was impeccable. My favourite character was Ka. What is the world without villains? Ka’s character was expressed to the fullest, and I loved it.

I dislike this book due to its shallow portrayal of the 1930s, lacking the depth expected in historical literature. The author’s treatment fails to capture the era’s complexity, offering minimal insight into its social, political, and economic dynamics. This superficial approach leaves readers disconnected and disengaged, missing the opportunity to draw in a broader audience. The book’s failure to delve deeper into the intricacies of the 1930s disappoints, leaving me craving a more immersive and insightful exploration of this pivotal period in history. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for its captivating narrative and thrilling portrayal of historical events, particularly those set in the maritime world. The author’s ability to immerse readers in the excitement and intrigue of the story is commendable, making it a compelling read even for those who aren’t typically drawn to books. The unpredictable plot keeps readers engaged, and the author’s personal experiences add an intriguing layer to the narrative.
While I appreciate the excitement and depth in other aspects of the book, its shallow portrayal of the 1930s detracts from its overall impact, leaving me slightly disappointed. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrilling narratives, particularly those with an interest in historical events and the maritime world.