A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 22nd of May 2024
5 out of 5 stars
Tony Henderson’s “The Shanghai Circle” is a book that I would describe as a desperate historical epic that unfolds in the downtown of Shanghai in the 1930s. Being on the verge of big war, Shanghai in the ’30s was the same city of vice and bets, subdistricts, intrigue, and anarchy of good and evil. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s looming threat and the intricate web of the Sung Triad Society, Henderson expertly weaves together the lives of a diverse cast of characters, including Davina Guest, Joseph Cheung, and Irina.
Henderson’s writing vividly brings pre-war Shanghai to life with detailed and colorful descriptions. He shows the busy energy of the city, its rich culture, and the big differences between the rich and the poor. His fast-moving, suspenseful story keeps readers engaged, and his clear writing style is easy to understand. The characters are well-developed, with interesting histories and personal challenges that connect with readers.
Even though some parts of “The Shanghai Circle” are easy to guess, it’s still an exciting historical adventure. The book does a great job with its characters, setting, and suspenseful plot. The vivid description of 1930s Shanghai and the well-developed stories of Davina, Joseph, and Irina make it a great read. The careful integration of fictional characters within a historical framework adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The book is filled with suspense and adventure, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The plot twists and turns at a pace that ensures there’s never a dull moment.
The book contains explicit descriptions of violence, sex, and profanity, which might not be suitable for all readers. While these elements contribute to the story’s realism, they can be off-putting to some. I found nothing to dislike about the book. It is exceptionally well-edited. There were no grammatical errors. This does not degrade the book’s overall quality.
In conclusion, “The Shanghai Circle” is a very interesting historical book, and I liked reading it. It seems to me that anyone who likes reading historical fiction or detective novels would be excited to read it, as it presents quite an interesting story of the previously existing world. It features a great deal of interesting characters, a vivid setting, and an absorbing plot. Although there are some specific moments in the novel that may leave much to be desired, it is worth reading in any case, and I would definitely give this book five out of five stars.