A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 23rd of February 2024

5 out of 5 stars

Tony Henderson’s novel, “The Shanghai Circle,” is set in Shanghai in the 1930s. The book narrates the story of two powerful groups locked in a struggle for honor and revenge. Joseph is affiliated with the Sung Society, a coalition of criminals led by Chung, his father. Meanwhile, Davina stands to inherit the conglomerate known as Guest, owned by Charles along with his associates, comprador S.L. and Thomas, recent hires at Guest. As the Japanese plan to attack China, the children face the consequences of their parents’ actions, uncovering shocking revelations about family deaths that reopen old wounds. The novel vividly depicts individuals fighting fiercely to protect their loved ones amidst gang conflicts, brutal violence, betrayals, and natural disasters.

The most captivating aspect of the book for me was its characters. Each character possesses a distinct personality and harbors hidden ambitions in their pursuit of success. Despite initially trying to outmanoeuvre the Green Gang, Joseph ultimately capitulates and joins forces with them. The narrative allows ample room for imagination, such as the tense moments awaiting Thomas’s survival after his birth at sea. I admire how the author seamlessly transitions between characters from one chapter to the next, drawing readers deeper into the story as they follow each character’s journey to the end.

There wasn’t a single aspect of this book that I didn’t enjoy—it was consistently fantastic from beginning to end. I eagerly await the next installment, hoping it matches the excellence of this one. I’m particularly intrigued to see how the conflict between the Guest Company and the Sung Society unfolds.

I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and straightforward writing style make for an outstanding read.