A review  of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 25th of October 2023 

4 stars out of 5

The Shanghai Circle, authored by Tony Henderson, presents an astonishing narrative that immerses its audience in an enthralling exploration of Shanghai, China’s vibrant city. Within the pages of this book, various themes come to the forefront, including questions of identity, cultural clashes, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The story revolves around the interconnected lives of a Taipei, a triad leader, and a White Russian against the tumultuous backdrop of 1936 Shanghai, gripped by the Japanese invasion and the looming spectre of communism. Amidst these challenges, Charles Guest, the Taipan at the helm of a significant company, faces the daunting task of securing his daughter’s future, Davina, by grooming her as his successor—an unprecedented opportunity for a woman in the Far East.

Unbeknownst to them, another perilous threat lurks in the shadows. Cheung Pak-ho, leader of the Sung Triad Society, and his son, Joseph Cheung, the heir apparent, must navigate the treacherous waters of the triad world, where immorality and brutality reign supreme in Shanghai’s criminal underbelly. However, Joseph embarks on a transformative journey to confront these issues. Meanwhile, Irina, a captivating stateless Russian woman seeking a fresh start in Hong Kong, inadvertently becomes entangled with the triads and valiantly strives to break free from their clutches.

I admire the author’s storytelling prowess, particularly the way he seamlessly intertwines multiple storylines and perspectives, crafting a complex tapestry of interconnected lives. Irina’s narrative, in particular, is captivating; she is a Russian girl. Her involvement with the Triad, initially coerced into a high-ranking member’s service as a prostitute by a so-called friend, takes an unexpected turn for the better. While the book’s plot unfolds rapidly, it succeeds in keeping readers enthralled and eager to uncover the hidden secrets and mysteries of the Shanghai Circle. A standout feature of this novel is the author’s meticulous attention to detail. Through his vivid descriptions, readers are transported to the very heart of Shanghai, immersing themselves in its sights, sounds, and scents, thereby making the city itself feel like a character in its own right.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, there were a few aspects I found myself disliking. Notably, there were times when the multiple storylines and numerous characters became slightly overwhelming, making it challenging to keep track of everyone’s journey. Additionally, I encountered moments where the pacing felt uneven, with certain sections seeming rushed. These elements, while not diminishing my overall appreciation for the book, did prompt some moments of dislike during my reading experience. I recommend this book to historical fiction enthusiasts, It offers a captivating journey into 1930s Shanghai, though be prepared for occasional complexity in the narrative.

I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. This book is an engaging and captivating read, offering a deep and immersive look into the vibrant and complex world of Shanghai. Tony Henderson’s meticulous attention to detail, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes contribute to its high rating. The portrayal of Shanghai as a character in its own right is a standout feature. However, the minor drawbacks, such as the occasional overwhelming nature of multiple storylines and characters and the uneven pacing in some sections, prevent it from achieving a perfect score. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free,