A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 26th of April 2024

5 out of 5 stars

This is a story set up in China, in Shanghai society. Triads rule the business world, and the prominent ones are the Green Gang and the Sung triads. They engage in drug selling, prostitution, and gambling as their main business activities. Joseph succeeds his father, Cheung Pak-ho, who is the leader of the Sung Triad. He receives the necessary traditional approval to be a leader. Charles Guest is also set to be succeeded by his daughter, Davina, in business. It is not quite easy, as this society is male-dominated in terms of leadership. Wars in various countries cause people to seek refuge in other countries. There is Irina, who seeks refuge in Shanghai and has to find ways of pushing through life and acquiring her basic needs. Joseph’s family moved to Hong Kong. What do they find in the new land?

I love the setting of the book’s plot. It is set in a traditional society with very unique cultures. The society is dominated by triads and their leaders. Some triads could not dare outdo each other, and this could lead to very serious consequences if it happened. Each worked out business on their level. The main mode of transport is through ships and boats in the water. The twists from one character to the next in each chapter were very engaging. It kept me glued to the book, wanting to know the fate of each character. I loved the way the characters were well brought out. Davina was determined to take her father’s business to the next level, even in a male-dominated society. In a society where Joseph had inherited a grudge against another triad, he pushed through it.

What I disliked about Shanghai society is that women were used to wrongly acquire money through prostitution. Rape cases were also rampant, which was a form of disrespect to women. I did not find any grammar errors in the book, and this makes me say that the book is well-edited. The characters were well brought out, and the plot was organized. The positives outdo the negatives, and this makes me give this book a perfect rating. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson to lovers of historical fiction. One may gain knowledge about Shanghai society in the 1930s, which may be of benefit. I also recommend it to a mature audience due to the violent and rape scenes available.