A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 27th of April 2024

5 out of 5 stars

The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson transports you to the bygone era of Shanghai, when the city was preparing for significant upheaval. It takes place in 1936, during Shanghai’s tumultuous period. The Cheungs and the Guests are the two families we follow. Strong young Davina Guest is preparing to take over her family’s company. Joseph Cheung, who has seen tragic events in the past, is undergoing training to become the leader of the Sung Society, a formidable organization akin to a gang.

You’ll get the impression that you’re in the city as you read this book, experiencing its vibrancy and observing its varied population. The large-scale topics covered in the book include power, survival, and the nuanced aspects of family and love. The characters in The Shanghai Circle are among the things that make the book unique and enjoyable to read. Every individual feels authentic and has unique challenges and aspirations. Joseph is caught between his past and future, and Davina and Irina Donsky add intrigue to the narrative. The surprising ways in which their lives intersect keep the plot interesting.

The novel has a lot of exciting, unexpected stuff that happens rapidly. Throughout the book, you’ll be engrossed in the story and eager to discover what happens next. The stories of Davina and Joseph complement Irina’s to make the book flawless. Furthermore, Tony Henderson’s description of old Shanghai is superb. In my opinion, those who enjoy history or simply a good tale should read this book. A good read that offers a glimpse into a fascinating bygone era of Chinese history, The Shanghai Circle captures the essence of the country and its people in an adventurous way.

This book is perfect; therefore, I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Also, there was nothing in the book that I disliked. This book was expertly edited since it is error-free. Readers who enjoy suspense and history should pick up this book.