A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 4th of June 2024

4 out of 5 stars

We are transported on a journey to 1936 Shanghai China where we see a son who is trying to live up to his father and clan expectations.

The author demonstrates loyalty and laws within the Triad Society and the repercussions that may befall anyone who doesn’t follow and abide by it to the letter.

The author also showcases the strained relationship between the Sung Triad leader and his family.

We are taken to the other side of Shanghai to the Guest family residence and company which has a history of conflicts with the Sung Triad society that dates back to the former Taipan.

The current hostility has left both parties with scars, losses, and painful memories as we learn.

The author introduces us to Mr Guest, who is struggling to run his empire, and the current predicament coming from the Japanese invasion of China.

We get to know his daughter, who is able to succeed in a business world that is dominated by men, even though women were not allowed to study or work at that level in the 1930s.

I was greatly impressed by the author’s detailed description of Shanghai, its wonders, beauty, and its inhabitants. The struggles that the locals face in their daily lives, the gap in employment opportunities, living and working conditions, the gap in their social classes, and the way they think and view other races are depicted.

We are able to gain knowledge about the challenges that arise when interracial relationships and friendships are not yet accepted by society. We also see the difference in between the races, the myths, expectations, their morals and upbringing

I appreciated the author’s decision to give us insight into the perspective of the characters involved in the Japanese invasion of China, their thoughts, and how they were affected individually.

I also got to see and learn that every action we do will have results and we have to repay for our misdeeds eventually.

The twists and turns were something I really enjoyed.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical novel and gained a lot of knowledge during the process.

In summary, the author did an exceptional job writing and editing the book. I didn’t find any typo errors and the language is easy to read and comprehend. The plot is smooth, right to the point and not exaggerated at all. The book’s high profanity, sensitive details like killings, rapes, war, violence, and classic mafia activities make it ideal for mature audiences and adults.

The author’s editing was excellent, so I didn’t find anything to dislike about the book.

In general, I am assigning this book a 4 out of 5 rating due to its exceptional work.

This book is perfect for historians who indulge themselves and gain knowledge from it.