Review of Shanghai'd

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 23 Oct 2024, 18:46

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shanghai'd" by Curtis Stephen Burdick.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Shanghai’d by Curtis Stephen Burdick is an epic historical fiction that comprises many elements of adventure and exploration. It follows one man who is convinced to relocate from Boston to California, where a Gold Rush is happening to set up a business that would capitalise on this ground-breaking discovery. But things spiral out of control in the blink of an eye. The author is described as having three books under his belt that span different genres between them. This book was good, gripping, and jaw-dropping.

It is the mid-1800s, and the United States of America has won the war with Mexico and claimed the state of California. Amidst all these new changes, a great discovery is made that promises to change everything. Business people are scurrying about, trying to make sure their business can profit from this gold discovery. And this is when we meet Joshua Cabot, a Harvard graduate. He is enticed by a compelling proposal from a businessman to go to San Francisco to open an assay office and mint for him. Even though Joshua is not passionate about this proposal, they sweeten the deal that when he returns, they will invest in his other passion, and he accepts.

When he arrives, he finds that things are happening rapidly. He adjusts well, and they construct the shop, and the business can commence. While there, Joshua is smitten by a young, beautiful woman, and one thing leads to another. They get married quickly because a child is on the way. All was good, until a huge tragedy strikes that leaves Joshua torn apart. In all this pain, he does something that lands him in the worst place imaginable. Where is he? Can he escape? Can he find his way back? Does he want to go back? What will happen to him if he goes back?

The answers are in this book. I loved it so much. It was something totally unexpected. Initially, I thought it was just like any periodic novel that was set during the California Gold Rush, but it promised that it was like that but with more other aspects. I didn’t know this feat could be achieved. The first thing I liked about it was that it had many characters. Yes, the book followed Joshua through his ups and downs, but the many supporting characters also had their own ups and downs that you couldn’t help but care about. Some were even far greater than Joshua’s. That’s how well the characters were developed. Each character played their role to the fullest. I loved how slowly they were all introduced. This made sure you knew who they were and didn’t confuse them with another. I liked that they all had different names that didn’t sound the same at all. This is rare in books with many characters.

The writing made sure each character stayed true to their personalities. Stark remained so throughout, and so did Pims and Klacko, and the consistency in their behaviour was noteworthy. The dialogue completed the narration so perfectly. This made sure that the backstory of each character was given with style and flair so as not to bore the reader. The dialogue between the characters was raw and colourful. It was typical of people in their profession. This made the book believable because of its realistic portrayal.

The descriptions stood out for me. I was wafted into this treacherous world, where nothing was guaranteed. I felt deep inside the story. For not one second, did I feel like I was outside looking in. That’s how vivid they were. The action sequences were portrayed as they were through gripping words that painted the images in my mind seamlessly. The tension was also woven into the plot to make you uncertain of what would happen next. The mystery and suspense also added another layer to the story I appreciated.

The adventures sometimes did feel like they were overdone, and some could have been cut out to shorten the length of the book. But in the end, I understood why this was done. It was an unconventional style that made you care for the characters when you knew the lengths they went through in their lives to get where they were. So I can say there is nothing that big I disliked about the book.

I detected errors, although they were few and far between, to reduce the quality of the book. So I can say that the book was professionally edited. With everything I have said above, I rate this book five out of five stars. I highly recommend it to people who love historical fiction that is laced with adventure. Strong language would be unsuitable for younger audiences.

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Shanghai'd
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Blueberry Dragon · Post by **Blueberry Dragon** » 27 Oct 2024, 05:10

An adventure-filled book about the Gold Rush seems like a great read. Thanks for the review, @Kutloano Makuvhela. I'd love to read this book if I get a chance.

Lawrence Stein · Post by **Lawrence Stein** » 28 Oct 2024, 08:52

The greatest tragedies in life are those that occur when everything is going when. Joshua must be going through a lot at that point and I wonder what he will end up doing. I love books with vivid descriptions.

Nneka Bridget · Post by **Nneka Bridget** » 28 Oct 2024, 13:14

"Shanghai’d" sounds like a captivating historical adventure! The detailed character development and rich world-building during the California Gold Rush are particularly appealing. It's great to hear that the author manages to create a vivid and immersive experience, making you feel deeply connected to the characters' journeys. The balance of action, mystery, and well-crafted dialogue seems to elevate the narrative. Your observations about the storytelling style, while noting the occasional pacing issue, reflect a thoughtful engagement with the book. A 5-star rating certainly suggests it's a must-read for fans of the genre!

ivy mia · Post by **ivy mia** » 30 Oct 2024, 07:00

A historical fiction novel set during the California Gold Rush. It follows the story of Joshua Cabot, a young man who leaves his comfortable life in Boston to seek fortune in the Golden State.

The novel is filled with adventure, romance, and historical intrigue. As Joshua navigates the treacherous landscape of the Gold Rush era, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including cunning businessmen, desperate miners, and alluring women.

Whether you're a history buff or simply enjoy a good adventure story, "Shanghai'd" offers a thrilling journey through the heart of the Gold Rush.

Ali Asad 2 · Post by **Ali Asad 2** » 03 Nov 2024, 16:32

"Shanghai'd" is a strong but subtle look at the ins and outs of the old historical concept of "shanghaiing," taking some person against his will on board a ship, where he was forced into many years of involuntary servitude, especially between the 19th and early 20th centuries. This author masterfully interlaces personal stories with larger historical contexts to give the readers a rich sense of how lively but dangerous these cities, such as San Francisco and Shanghai, could be.

The character development of the novel is superb in letting one feel the stories in detail, from miserable experiences of the shanghaiee to miscreant Shanghaiers. The narrative describes streets full of smoke, the bars within smoke, and foreboding docks; thus, the evocative storytelling about desperation and survival tales.

One of the strengths in "Shanghai'd" is that it maintains balance as it does not flinch from the darker corners of human nature while speaking for resilience and the fighting of freedom. The deep research by the author creates an abundance of historical content yet does not overpower the text.

Altogether, "Shanghai'd" is both informative as well as an enjoyable read in terms of gaining some insight into a rather obscure part of maritime history. It is definitely something everybody interested in social history or maritime lore or the complications of human rights needs to read.

Ali Asad 2 · Post by **Ali Asad 2** » 03 Nov 2024, 16:33

"Shanghai'd" is a strong but subtle look at the ins and outs of the old historical concept of "shanghaiing," taking some person against his will on board a ship, where he was forced into many years of involuntary servitude, especially between the 19th and early 20th centuries. This author masterfully interlaces personal stories with larger historical contexts to give the readers a rich sense of how lively but dangerous these cities, such as San Francisco and Shanghai, could be.

The character development of the novel is superb in letting one feel the stories in detail, from miserable experiences of the shanghaiee to miscreant Shanghaiers. The narrative describes streets full of smoke, the bars within smoke, and foreboding docks; thus, the evocative storytelling about desperation and survival tales.

One of the strengths in "Shanghai'd" is that it maintains balance as it does not flinch from the darker corners of human nature while speaking for resilience and the fighting of freedom. The deep research by the author creates an abundance of historical content yet does not overpower the text.

Altogether, "Shanghai'd" is both informative as well as an enjoyable read in terms of gaining some insight into a rather obscure part of maritime history. It is definitely something everybody interested in social history or maritime lore or the complications of human rights needs to read.

Ali Asad 2 · Post by **Ali Asad 2** » 03 Nov 2024, 16:34

"Shanghai'd" is a strong but subtle look at the ins and outs of the old historical concept of "shanghaiing," taking some person against his will on board a ship, where he was forced into many years of involuntary servitude, especially between the 19th and early 20th centuries. This author masterfully interlaces personal stories with larger historical contexts to give the readers a rich sense of how lively but dangerous these cities, such as San Francisco and Shanghai, could be.

The character development of the novel is superb in letting one feel the stories in detail, from miserable experiences of the shanghaiee to miscreant Shanghaiers. The narrative describes streets full of smoke, the bars within smoke, and foreboding docks; thus, the evocative storytelling about desperation and survival tales.

One of the strengths in "Shanghai'd" is that it maintains balance as it does not flinch from the darker corners of human nature while speaking for resilience and the fighting of freedom. The deep research by the author creates an abundance of historical content yet does not overpower the text.

Altogether, "Shanghai'd" is both informative as well as an enjoyable read in terms of gaining some insight into a rather obscure part of maritime history. It is definitely something everybody interested in social history or maritime lore or the complications of human rights needs to read.

Post by **Leslie coccia** » 21 Dec 2024, 12:17

This book seems like it puts a fun twist on the Gold Rush. It’s refreshing that the characters are written distinctly, too. Historical tidbits are a plus. Seems like a worthwhile read!

Naimah Agboluaje · Post by **Naimah Agboluaje** » 25 Dec 2024, 09:19

Alooma, based on this review, "Shanghaid" by Curtis Stephen Burdick appears to be an intriguing historical fiction novel with elements of adventure and exploration. The reviewer praises the well-developed characters, realistic dialogue, vivid descriptions, and seamless portrayal of action sequences. While the reviewer acknowledges that some readers may find certain adventures excessive, they appreciate how these moments contribute to the characters' journeys. The book is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction. The reviewer gives a rating of five out of five stars. Dynamic storytelling, kept me engaged throughout.