Review of The Shanghai Circle

Brian Ruguru · Post by **Brian Ruguru** » 29 Mar 2023, 03:24

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Shanghai Circle" by Tony Henderson.]

5 out of 5 stars

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It is in 1936 in Shanghai, China. Triads are dealing drugs, running clubs, and making money from prostitutes. Wars have left people homeless and seeking refuge in other countries. The standard mode of transport is by sailing across dangerous waters. In this traditional setting, rules should be followed, and breaking one has dire consequences— including death!

Cheung Pak-ho is the Sung Triad leader. His son, Joseph, is set to succeed him. Joseph is more of a trophy son who receives cold love from his father. Also, he is expected to fit in for an easy transition of power when the time comes. Charles Guest is a successful British businessman living in Shanghai with his daughter, Davina. Irina Donsky is a Russian lady whose once-wealthy family had to seek freedom in Shanghai after the Japanese invaded Russia.

Cheung Pak-ho holds a grudge against the Guest family and passes the vendetta to Joseph. A woman holding an authoritative position in traditional China is unheard of, so Davina's succession remains a challenge. As an oddity, Irina has to survive by all means possible, even if she has to bend her moral values. The Japanese have invaded China and seem to succeed. What does the future hold for Shanghai's inhabitants?

I loved the traditional setting of the work. There were no sleek Mercedes Benz sedans or private jets to transport the rich. Sailing across deep, dangerous waters was the most common mode. The Chinese ladies wore cheongsam, and child labor was at its peak. In addition, triads dominated the streets, and murders were common if you crossed the wrong people. Finding locations was done by paper rather than Google maps. Even the flights available were cumbersome and would take days with numerous stops between cities.

We have some gory and sensitive details like rape and killings. Instances of foot binding among Chinese women were a common occurrence. Reading this book made me appreciate modern technology and how we've evolved to drop some inhumane traditions.

I cherished the togetherness between Charles Guest and his daughter. Running a business in a foreign country was no easy task. Above all, I learned real-life Chinese history. The effects of war are evident. Disloyalty and betrayal lurk in the atmosphere.

I found one grammatical error. The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson is well edited. I detected nothing to disdain. Therefore, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to lovers of historical books with real-life underpinnings.

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The Shanghai Circle
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NutellaBanana · Post by **NutellaBanana** » 02 Apr 2023, 08:55

This is an interesting and well thought of book. This is also an interesting and well-written review. This is also a book that I would definitely love to try out. Thank you for this wonderful review.

Chinenye Achilike · Post by **Chinenye Achilike** » 03 Apr 2023, 12:09

History books are not my kind of thing at all, so I'll just pass this one. Kudos for the review.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 12 Feb 2024, 23:40

The story sounds enthralling. I am still wondering how the Guest family will survive, especially when it is stated that Davina's succession remains a huge challenge. The mode of transport in the treacherous waters also sounds blood-chilling. I have added the book to my shelf. Many thanks for the review.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 21 Oct 2024, 09:19

I am immediately drawn to the powerful red cover. The review is as promising as the cover - set against a historical period in China, with the traditional setting, talking about the triads. I am sure the element of foot binding will leave a bitter taste, especially since it is a real life thing.

Brienna Cooper · Post by **Brienna Cooper** » 21 Oct 2024, 09:20

Great review!

We have some gory and sensitive details like rape and killings. Instances of foot binding among Chinese women were a common occurrence. Reading this book made me appreciate modern technology and how we've evolved to drop some inhumane traditions.

As intriguing and enticing as this book sounds, it would be these inhumane and sensitive details that would make me wait to be in the right frame of mind (for lack of better phrasing) before I attempted to read it.

Post by **Ajiferuke Ajibola** » 21 Oct 2024, 09:31

"The Shanghai Circle" by Tony Henderson seems intriguing. The traditional settings portrayed remind me of past times when we did almost everything manually. I wish to know the answers to the reviewer's questions. Congrats on BOTD. Nice review.

Post by **Rupali Mishra** » 21 Oct 2024, 09:32

Congrats on BOTD!
Shanghai's tumultuous streets of the 1930s are seen in Tony Henderson's painting City Circle. Danger and secrets abound in this land. Power, tradition, and betrayal were all crashing together in Henderson's society, and a major clash was just around the corner.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 21 Oct 2024, 09:47

No spoilers, but I think Cheung's arc is resolved too hastily in this book, especially his relationships with Irina and his son Joseph. Character deaths happen more frequently than you think.

Post by **Mr Benj** » 21 Oct 2024, 09:48

The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson, a book that features business, drugs, illegality, power and China. It will be fun to read more about the book.

Gabrielle Stepp · Post by **Gabrielle Stepp** » 21 Oct 2024, 09:53

This review of The Shanghai Circle is well written and pretty detailed. I appreciate the information the reviewer shared in regard to the violence that happens on page. I also love learning the true history embedded in a story of fiction. Thank you your review.

Jorge Leon Salazar · Post by **Jorge Leon Salazar** » 21 Oct 2024, 10:01

The setting, Shanghai in 1936, sounds intriguing. The presence of triads ruling the streets with criminal activities is reminiscent of a gangster plot. The book offers historical fiction with real-life undertones. It is interesting to know how things were done at that time in a country as unique as China.

Kshitija Sonawane · Post by **Kshitija Sonawane** » 21 Oct 2024, 10:05

This seems like there is a lot of worldbuilding in this book, and honestly, I love that. I think I will love this book. Congratulations on the BOTD, and best wishes for future projects.

Post by **Seetha E** » 21 Oct 2024, 10:08

The book has a really captivating plot. It starts off with the Sung Triad and their brutal methods, which immediately draws you in. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens to Davina and Irina. The review gives a great overview of what to expect from the book. Thanks for sharing!

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 21 Oct 2024, 10:12

"The Shanghai Circle" by Tony Henderson transports you to 1936 Shanghai, where triads, power struggles, and betrayal shape the lives of characters navigating a traditional world. With Joseph caught between his father's cold expectations and a deep family vendetta, and characters like Davina and Irina fighting for survival in a male-dominated world, the story weaves rich historical detail with intense personal drama. Gritty, historical, and packed with suspense—this book captures the essence of survival and legacy. Congratulations on being BOTD!