Review of The Shanghai Circle

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Morgan Buchanan
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Re: Review of The Shanghai Circle

Post by Morgan Buchanan »

This book sounds interesting. My only question is this a love story or just action? You mentioned following several characters that some how intertwine.
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Bertha Jackson
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Post by Bertha Jackson »

Chinese history is fascinating, and I appreciate that this book features Davina's challenges for succession. Thank you for your review.
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tarafarah7
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Post by tarafarah7 »

Book 1 in the Chinese Circles series, today's BOTD is a historical fiction novel set in 1930s Shanghai. Filled with well-developed characters that jump off the page and realistic events and issues, readers are in for a treat with this one. Sounds like a must-read! Thank you for the great review! :-)
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Carlos Mutai
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Post by Carlos Mutai »

Very wonderful story. It 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. I am sure the element of foot binding will leave a bitter taste, especially since it is a real life thing.
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Olga Markova
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Post by Olga Markova »

This is an interesting review. I sampled the first chapter that introduced Joseph at a gory meeting of the Sung Society where a member was beheaded for breaching a rule. The review suggests that there are more exciting plot threads to expect with Charles, Davina, and Iryna and interesting historical aspects. This novel feels like an interesting read for action thriller fans.
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Nerea
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Post by Nerea »

Great review. I would love to learn about the real-life Chinese history. Plus, I'd like to see how disloyalty, effects of war, and betrayal are brought out in the narrative. I am adding the book to my book shelf.
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Gerry Steen
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Post by Gerry Steen »

This piece of historical fiction will keep me on the edge of my seat, according to this review. I love Chinese culture and want to learn more about its history. Did you know that Japan had invaded Russia? Chinese triads and the rise of communism are also featured. An interesting read indeed!
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Post by Princevic Ekeoma »

What a beautiful piece of writing this review is. It presents a lovely synopsis of pre-civilized Chinese society, and, of course, of the effects of war, and the brutish and savagery nature of human societies before civilization. Most important is the effects of dangerous lifestyle of the uncivilized Chinese society. It also appreciates the beauty that civilization and technology has added to the lives of the Chinese people and to the human race in general.
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Post by Supritika Ghatak »

Readers are swept up into the turbulent world of 1936 Shanghai in Tony Henderson's novel The Shanghai Circle, where betrayal, triads, and power battles are everywhere. In a society dominated by men, Davina and Irina struggle for their place, while Joseph deals with his father's harsh demands and a family grudge. A gripping and unvarnished tale of survival and legacy is presented via the story's deft integration of intricate historical details with powerful emotional drama.
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Ganeefa Karan
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Post by Ganeefa Karan »

From the cover, the review, and the sample, to me, "The Shanghai Circle" by Tony Henderson sounds like a dark and mysterious novel set in the 1930s, infused with some Chinese history.
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CUT YAFIQ
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Post by CUT YAFIQ »

Henderson came up with a twist that really shook me up and made me start the story all over again. This kept me on edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen next.
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Post by Solange Abi Saad »

I am not an enthusiast of historical fiction, but it seems from the review that this book is a great read, well written and captivating.
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Post by Olebu Rejoice »

"The Shanghai Circle" by Tony Henderson, transports you to 1936 Shanghai, the Sung Triad, led by Cheung Pak-ho, navigates criminal power struggles amid impending war as his son Joseph, British businessman Charles Guest, and his daughter Davina, and Russian refugee Irina face life-altering decisions against a looming Japanese invasion.
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Nicole Naicker
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Post by Nicole Naicker »

I was intrigued by this story at first but that synopsis left me a bit confused. I'm now uncertain whether to continue reading this book or not. I am curious about the Chinese history though.
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MAHAD BAIG MIRZA
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Post by MAHAD BAIG MIRZA »

Thank you for sharing such a well-rounded and insightful review! You did a wonderful job highlighting the historical and cultural depth of the book. Your descriptions of the setting and characters bring the story to life, making it easy for readers to appreciate its richness. I especially appreciate how you drew attention to the lessons learned from both the traditional values and the challenging realities presented in the novel.Good work!
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