Review of The Shanghai Circle

[Dayana Alvarado 1]

The story reflects the impact of wars, corruption and power conflicts in a society marked by rigid traditions.

[Naushin Moledina]

Set in 1936 Shanghai, “The Shanghai Circle” by Tony Henderson explores triads, war, and survival amidst political turmoil. Cheung Pak-ho, a triad leader, holds a grudge against British businessman Charles Guest. Complex family dynamics, tradition, and power struggles unfold as war looms. Well-edited, historically rich, and rated 5 stars.Thank you for an amazing review!

[Alida Spies]

It was a turbulent time with Japan's invasion and triads running illegal operations. The Sung triad leader was ruthless in his vendetta against the Guests. The author told a story full of suspense against the historical backdrop. It's a great book. Thank you for your informative review.

[Judy Burr]

Thank you for your review. It is an intriguing story in China with many characters. Two families, each heir is training to be the head of their family's business. This is a thriller.

[Tars]

Going by title alone, I was preparing to read this book, since I expected it to be about martial arts. To find out from the description that the actual subject are Triads and violent crimes chaos wrecked, changed my plan and, unfortunately, I will have to pass the book. Still, congratulations on BOTD!

[Gaurav Gupta 9]

Set in 1936 Shanghai, China, The Shanghai Circle vividly brings to life a city brimming with danger, intrigue, and tradition. The novel masterfully portrays a time when triads ruled the streets, dealing in drugs, operating clubs, and making profits from prostitution. In the midst of this turbulent era, refugees displaced by wars and invasions seek safety, while dangerous waters must be navigated for transport. Rules are strict, and breaking them often leads to fatal consequences.

At the heart of the story is the Sung Triad, led by Cheung Pak-ho. His son, Joseph, is next in line to take over the powerful organization, but Joseph is more of a figurehead, struggling to earn his father's approval. Charles Guest, a successful British businessman, lives in Shanghai with his daughter, Davina, who faces her own challenges in a society where women in positions of power are virtually unheard of. Meanwhile, Irina Donsky, a Russian refugee, battles for survival after her wealthy family fled to Shanghai following the Japanese invasion of Russia.

One of the central conflicts in the novel is the long-standing vendetta Cheung Pak-ho holds against the Guest family, which he passes on to his son, Joseph. The tension between the families escalates as the Japanese forces begin to invade China, threatening the already precarious future of Shanghai and its people.

What truly stands out in The Shanghai Circle is the author's attention to historical detail and cultural authenticity. From the cheongsam-clad women and the dominance of triads to the cumbersome flights that took days to complete, the novel immerses readers in the customs and struggles of the time. The use of traditional forms of transport, such as dangerous sea voyages, adds to the novel’s atmosphere of peril.

The novel doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life in 1930s Shanghai. It touches on sensitive issues like rape, murders, and the brutal practice of foot binding among Chinese women. These grim details bring a visceral reality to the narrative, making readers reflect on how far society has evolved in terms of human rights and technology.

Among the characters, the bond between Charles Guest and his daughter, Davina, is especially touching. Their togetherness in the face of adversity is both heartwarming and poignant, offering a glimpse into the challenges of running a business in a foreign, unstable land. The novel also provides valuable insights into Chinese history, showing the devastating impact of war, disloyalty, and betrayal on the lives of ordinary people.

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

I read this book and thought Joseph’s character was especially interesting. As the son of a powerful triad leader, he’s caught in a world of power, loyalty, and violence. His journey shows the struggle between the life he’s born into and his own morals and dreams, which makes him feel more relatable and human. It really gives you a look into the personal challenges of being born into a criminal empire.

[Tarana Bagotia]

The Shanghai Circle by Tony Henderson immerses readers in the gritty, atmospheric world of 1936 Shanghai, where triads, war, and survival intersect. I loved how the novel blends rich historical details with the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal. The characters, especially Irina and Davina, add depth to the story, showcasing resilience in a male-dominated world. The vivid depiction of the era’s harsh realities and traditions made me appreciate how far we’ve come. A compelling read for historical fiction fans.

[SophiaNd]

In the ancient times, it was a very difficult feat to have a successful woman, and this trend cut across all tribes. 'The Shanghai Circle' by Tony Henderson tells this story well and it will be an interesting read to find out what became of Devina and Irina Donsky. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Abraham Ozo]

In the Shanghai circle, drug-dealing Triads, family vendettas, and wartime struggles shape lives. Cheung Pak-ho's legacy hangs over his son Joseph, while Charles Guest and Irina Donsky navigate danger and tradition.

[Chinazo Anozie]

It's great that Tony Henderson adds in some information about real-life Chinese history. I wonder if the lives of Cheung Pak-ho, Davina and Irina will interconnect in this story.

[Alice Glover]

"The Shanghai Circle" gets off to a disturbing start as Joseph watches his father, the leader of a triad, (triads are criminal gangs that run the underworld in the city) conduct a gruesome trial. Joseph wants to succeed his father but is not as cold and dispassionate. Davina is promoted by her father Charles Guess, taipan of his own successful Guess trading company; while, in stark contrast, Irina, the once wealthy daughter of a Russian banker is forced into prostitution. The characters are interesting and set to collide as Joseph's father has a personal vendetta against the Guest family and the triads control prostitution in the city. Like the reviewer, I loved the setting--1936 Shanghai right before World War II, and nobody has a Google map. This should be a great read!

[Alichi]

In 1936 Shanghai, Triads, family struggles, and war shape lives, as Cheung Pak-ho and others confront danger and betrayal.

[mrlefty0706]

“The Shanghai Circle” by Tony Henderson is a story about drug dealing and prostitution by Triads that begins in Shanghai, China in 1936. The leader of the Sung Triad is Cheung Pak-ho and his 20-year-old son is destined to succeed him. The sample had an amazing start with a member being beheaded for violating one of their rules. Woman that are in a relationship with another member are off limits and violation of this rule will result in death and with the head separated from the body will prevent the dead member from ever entering paradise. The first chapter convinced me that I wanted to read this book. Cheung Pak-ho holds a grudge against Charles Guest, a successful British businessman living in Shanghai with his daughter Davina who is the successor to her father. Woman do not hold authoritative positions in 1930’s China so this will be a huge challenge. Another foreign once-wealthy family living in Shanghai is led by Irina Donsky, a lady that had to flee Russia when the Japanese invaded Russia and then the Japanese invaded China before WWII. There is a constant threat of violence with rape and murder in the streets. The Triads caused a great deal of the violence so one had to be careful they did not offend the wrong person. I am looking forward to learning more about the Chinese history during these turbulent years. The descriptions of the characters in the streets are so detailed that I felt like I was there observing what they were doing.

[mrlefty0706]

“The Shanghai Circle” by Tony Henderson is a story about drug dealing and prostitution by Triads that begins in Shanghai, China in 1936. The leader of the Sung Triad is Cheung Pak-ho and his 20-year-old son is destined to succeed him. The sample had an amazing start with a member being beheaded for violating one of their rules. Woman that are in a relationship with another member are off limits and violation of this rule will result in death and with the head separated from the body will prevent the dead member from ever entering paradise. The first chapter convinced me that I wanted to read this book. Cheung Pak-ho holds a grudge against Charles Guest, a successful British businessman living in Shanghai with his daughter Davina who is the successor to her father. Woman do not hold authoritative positions in 1930’s China so this will be a huge challenge. Another foreign once-wealthy family living in Shanghai is led by Irina Donsky, a lady that had to flee Russia when the Japanese invaded Russia and then the Japanese invaded China before WWII. There is a constant threat of violence with rape and murder in the streets. The Triads caused a great deal of the violence so one had to be careful they did not offend the wrong person. I am looking forward to learning more about the Chinese history during these turbulent years. The descriptions of the characters in the streets are so detailed that I felt like I was there observing what they were doing.