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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Sarah Zain
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Re: Review of The Shanghai Circle

Post by Sarah Zain »

The review is carefully and coherently written. Setting the plot in a distant time completely different from our own, leaving it up to the reader to find similarities. The intertwining of events and the excitement that results from the danger that lurks around them all make the book a good choice for reading. Congrats on BOTD
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Post by Alissa Deann Devargas »

'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.'
This sounds like an historical crime thriller. It sounds more exotic, as it's in China.
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Suvankar Das 1
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Post by Suvankar Das 1 »

The Shanghai Circle sounds like an intense and immersive read! The setting of 1930s Shanghai, combined with the intriguing characters and the looming threat of war, really makes it stand out. Looking forward to diving into this historical world of power struggles and survival!
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Post by Rose Angela »

"The Shanghai Circle" by Tony Henderson is a historical thriller set in 1936 Shanghai. It follows a taipan, a triad leader, and a White Russian as their lives intertwine amid the threat of Japanese invasion and the rise of communism.
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Deborah Belanger
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Post by Deborah Belanger »

Thank you for your intriguing review on "The Shanghai Circle" by Tony Henderson. 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. 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. The more I read on the sample from Amazon the more I became interested in knowing what the outcome for these characters were going to be so I have put it on my shelf to read. Congratulations to the author for BOTD.
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Post by Chantelle Johnson »

Story sounds really interesting. Thought I'm not a fan of non fiction this does peak my curiosity as I like to learn about new cultures and what makes them so unique from mine. Will most definitely put on my to read list.
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Post by Sara Rathke »

Hi. I downloaded the offered sample and gave it a shot but unfortunately it isn't something I could give my full attention to. I tried to stay open minded and I will say I did like the style it portrays.I wish the best for you.
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Post by todwyer01 »

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting historical fiction set in 1936 Shanghai at the height of a gang war between the Tri-ad, and the British, but when the son of the Head of the Tri-ad develops a relation with daughter of the British family, tensions may be strained even more. It might be worth a second look. Well done.
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Post by Elizabeth Humberstone »

This looks like a very interesting book, however I not a fan of some of the darker themes so I will not be reading it.
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Post by asaltares »

I love everything that is Oriental related. A reminder of how was in the past without technology and a good Oriental Mafia is always a good read.
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Post by azza lia »

Your review provides detailed insight of what to expect from the book. I appreciate the way the author brings out the tension between tradition and survival vividly. The book contains some tough subjects that I couldn't enjoy exploring. I will pass reading this one. Thank you for a nice review.
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Hazel Arnaiz
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Post by Hazel Arnaiz »

It appears that the book examines Chinese history, culture, and society in the 1930s. From a cultural and sociological standpoint, the juxtaposition of several references to family and business traditions offers insightful perspectives.
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Post by Love Ukaegbu »

Beautiful story, with a perfect plot with the triads and a Japanese invasion of China. This is certainly worth being the book of the day. I recommend it.
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Post by Surabhi Rani »

'Official Review: The Shanghai Circle' by Tony Henderson has an illustrative introduction. It vividly focuses on the issues the book raises. The point that this is the story of the Japanese invading China is worth mentioning in the review. readers would learn real-life Chinese history. The book sheds light on the effects of war such as disloyalty and betrayal lurking in the atmosphere. Also, they would appreciate modern technology and how we've evolved to drop some inhumane traditions.
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Post by Khushi RBY Yadav »

It seems kind of like fiction plot set in real world. The concepts of book deal with drugs, prostitute, and wars. Also the effects these things have on prople. I would probably would like to read the book for its traditional setting.
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