A WWII saga in the heart of the world’s most decadent city in 1936. Enter the Paris of the East, where one man and one woman strive to hold on to their dreams as the Communists rise and the shadow of Japan closes in.His country stood on the verge of a new beginning and the gate of hell. The Kuomintang promises the dawn of democracy, but the Communists threaten civil war while Japan’s unbridled … war while Japan’s unbridled ambitions loom.
All Clark Yuan wants is to see his fellow countrymen’s lives improve. He joins the KMT, hoping to play his part to make China a better place. He vows to Eden, the beautiful Jewish girl he admires from afar, Shanghai would be her forever home.
But power and money are at stake. The line of good and evil shifts. To achieve his ends, he must bargain with the devils. How much of his soul would he sacrifice to reach the greater good?
Fleeing the rise of the Nazis, Eden Levine came with her family to Shanghai, hoping to build a new life.
The dazzling city made her swoon. From the pinnacle of luxury, big band jazz, to a safe haven for Jewish refugees, the country that turns no one away is the beacon of hope. But behind the glitz and glamour, the darkness of human nature lurks.
A heinous crime shocks the international community.
Would she defend an innocent Nazi soldier and risk the ire of her own people? With only her new friend Clark by her side, could she defy the clutch of racial strife to see justice prevail?
“I dream of a day when all nations’ flags would fly in unity of peace. I dream of a world where no law or human divide would stop two people from falling in love.”
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From the author of the Rose of Anzio series, don’t miss this sweeping WWII tale of love, loss, and hope during one of the world’s darkest hours.
** One of Hidden Gems’ Best Books of 2018
*** Third place winner of the Asian Book Blog’s Book of the Year of the Dog 2018
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I am beta reading Shanghai Story and I am enthralled. It begins in Shanghai at the dawn of WW2. This book does an excellent job of transporting the reader to prewar China, a country rich in culture, but also under threat and in turmoil. It also address the kindness and generosity that the Chinese showed the Jewish people by opening their doors to Jewish refugees from Nazi occupied countries. The characters are well rounded. The images are vivid and real. And, the historical accuracy is well researched. I am really enjoying this novel
I loved this, the first book in Alexa Kang’s trilogy of the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. I love the characters but especially Clark, a great understated hero. I’ve read all three of this trilogy and I highly recommend each one.
This was a part of WWII that I had never read about before. Made me want to do research to read more about the subject and places. The story is written very well around characters that could have lived then.
During World War II, a young man returns to Shanghai from study at Wesleyan University in America. Clark’s (Guo-Hui) strong family ties would force him into an arranged marriage, and to take on the family’s extensive business. Instead, he responds to recruitment for an interesting government position, where he witnesses corruption reaching too close to home. He is attracted to a young woman who recently fled the Nazis to the safety of Shanghai. As their work brings them together, the attraction increases, bringing the couple to evaluate their bonds and ties, and the cultural reactions their relationship will bring about. This is a history not often addressed. Vivid descriptions bring the Shanghai environment and the tumultuous times into life and focus. Some historic situations reminded of Pearl Buck’s novels of pre-revolutionary China. A fine juxtaposition of history and romance, and well worth reading.
Interesting from a historical point of view about the German Jews flight to China. The main characters were interesting but not always consistent in their choices – it just didn’t always ring true. The plot was merely OK.
Due to the fact ,that I grew up in a Communist system, I can relate to the dictatorial issues in the book. You have to follow the system even if you wholeheartedly do not believe in it. The ignorance of a newcomer to a country that safes their life it changes very fast when two religions clashes,
I enjoyed this book
I sued to live in Shanghai. It brought me back to the old city. It also reminded me of the social mores and restrictions.
Too wordy
An engaging tale of a little known piece of history.
Interesting read about a little known part of the pre World War Ii China.
Just made me realize how much corruption there is in politics the world over. I enjoyed the characters.
A glimpse into a small and fascinating corner of 20th century history.
Interesting to see how Jewish people were treated in Shanghai during the leadup to WWII. Also, I wasn’t aware that white people treated the Chinese as lesser than them even in China although it seemed likely based on how white privilege is not new.
Great historical read.
Loved Shanghai descriptions–spent time there–political info boring-interested n add’l as to future of characters.
This was the only book I’ve read about Shanghai during this time period. The characters relationships was interesting, however I found the historical content compelling. Worth reading.
was up all night reading…
Loved it!
Unusual setting and characters kept me tuned in to this book. Would like to read the sequels.