I chose this novel because of the unusual setting: Shanghai in the 1920s, and I wasn’t disappointed. The historical setting is very vivid and it gives the impression of a bustling city with a very diverse population. The historical milieu was also portrayed knowledgably , if a bit forced into the story. I got a clear image of the strong Chinese opposition to the Japanese and the slow infiltration of communist ideas into the city in 1930, though I find these events only brushes the actual story.

Wu Feifei is by far the most interesting character. She’s a silent film star who, thought only twenty-four, is desperate to find a solution to her declining career. Because she knows Anna May Wong’s films, she decides the best thing to do is trying to get to Hollywood and she stops at nothing in order to carry out her plan.
Feifei is all but a heartless woman. She’s carying and sensitive, but she’s in a position where she can’t hesitate in front of nothing, and she does have a calculating mind – which is what has brought her and kept her where she is. She’s a very complex character and I really, really enjoyed her parts.

The rest of the characters are interesting and coherent, but not as involving as Feifei.

The writing style is my main complain. It really put me off. It was flat and dry and never managed to involve me in the story. If the events hadn’t been as interesting as they were, I would have probably abandoned the book after just a few chapters.
On the same line, the ending greatly disappointed me. After a tight, emotional series of events, the ending comes like an afterthought. It doesn’t close anything, not even in a narrative way, there is no sense of closure and above all events come to such a conclusion that I thought: why did I even read this story? I didn’t find any kind of satisfaction in the conclusion and this is a true shame, because the story in itself was very good.

I’m still happy I read it, but I’m sorry for that ending.

I had a hard time getting into this book. Since I did not finish it, I do not intend to publish a review.

Interesting concept but I found it hard going to believe

A voyeuristic glimpse into life in Shanghai before the revolution. The story is told by alternating characters whose very different backgrounds and social standings create conflict and mistrust in a fragile society ruled by mobsters, corrupt government officials and socialites.

Excellent novel! Do yourself a favor and grab a copy. You won't be disappointed!