these violent delights by Chloe Gong

The hundred and ninth book of 2020

Reading period: Dec 16th 2020 – Dec 23rd 2020

Summary

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Rating

Review

This book contains mentions and descriptions of blood, violence, gore, character deaths, explicit description of gouging self (not of their own volition), murder, weapon use, insects, alcohol consumption, parental abuse.

This book intrigued me, in the first place, with its cover, but I knew that I needed to purchase it when I read the synopsis.

I found this book, which is the first of a series, different from the other ones I read. I discovered it is more character-driven and very atmospheric than plot-driven.

While I was reading, I was utterly immersed in the scenery. The author didn’t describe a landscape blankly, but she uses all the senses to tell it, making it so vivid and real. Every time I open the book, I was happy to be back in Shanghai and walk in the street with the character.

I was surprised to have different viewpoints. I wasn’t prepared for that. Nevertheless, it helps a lot to have a big picture and to distinguish all the characters, who they are, their pasts, etc. I liked it a lot as they look more human and it was easier to connect with them.

The way Chloe Gong talk about the colonization of Shanghai is stunning. You see all the political, but especially the human struggles that come with it.

There is only one thing that I wasn’t fond of was the fact that as you have a lot about the characters and the atmosphere in the book, I feel like the plot is put on the side. Sometimes I forgot a little about it. However, that end cannot happen; I am not okay with the cliffhanger!!

I cannot wait for the second book!

Liz.