Electric Shadows of Shanghai by Clare Kane

Format: E-book (Kindle)
Publisher: Watchword (digital imprint of Impress Books)
Published: 18th December 2015
Pages: 218 Pages

The Blurb
It’s 1931 and British diplomat William Graves and his wife, Amelia, are flung headfirst into the enticing, neon-lit streets of Shanghai. As Will helps to maintain the fragile peace between China and Japan, Amelia, alone in a foreign city, seeks solace with a Russian ballet troupe that are more than they seem. Whispers of protest, revolt, even war, buzz through the city as Will is tasked with rooting out Communist propaganda that could push tensions over the edge into war. But the city’s streets hold other intoxicating allures.

Will falls into a deep obsession with Feifei, a beautiful silent film star, who is desperate to escape the volatile city and sees Will as her only chance at freedom. As Amelia starts to sense Will’s betrayal and the personal and the political begin to blur, will they lose themselves in the electric shadows of Shanghai?

Rating: 5/5

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The Review
Thank you to Impress Books for letting me be a part of the Blog Tour and to read and review Electric Shadows of Shanghai.

Will and Amelia jump into the delights of Shanghai and embark on their new adventure as a married couple. Amelia is a little reluctant, but Will is excited for his new role at the consulate.

Amelia is a passionate dancer and joins a troupe created by Russian, Tamara who tries to keep girls on the straight and narrow. The girls that perform ballet are usually those that dance for men, but they dance to earn money for their families.

Will on the other hand is enticed by the delights of Shanghai and becomes infatuated with actress Feifei, I’d even suggest he is in love with her. Amelia is aware of the growing relationship and wonders if moving away from England was the best thing for them. Will wasn’t a fair man. He wanted the affection and desire from Feifei, yet when Amelia shown signs of enjoying herself he wouldn’t allow it. Well if he can gallivant around Shanghai’s nightlife and sample the delights, I think it was only fair that Amelia danced with her new friends.

I most enjoyed reading about Shanghai in 1931 and all the developments in history. I don’t know much about that time period so it was really interesting to read about the British influence in the city and vice versa. I also thought it was great to read how tea came from that region, or close to, so I thank them for letting me drink a cup of tea today – I doubt I would if it wasn’t for the British involvement.

Clare (yes another one without an i) writes beautifully and her words made me believe I was part of the story and immersed in the Chinese and Japanese culture. I’d defintiely be interested in reading another piece of work by Clare.

You can also visit the other blog tour stops, see the websites below!

The book in a nutshell… immerse yourself in the delights of Shanghai, but don’t be fooled by its dazzling lights!

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