An interesting story loosely based on the author’s grandmother’s experiences in China in the 1920’s. Communism is emerging and newly married Annie Brand finds herself in the middle of massive change. Annie has left Australia but readers don’t know why until the end. This history impacts all of her relationships in China including with her husband and other Europeans. She’s a bit of a mystery. A good young adult introduction to a little-known part of history.

3.5 **** Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres because I get to learn new things, in The Shanghai Wife I definitely learnt about a time in China's history I wasn't aware of. As well as the gangs, the political unrest, communism and the disparity between the foreigners way of life and those of the Chinese who are treated terribly and live with nothing, I also learnt that I would not have been able to fit into the society's elite just like Annie. It was an interesting story, I found the pace a bit slow at times and I'm not sure I liked the ending. There was plenty of intrigue surrounding several of the characters which caused Annie to be overly curious and quite naive in her behaviour often putting herself or others in danger. Overall it was an okay read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a copy in return for an honest review.