Scan barcode
A review by prashiie
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
“A love like theirs was never going to survive in a city divided by hatred.”
It took me a while to really get into the story and the insects and how they are described deserve a trigger warning! At first it was disgusting to read about the insects and it grossed me out, but luckily it got better.
This story is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set in Shanghai in the year 1926. The main characters Juliette and Roma are the heirs of feuding families and are expected to put their own family and gang first. But something weird is happening in Shanghai and it’s up to them to protect the city, together. However, from the start it is clear that there is some bad history between them.
“She could have reminded him of what he did four years ago, pushed the blade of guilt in until he was bleeding.”
As the story proceeds, we get to know what happened between them. They are both interesting and strong characters. I also really liked Marshall and Celia!
What shocked me the most is China’s political turmoil at that time and how much racism Chinese people faced by foreigners not only in America, but even in their own country. I could sense the resentment the author feels, rightfully so!
“Foreigners built parks and demanded the Chinese keep out. They poured funds into the city, and though China was never formally a colony, that was precisely what was going on in Shanghai: segment after segment being colonized.”
I’m glad to have read this book, because the background of this story was very educational! Now I’m curious to learn more about the history of Asia.
Graphic: Gun violence, Homophobia, Deadnaming, Xenophobia, Violence, Stalking, Sexism, Racism, Pandemic/Epidemic, Murder, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, and Colonisation
Moderate: Transphobia, Drug use, and Grief
Minor: War, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Beware of a detailed description of insects attacking humans!