Juxtaposed against the setting of 1920s Colonialist Shanghai, the heirs of two rival gangs must work together to defeat a river-dwelling, parasite-spreading monster. Does this story sound familiar to you? It’s based on none other than Shakespeare’s fabled Romeo and Juliet.
Chloe Gong’s retelling of the Shakespearean play takes the original context of the story and flips it on its head, instead reimagining the narrative through the lens of Colonialist politics and gang warfare. Combining the best of a timeless classic with themes relevant to 21st-century readers, ‘These Violent Delights’ is a rare gem in a playing field littered with subpar fairytale renditions and mediocre historical parodies.
One of the first things that hooks readers into Gong’s duology is its ability to transcend genre. With rich descriptions of 1920s Shanghai, yet including captivating fantastical elements, 'These Violent Delights' leans towards both Historical Fiction and Fantasy classifications. Add on its Romeo and Juliet narrative, and lovers of the classics will too find themselves fawning over the duology. 'These Violent Delights' refuses to mould itself to the confines of a singular genre, instead encapsulating the glamour, the danger, and the irresistible allure of 1920s Shanghai in a way that will appeal to all readers.
Despite the elegance of Gong’s prose, the star of the show has to be Gong’s gift for characterisation. From minor characters to antagonists to Roma and Juliette themselves, not a single individual feels redundant to the plot progression. Even the foulest of characters are driven by motivations that the reader can empathise with, allowing the reader to see parts of themselves reflected within. Gong displays an enviable ability to craft multidimensional characters from marginalised communities, exploring their narratives without falling victim to tropes or tokenism.
Lastly, what truly moves the reader is the way Gong’s protagonists aren’t the only ones venturing on a journey of growth. With the complex moral decisions made by the protagonists, Gong plays with the idea of right versus wrong, inciting the reader to embark on the uncomfortable but thoroughly insightful process of self-examination. Is there ever a clear distinction between what is right? Is it acceptable to sacrifice the lives of strangers for the life of a loved one? When both Gong’s cast of individuals and readers alike are deliberating these questions, it sheds light on the most crucial thing of all - our defining characters.
If you’re looking for a light read, this isn’t for you. If you dislike books that explore complex topics, this isn’t for you. However, if you’re someone who loves flawed yet beautiful characters, uncommon settings, or most of all, holding onto hope in a bleak and divided world, then this book is definitely, definitely, written for you. Enjoy.