Book Review: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
The moment I stumbled upon These Violent Delights, I was entranced by its promise of a 1920s Shanghai aesthetic. I mean, who could resist the allure of glitter and grit, flapper dresses, and a city steeped in both beauty and decay? Chloe Gong’s debut novel caught my attention with its vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and, oh boy, did it deliver a thrilling experience that went far beyond what I expected.
Set against the backdrop of a Shanghai divided by gang rivalries—where the streets are alive with danger and decadence—These Violent Delights dives deep into both the vibrancy and violence of its world. The opening lines instantly encapsulate this duality: “This place hums to the tune of debauchery. This city is filthy and deep in the thrall of unending sin…” It’s a captivating image that sets the tone for the explosive journey ahead.
Juliette Cai, our fierce protagonist, immediately captured my attention. With her glimmering flapper dress and a pistol at her hip, she embodies the struggle between her Chinese heritage and her American upbringing. The tension of her identity pulls her in different directions, making her character deeply relatable. I often found myself grinning at her fierce determination, even as I wished for a deeper emotional connection to her flaws. Juliette’s internal conflicts about belonging echo broader themes of racism and cultural appropriation, deftly portrayed in Gong’s nuanced writing.
Yet, for a story that thrives on the promise of star-crossed romance, the chemistry between Juliette and Roma Montagov felt somewhat muted. Their encounters were interlaced with awkwardness rather than the thrilling tension I craved. While their story did include some positively charged moments—“You destroy me and then you kiss me…”—I often yearned for more passion and connection. Perhaps my expectations were skewed by the intensity I associate with the original Romeo and Juliet, but I still felt that the romantic elements could have been more satisfying.
Moreover, the pacing occasionally faltered, dragging in places. I found myself reading a mere ten pages at a time over weeks, which might have influenced my perception of the plot’s flow. That said, Gong’s rich character development and cultural representation kept me engrossed. The dialogue around colonialism and racism was particularly profound, addressing issues that still resonate today. I appreciated how gracefully the story handled such heavy themes, giving voice to the internal struggles faced by the characters.
Although I wasn’t completely enamored with every aspect, I can confidently say that These Violent Delights is a remarkable retelling, rich with complex characters and thematic depth. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy dark aesthetics intertwined with historical context. If you revel in stories that explore identity, love, and societal conflict, this book is worth picking up.
Ultimately, reading These Violent Delights left me with a mix of exhilaration and a desire for more. Chloe Gong has crafted a world that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking. I may have come for the alluring setting, but I stayed for the complicated characters and the cultural dialogues they sparked. I’ll definitely be revisiting this one—who knows what new insights I might uncover on a second read?
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