The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel intertwines romance and history, set against 1940s Shanghai. Critics praise its vivid setting and complex characters. The plot, characterized by its emotional depth, resonates well, though some find pacing uneven. Ideal for historical fiction lovers craving a blend of love and historical intrigue.

Readers captivated by the rich tapestry of wartime romance and historical fiction will relish The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel. Fans of Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah will appreciate the intricate storytelling and cultural depth. This novel weaves love, resilience, and tragedy in 1940s Shanghai.

The Last Rose of Shanghai, published in 2021, is a historical romance novel by Weina Dai Randel set in Japanese-occupied Shanghai from 1940-1945. It follows the love story of Aiyi Shao, a nightclub owner, and Ernest Reismann, a Jewish refugee and pianist. The narrative recounts their struggles with societal expectations and the harsh realities of war. This text includes depictions of drug addiction, domestic violence, misogyny, graphic violence, death, and racist and antisemitic language.

Romantic / Emotional / Mysterious / Melancholic / Inspirational

Weina Dai Randel

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Last Rose of Shanghai reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Last Rose of Shanghai | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Last Rose of Shanghai and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Last Rose of Shanghai Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Last Rose of Shanghai Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-16

The Last Rose of Shanghai Chapters 1-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-40

The Last Rose of Shanghai Chapters 17-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-53

The Last Rose of Shanghai Chapters 41-53 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 54-74

The Last Rose of Shanghai Chapters 54-74 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 75-92

The Last Rose of Shanghai Chapters 75-92 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Last Rose of Shanghai Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Last Rose of Shanghai Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Last Rose of Shanghai Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Last Rose of Shanghai Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Last Rose of Shanghai Essay Topics

The Last Rose of Shanghai

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Last Rose of Shanghai?

Reading Age

Book Details