Villa Shen: An Old Shanghai Story

Peter Shen
ISBN: 978-967-978-598-2
Pelanduk Publications
112 pag. paperback 21 x 30 cm

This book transports the reader to Old Shanghai through the experiences of the Shens, an old Catholic family dating back to the 17th century.

The author relates a series of anecdotes about his great grandfather, Louis Shen, and Louis's playboy sons and spinster daughters who lived colourful and unconventional lives on the grounds of Villa Shen, the family compound.

With the benefit of rare photographs, the reader is exposed to a family saga that is full of joy and sadness, laughter and tears, along with an unforgetable tour of Shanghai's night life -its dancehalls, theatres and brothels; and Shanhai's business world- its depatment stores, famous hotels and giant conglomerates, including the renowned Sassoon Enterprise.

An exciting and colourful bygone era of Old Shanghai comes to life on the pages of this book.