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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Marcus Fedder’s interlinked short story collection, My Shanghai Neighbours, immerses readers in the unique beauty of Shanghai’s historic French Concession, weaving tales of musicians, academics, a metro worker, and communist officials.
My Shanghai Neighours
In My Shanghai Neighbours, Marcus Fedder delivers a captivating collection of interlinked short stories that plunge readers into the vibrant, historic heart of Shanghai’s Former French Concession.
This fictional ethnography masterfully explores the culture, behaviors, and daily rhythms of a diverse cast of characters—musicians, academics, metro workers, and communist party officials—whose lives intertwine in the city’s most beautiful neighborhood. Drawing from Fedder’s own experiences living in this storied quarter, the book brims with polished, eloquent, and authentic storytelling that reveals the subtle truths of human nature beneath the surface of everyday moments.
What sets this collection apart is its unexpected narrator: Jing Zhang, the neighborhood cat. With a penchant for philosophy, classical music, and keen observational prowess, Jing Zhang offers a fresh and whimsical perspective on the lives of his human companions. Through his feline lens, readers glimpse the frailties, dreams, and quiet wisdom of the residents, adding a layer of charm and depth to an already richly textured narrative.
The stories unfold against the elegant backdrop of the Former French Concession, where tree-lined streets and historic charm belie the lingering shadows of the past. Beneath the surface of daily life lurk tales of lost love, betrayal, and existences upended by the Cultural Revolution, alongside more contemporary struggles like Covid-19. Fedder deftly weaves these threads into a dazzling literary journey, balancing the weight of history with the resilience and humor of the present.
From a metro worker navigating the grind of modern Shanghai to party officials haunted by decades-old secrets, the characters are nuanced and unforgettable, their lives intersecting in ways that feel both intimate and universal. Jing Zhang, ever the astute observer, ties these narratives together, his philosophical musings and affection for his “frail” human friends infusing the book with a rare blend of wit and tenderness.
My Shanghai Neighbours is more than a collection of stories—it’s an enchanting window into a world both foreign and familiar, a celebration of the small moments that illuminate larger societal truths. For anyone curious about life in present-day Shanghai or simply seeking a joyful, thought-provoking read, Fedder’s work is a literary treasure not to be missed.
Marcus Fedder
Marcus Fedder spent 18 months in 2018–19 immersed in the vibrant heart of Shanghai’s Former French Concession, an experience that deeply informs his work. Once a banker specializing in development finance, he now resides in the Swiss mountains, where he balances a dynamic life as a start-up founder, finance board member, advisor, painter, and writer.
His literary journey began with his debut novel Sarabande in 2008, followed by German Justice in 2020, reflecting his academic foundation in International Relations from FU Berlin, LSE, and Cambridge University. Passionate about giving back, Marcus channels the proceeds from his writing and art to support the UK charity Children of the Mekong.
Find more from Marcus Fedder now:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4lihS73
Black Spring Press: https://blackspringpressgroup.com/products/my-shanghai-neighbours
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