Thousand Pieces of Gold: A Biographical Novel (Asian Voices) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0807083178 ISBN 13: 9780807083178

Publisher: Beacon Press, 1709

Synopsis

A reissue of the classic biographical novel that has sold more than 200,000 copies

Lalu Nathoy’s father calls his thirteen-year-old daughter his treasure, his “thousand pieces of gold,” yet when famine strikes northern China in 1871, he is forced to sell her. She is sold first to a brothel, then to a slave merchant bound for America. In a new country, she is given the name Polly and eventually auctioned to a saloonkeeper. When admirer Charlie Bemis wins her in a poker game, he frees her from her enslavement and eventually proposes marriage. The two live out their days on a bountiful farm, a homestead called Polly’s Place in Salmon Canyon, Idaho.

This masterfully told biographical novel is the true story of an extraordinary woman’s successful fight for independence and respect in the early American West.

“Lalu comes to life and transfixes the reader with her story of struggle and survival . . . Lalu/Polly was a remarkable pioneer woman—a new heroine of the American West—and we can thank McCunn for bringing her to life in such a moving and inspirational way.” —Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, San Francisco Chronicle

“A valuable book that gives Chinese Americans another true heroine.” —Maxine Hong Kingston

“Lalu Nathoy’s courageous journey is an important contribution to the history of pioneer women.” —Ms. Magazine

About this title

Review

[A] story of struggle and survival as a woman-and slave-in China and the American West . . . Fast-paced and entertaining-packed with adventure, drama, and inspiration. --Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, "San Francisco Chronicle"
"From Shanghai to San Francisco, Lalu Nathoy's courageous journey is an important contribution to the history of pioneer women."--"Ms. Magazine"
"This biographical novel has plenty of suspense and a strong story line. Reading it is a liberal education in one phase of pioneer life in the West."--Lucille McDonald, "Seattle Times"
"A valuable book that gives Chinese Americans another true heroine."--Maxine Hong Kingston
"Ruthanne Lum McCunn has woven an enthralling work of fiction from the true-life story of Lalu Nathoy."--Elena Brunet, "Los Angeles Times"

A story of struggle and survival as a woman-and slave-in China and the American West . . . Fast-paced and entertaining-packed with adventure, drama, and inspiration. Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, San Francisco Chronicle
From Shanghai to San Francisco, Lalu Nathoy's courageous journey is an important contribution to the history of pioneer women. Ms. Magazine
This biographical novel has plenty of suspense and a strong story line. Reading it is a liberal education in one phase of pioneer life in the West. Lucille McDonald, Seattle Times
A valuable book that gives Chinese Americans another true heroine. Maxine Hong Kingston
Ruthanne Lum McCunn has woven an enthralling work of fiction from the true-life story of Lalu Nathoy. Elena Brunet, Los Angeles Times"

"A story of struggle and survival as a woman-and slave-in China and the American West . . . Fast-paced and entertaining-packed with adventure, drama, and inspiration." --Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, San Francisco Chronicle

"From Shanghai to San Francisco, Lalu Nathoy's courageous journey is an important contribution to the history of pioneer women." --Ms. Magazine

"This biographical novel has plenty of suspense and a strong story line. Reading it is a liberal education in one phase of pioneer life in the West." --Lucille McDonald, Seattle Times

"A valuable book that gives Chinese Americans another true heroine." --Maxine Hong Kingston

"Ruthanne Lum McCunn has woven an enthralling work of fiction from the true-life story of Lalu Nathoy." --Elena Brunet, Los Angeles Times

Synopsis

Chronicles the life of Lalu Nathoy, a young Chinese girl--sold as a slave and brought to America--where, later, as Polly Bemis she struggles and survives as a pioneer in the West.

About this edition

• Publisher: Beacon Press
• Publication date: 1709
• ISBN 10: 0807083178
• ISBN 13: 9780807083178
• Binding: Paperback