Out of the stories heard in her childhood in Los Angeles’s Chinatown and years of research, See has constructed this sweeping chronicle of her Chinese-American family, a work that takes in stories of racism and romance, entrepreneurial genius and domestic heartache, secret marriages and sibling rivalries, in a powerful history of two cultures meeting in a new world. 82 photos.
I’ve read all of Lisa’s books with the exception of Tea Girl which I am saving for my birthday. On Gold Mountain which is nonfiction is certainly the most beautiful family saga I’ve read. It is at once heartbreaking and uplifting. You will feel for and root for every character in the book.
Lisa See has constructed an insteresting family palette, painted with the family characters and sketches of familial life that she garnered from stories of her childhood. This is a biographical quasi-memoir book, which I found more interesting than some of See’s novels.
It was somewhat more detailed than I needed but was also a fascinating history. I didn’t love all the characters but I really wanted to understand the culture and all the implications as they ripple to the present day.
Personal family history of a terrible, racist time. Sometimes it seems like we haven’t made much progress.
Fascinating story of her Chinese and Anglo family, the parts in China are so interesting, and coming back each time through Angel Island (?) was such an ordeal…
This well written memoir of an extensive Chinese family in California’s early days was
packed with interesting facts about the origins and struggles of Chinese immigrants.
The list of characters was large and full of unique personalities who find their roles in this prosperous family.
Fascinating insight into what the Chinese immigrants faced and how successful most were in overcoming whatever was thrown at them. Rich in history and touching in how much they endured. Hope we have come a long way from the prejudice they experienced. Great writing and look forward to reading more of this author.
This was my introduction to Lisa See’s writing about her part Chinese heritage and her search for her Chinese grandmother’s home in the mountains of China, on her own. I have read every book she has written since. She does her research!
Very interesting read……. very informative.
A lot of history. Enjoyed the portrayal of chinese life in America in that time period.
She is such a good author
I really enjoyed this book and Lisa See as an author.
I am a fan of Lisa See. This family biography discussed her Chinese and Anglo ancestors and their families’ relationships. Very interesting.
Currently reading
Interesting but too long
A real look at Chinese life and culture.
This is written more like journaled notes of a family history and what was seen or family encountered when she traveled back to China. It would be more interesting to me if it were my family. Having visited China many descriptions were like places or homes I’ve seen. If you haven’t been there and are interested in this style of writing it’s worth reading. I prefer Lisa See’s historical fiction books. Those are all great.
This is a semi-biographical story of the author’s family, from China to the US. The writing is tight and easy to follow, but the story is often difficult to learn about. Even knowing that the Chinese had challenges coming here, I learned much about their resilience and inner strength. It’s a penetrating read about a culture totally alien to mine, but with the ties that often bind families struggling to find a place in this country as the 20th century dawned.
The book is a biography of her grandparents coming to America and settling in California. It was interesting to read how they dealt with starting over in a foreign country. It dragged in a few places but, because it was a biography, this is how life really is (usually). Stay with it; you won’t be sorry !
This book is a century-long history of the author’s family, starting with a great great great grandfather who comes to America to work on the railroad. It’s long, and like any family history, more interesting in some parts than others. I found the parts that pertained to the Chinese culture the most fascinating and enriching.
Loved the complete story of this family with all the details and colorful description.