Description: The extraordinary biographical novel about a Chinese-American woman who fought for independence and dignity in the American West--"an important contribution to the history of pioneer women" (Ms. Magazine)
Lalu Nathoy's father called 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. Polly, as Lalu is later called, is sold to a brothel, sold again to a slave merchant bound for America, auctioned to a saloonkeeper, and offered as a prize in a poker game. With over a quarter of a million copies sold, Thousand Pieces of Gold is a classic of biographical historical fiction that stars an unforgettable Chinese-American heroine whose struggles put a human face on the anti-immigration policies of the past and present.Review Quotes: "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
--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