Thousand Pieces of Gold (Asian Voices) [Paperback]

Ruthanne Lum McCunn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1989 | Series: Asian Voices

This masterful biographical novel—which has sold more than 100,000 copies—tells the true life story of Lalu Nathoy, a young Chinese girl sold into slavery in 1871 by her poverty-stricken family and auctioned off in the American West. McCunn tells the gripping tale of how Lalu struggled out of servitude to achieve a life of freedom and dignity as a pioneer woman.

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

Editorial Reviews

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

About the Author

Ruthanne Lum McCunn was born in Hong Kong and has published seven books on the experiences of Chinese people in America; more than 275,000 copies of her books are in print.

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Press; Signed by Author edition (May 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807083178
• ISBN-13: 978-0807083178
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,167,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ruthanne Lum McCunn, an Eurasian of Chinese and Scottish descent, was hailed by the Dallas Times in 1985 as "an American-Chinese author of remarkable talent." Her work, which has won many awards, has been translated into eleven languages, published in twenty-two countries, and adapted for the stage and film.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sara Frackelton, Karen Smith, and Kat Calder's assessment, May 2, 2000

By 

Sara, Karen and Kat (Raleigh, NC US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thousand Pieces of Gold (Asian Voices) (Paperback)

As an independent reading assignment given to us by our wonderful English teacher Susan Pearson, we had the privilege of reading A Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne Lum McCunn. Overall, we gave the novel 4 1/2 stars. It was easy reading and very moving. Lalu,the main character, struggles her entire life while searching for freedom. After she gained her liberty her quest became a search for happiness and a sense of belonging. The novel begins in the mountains of China where a little farm community is striving to survive. Lalu's father takes his whole life savings and gambles it away on a risky crop. The whole family's lives were turned around and Lalu's papa shamelessly sold his most prize possession to the bandits. The bandits, like her father, sold her to a women who took her to America, the Land of Gold. While in the United States, Lalu becomes the slave of an old man. She had no freedom or authority in this situation. Lalu finally gained her freedom when she married Charlie. This book was sentimental to the three of us because we fell in love with Lalu and her character. When she felt pain; we felt pain. When she fell in love with Charlie; we did as well. There was never a dull moment in the 307 pages that made up the novel and it was hard to put down. We also liked A Thousand Pieces of Gold because it represented many different lives. Lalu (Polly-her American name) experienced many aspects of mortality and the human condition.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Chinese Girl Struggling for Survival in a Foreign Nation, March 13, 2001

By 

123 (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thousand Pieces of Gold (Asian Voices) (Paperback)

Thousand Pieces of Gold is a very interesting novel, which gets the readers attention and a touching sentimental piece of literature. The story talks about a Chinese girl's life of utter suffering and sorrow. The girl's name is Lalu Nathoy and later she is called Polly Bemis. This novel is actually based on a true story but some fictional characters have been introduced. The story talks about Lalu being sold by her dad to bandits and later sold to a bar owner in America. This story shows a person how a Chinese person's life was like during the 1870's of America.

I really enjoyed reading this book because the story was really touching and many scenarios are very exciting. Lalu's courage and strength helps her survive through many tragic moments. I admire Lalu because she manages to never give up and maintain her hope that one-day she will get her freedom. Her courage allows for her wish to come true. She finally receives her freedom when her American husband sacrifices all his assets including property to live with her in the canyons. The betrayal by Lalu's family really hurt her a lot and her marriage brought the only source of happiness that she ever had. I felt this book is really worth reading so I recommend everyone to read this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Heartwarming Story That Just Can't Be Put Down!, December 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Thousand Pieces of Gold (Asian Voices) (Paperback)

WHAT A STORY!

Ruthane Lum McCunn's, THOSAND PIECES OF GOLD, is a heartwarming story that once read, can't be put down again. This novel draws the reader into the life of a woman's struggle to fight for respect and freedom for her own life. It begins in China as she (Lalu) was traded to bandits for two bags of seeds at the age of thirteen during the early 1870's. This event carries her through many times of hardships where she doesn't know where she is or where she is going. The basis through most of her life is to please men and fulfill their dreams. It is not until the midpoint of her story that her dream of becoming free becomes reality.

This story is full of exciting events that put the readers into the world of the characters. The most significant event that made me want to keep reading was when Lalu (later known as Polly Bemis) was traded to some bandits at the age of thirteen. This event occurs at the beginning of the story and makes it a joy to read.One can only imagine all the pain , sadness, and suffering Lalu went through as a child (and as a women). At first, she was terrified for what had happened to her. She thought she was her fathers "quijin"- his "thousand pieces of gold". She then realized that she was traded for her family to survive.

This book is purely amazing, from the beginning, to the end. This is an outstanding book for those that like drama and suspense. It is also recommended for those that can't seem to put great books down. It's like the Pringles commercial saying, " Once you pop, you can't stop." I really enjoyed this book, not only for its simplicity to understand, but also the way Ruthanne Lum McCunn put the story down on paper.