"Thousand Pieces of Gold" is a historical novel written by Ruthanne Lum McCunn, first published in 1981. The book is based on the life of a Chinese woman named Lalu Nathoy, who was later known as Polly Bemis. Lalu was sold into slavery in China and brought to the United States during the 19th century.
The story begins with Lalu's childhood in rural China, where she is sold by her impoverished family to human traffickers. She is transported to the United States and ends up in a mining town in Idaho, where she is sold to a Chinese man, Hong King. Despite the difficult circumstances, Lalu is a resilient and determined woman who faces the challenges of her new life with strength and courage.
The title, "Thousand Pieces of Gold," refers to the idea that a woman is worth a thousand pieces of gold, a common cultural expression in Chinese society at the time. The novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience in the American West during the 19th century. It sheds light on the hardships faced by Chinese immigrants, particularly women, during this period.
The book gained attention for its portrayal of a little-known aspect of Chinese American history and the strength of its female protagonist. In 1991, it was adapted into a film of the same name, starring Rosalind Chao as Lalu/Polly. The novel has been praised for its historical accuracy and compelling storytelling, providing a glimpse into the lives of Chinese immigrants in the American West during a challenging period in history.
0