Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne Lum McCunn is widely praised for its compelling narrative and strong historical context. Readers appreciate the depth of character development and cultural insights, though some criticize the pacing. Overall, it's a powerful and thought-provoking story that resonates with those interested in diverse historical experiences.

A reader who enjoys Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne Lum McCunn would appreciate historical novels with strong female protagonists, such as Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club. They find rich, culturally immersive narratives and themes of resilience and identity compelling.

Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne Lum McCunn is a biographical novel that follows Polly Bemis, a Chinese American pioneer in 19th-century Idaho, as she navigates a life marked by family betrayal, gender expectations, and the quest for personal agency, offering a critical exploration of the American Dream's deficiencies. The novel describes sexual enslavement, enslavement, sexual assault, death by suicide, anti-Asian racism, gun violence, and lynching.

Inspirational / Challenging / Emotional / Heartwarming / Contemplative

- Thousand Pieces of Gold is based on the true story of Lalu Nathoy, a Chinese woman who was sold into slavery and eventually became a prominent figure in Idaho during the 19th century.
- Ruthanne Lum McCunn extensively researched historical immigration documents and oral histories to accurately portray Lalu's life and the experiences of Chinese immigrants in the American West.
- The novel was adapted into a film in 1990, starring actress Rosalind Chao as Lalu, bringing wider recognition to both the book and the historical figure.

Ruthanne Lum McCunn

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Thousand Pieces of Gold Summary

Background

Thousand Pieces of Gold Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1865-1872”

Part 1 Thousand Pieces of Gold Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1872” - Part 3: “1875”

Parts 2-3

Thousand Pieces of Gold Parts 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “1890-1894”

Part 4 Thousand Pieces of Gold Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “1898-1922”

Part 5 Thousand Pieces of Gold Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “1922-1923” - Part 7: “1933”

Part 6-Epilogue

Thousand Pieces of Gold Part 6-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Thousand Pieces of Gold Character Analysis

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Themes

Thousand Pieces of Gold Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Thousand Pieces of Gold Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Thousand Pieces of Gold Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Thousand Pieces of Gold Essay Topics

Thousand Pieces of Gold

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Thousand Pieces of Gold?

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