Ruthanne Lum McCunn Livres

The narrative follows a Chinese man's harrowing journey as he navigates the brutal realities of the Pacific slave trade, shedding light on a historical event often overlooked. Through his experiences, themes of resilience, identity, and the fight for freedom emerge, illustrating the harsh conditions and moral dilemmas faced by those caught in this dark chapter of history. The story highlights not only individual suffering but also the broader implications of exploitation and survival in a challenging world.

Ruthanne Lum McCunn, known for her acclaimed novel Thousand Pieces of Gold, offers a rich perspective drawn from her experiences growing up in San Francisco's Chinatown and Hong Kong. Her work often explores themes of identity and cultural heritage, as seen in her pictorial history, Chinese American Portraits: Personal Histories, 1828-1988. Currently residing in San Francisco, McCunn continues to contribute to the literary landscape with her unique insights into Chinese American experiences.

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. This biographical novel is the extraordinary story of one woman's fight for independence and dignity in the American West.

Set against the backdrop of traditional expectations for women in China, the narrative follows Rooster, Shadow, and Mei Ju as they forge a deep friendship in a girls' house. Rejecting the roles of wives or nuns, they embrace their independence through embroidery and silk production. Despite facing ostracism, violence, and hardship, these self-combers carve out their own paths, showcasing resilience and empowerment. The Moon Pearl presents a compelling true story that highlights the strength and determination of women seeking autonomy in a restrictive society.

W 1871 roku Chiny nawiedza klęska głodu i ojciec trzynastoletniej Lalu musi ją sprzedać. Dziewczyna trafia do domu publicznego, skąd zabiera ją do Ameryki handlarka żywym towarem. Tam zostaje wystawiona na licytację i staje się własnością szefa knajpy na Dzikim Zachodzie. W końcu zagrano o nią w pokera... Ta po mistrzowsku opowiedziana historia to prawdziwa biografia, przeniesiona także na ekran, opowieść o niezwykłej kobiecie, która walczy o niezależność i szacunek na amerykańskim zachodzie.