On Gold Mountain by Lisa See ****

It is said, “History is written by the victors.” On Gold Mountain by Lisa See reports the history of Chinese immigration to the United States (aka Gold Mountain) from the transcontinental railroad to the post-WWII era. She builds this memoir around her great-grandfather Fong See (1857-1957) who arrived in 1871. While the author reports on Chinese Exclusion legislation and discrimination, Fong See and his family managed to thrive despite these obstacles. The result is a positive history of the family’s experience, mostly in Los Angeles.

While Fong See had four wives in the United States and China, the emphasis is on Leticie Pruett. Ticie ran away from the farm in Oregon when she was 18 and ultimately met Fong See in Sacramento. At that time, he had a business making crotchless panties for prostitutes. Together they expanded but eventually got into the antique business. They successfully combined his business skills and her understanding of the American market.

Throughout this period the U.S. society and laws were opposed to Chinese immigrants. However, the family succeeded despite these obstacles. They took advantage of loopholes. At various times exceptions were in place for family members and merchants. Fong See exploited these opportunities, legally, when possible, but through fraud when necessary.

The climate changed every decade or so. In the 1920s and 1930s when Hollywood was making films about China, they rent plots. During WWII they manufactured munitions. In the post-war boom, they designed and built furniture.

This is a success story of Chinese immigration.

“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Check out https://amzn.to/2SpaDMN to see my books.

Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.