On Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of a Chinese American Family : Book Review

Lisa See's "On Gold Mountain" offers a captivating and illuminating account of her own family history, chronicling the experiences of four generations of Chinese immigrants in America. Through a skillful blend of personal narratives, historical research, and extensive interviews, See creates a rich and detailed portrait of her ancestors and their struggles and successes in a foreign land.

The book delves into the complexities and challenges faced by early Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century, as they navigated a society that often discriminated against them. See sheds light on the unique experiences of her Chinese family in Los Angeles, with a particular focus on her great-grandfather Fong See and his journey from a teenage laundry boy to a successful businessman. The exploration of Fong See's relationship with his wife, Letticie Pruett, provides a profound examination of cultural differences and the ways in which they navigated their marriage and family life.

See's meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the book, as she delves into the history of Chinese immigration and their contributions to America's development. She also explores the complexities of identity and the tension between preserving Chinese traditions and assimilating into American society.

With personal anecdotes, family stories, and excerpts from historical documents, See creates a narrative that is both engaging and authentic. Her writing is evocative and transports readers to different time periods and locations, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story.

Overall, "On Gold Mountain" is a fascinating and enlightening work that seamlessly combines family memoir and historical research. See's storytelling skills shine through as she breathes life into her family's journey, offering readers a deep understanding of Chinese-American history and the resilience of immigrant families.

What are readers saying?

Lisa See's book, "On Gold Mountain," has received a range of reviews from readers, presenting different perspectives on the Chinese-American immigrant experience in California during the Gold Rush era. While some readers praised See's meticulous research and attention to historical detail, others found fault with the book's narrative structure and lack of depth.

Many readers appreciated See's thorough portrayal of the historical context, acknowledging her informative and educational approach to depicting the hardships and discrimination faced by Chinese immigrants during that time. They commended her ability to bring the past to life through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling.

On the other hand, some readers felt that the book lacked a cohesive narrative and struggled with its frequent jumps between time periods and characters. They believed that See's personal family history overshadowed the larger historical context, leaving them wanting more analysis of the overall Chinese-American experience.

Furthermore, a few readers criticized the book for being slow-paced and lacking emotional depth. They found it difficult to connect with the characters and felt that the story dragged on at times. Some also mentioned that See's writing style, while descriptive, could be dense and overly detailed, making it challenging to fully engage with and comprehend the material.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still admired See's commitment to sharing her family's story and shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Chinese-American history. They appreciated the book's ability to spark discussions and introspection about race, identity, and the immigrant experience. Overall, opinions on "On Gold Mountain" were divided, with some finding it a fascinating and enlightening read, while others felt it fell short in certain aspects.

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