incredible story

This book is packed full of history and one woman’s journey. I was sad when it ended.
Looking forward to more Ruthann’s lum Mccunn’s writing.

Lalu/Polly lived a fascinating life and deserved to be remembered as a true American pioneer. Born in China and sold at the age of 13 to save her family, she was sent to America and never returned to China. Like all pioneers, she was very self reliant and created a great life here. She and her American husband worked together to build a comfortable home. My problem with the book is that she spoke always spoke pigeon English. Since there were no Chinese speakers in her community, she should have learned proper English speech. It almost seemed prejudicial to have her speak poorly. Most of the other characters were just shadows. This is not Amy Tam level but it is an interesting story.

Although it is listed as a “work of fiction” it is a historical biography based on a real person, Lalu Nathoy. Lalu was the daughter of a farmer in China who was forced to sell her after prolonged drought ruined his farm. Lalu was sold to a slave trader who brought her to America and then sold her to a brothel owner in the Idaho mine area. Her name was changed to Polly and she managed to survive with dignity. She eventually lived with Charlie Bemis who was in love with her, and respected her talents. They eventually homesteaded a ranch and finally officially married. She and Charlie lived a long life together with Polly wining the respect of the community because of her cheerfulness, medical (herbal) knowledge, cooking and farming skills. Her cabin is today a historical landmark in Idaho.

Great story of a young Chinese girl, who bon 1871 was sold into slavery. Her biography is well written and you will feel her emotions through the story.

If you've never heard of this book, it's probably because it was first published in 1981, before the blockbuster success of books like The Joy Luck Club and Red Azalea expanded our understanding of Chinese American culture. This book is a biography of Lalu Nathoy, a Chinese girl sold into slavery and brought to San Francisco. Forced to work in a brothel, auctioned to the owner of a saloon and given away in a poker game, Lalu still manages to cling to a fierce sense of her worth. Her eventual victory towards independence and true love has us rooting for her. While the writing isn't always beautiful, the story is compelling and opens our mind to the ways in which we can overcome adversity if we are clear in our intentions and our hearts.

I bought this book at the gift shop of the Pendleton, Oregon underground tour (which is amazing). I appreciated reading more about this part of history, and I enjoyed the setting.

Historical….1850s-1930s Northern China, Idaho….Chinese girl sold during Gold Rush, gains agency, lives a long life. Biographical.

Couldn’t finish it. I tried a couple of times. I was always rolling my eyes.

Un livre sublime !

I really enjoyed reading this true life story. My husband I had been visiting McCall Idaho when we saw on Google Earth a beautiful ranch setting right on the Salmon River with no access except the River. I became curious and came across this story of the formidable Polly Bemis. The writing propelled this story and I hardly put the book down. Such a fun discovery.

I hadn't heard of Lalu Nathoy, but her story is one of strength and resilience. The things she endured are so incredible that at times it felt like what else could possibly happen to this woman? She appeared to be compassionate and kind despite her many struggles. The book slowed in pace in the last third, but overall I enjoyed the read.

I highly recommend this book. It is the story of Polly Bemis, a Chinese woman who plays an unforgettable part in Idaho's history around the gold mining towns along the Salmon River.
The story is written as fiction but holds true to historical facts. It is spellbinding in its depiction
of the hardships that Chinese immigrants faced in the late 1800s and early 20th century in the
United States. Yet it is a story of great love and hope.