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The Paper Daughters of Chinatown
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2020)Based on true events, The Paper Daughters of Chinatown in a powerful story about a largely unknown chapter in history and the women who emerged as heroes.
In the late nineteenth century, San Francisco is a booming city with a dark side, one in which a powerful underground organization—the criminal tong—buys and sells young Chinese women into prostitution and slavery. These “paper daughters,” so called because fake documents gain them entry to America but leave them without legal identity, generally have no recourse. But the Occidental Mission Home for Girls is one bright spot of hope and help.
Told in alternating chapters, this rich narrative follows the stories of young Donaldina Cameron who works in the mission home, and Mei Lien, a “paper daughter” who thinks she is coming to America for an arranged marriage but instead is sold into a life of shame and despair.
Donaldina, a real-life pioneering advocate for social justice, bravely stands up to corrupt officials and violent gangs, helping to win freedom for thousands of Chinese women. Mei Lien endures heartbreak and betrayal in her search for hope, belonging, and love. Their stories merge in this gripping account of the courage and determination that helped shape a new course of women’s history in America.
In the late nineteenth century, San Francisco is a booming city with a dark side, one in which a powerful underground organization—the criminal tong—buys and sells young Chinese women into prostitution and slavery. These “paper daughters,” so called because fake documents gain them entry to America but leave them without legal identity, generally have no recourse. But the Occidental Mission Home for Girls is one bright spot of hope and help.
Told in alternating chapters, this rich narrative follows the stories of young Donaldina Cameron who works in the mission home, and Mei Lien, a “paper daughter” who thinks she is coming to America for an arranged marriage but instead is sold into a life of shame and despair.
Donaldina, a real-life pioneering advocate for social justice, bravely stands up to corrupt officials and violent gangs, helping to win freedom for thousands of Chinese women. Mei Lien endures heartbreak and betrayal in her search for hope, belonging, and love. Their stories merge in this gripping account of the courage and determination that helped shape a new course of women’s history in America.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
950 people are currently reading
36980 people want to read
About the author
Heather B. Moore
163 books1,595 followersHeather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.
Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.
Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.
Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.
Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,453 reviews
September 16, 2020
What was I thinking when I picked this up to read? I had just finished a book about the brutal treatment of women in British and Australian history and the horrific treatment of Aborigines, and I found myself reading another heartbreaking story. This time it was about human trafficking of Chinese women and girls held in slavery and prostitution in San Francisco in the late 1890’s through the early 1900’s. Another horribly shameful page in history that I knew nothing about. These women and girls were illegally brought to the US with false papers, thus the appropriate title, and sometimes force. Sometimes their captors got them addicted to opium to get them to be docile prostitutes, when they came here under the guise of promised marriages. Little girls whose families had been promised a better life for their daughters became indentured servants, sold to vile people, both Chinese and White men. Some were beaten or even tortured, when they were deemed not to be performing. Many of them were fortunate enough to have been found and rescued. In spite of reading back to back tough stories, I’m glad to have read this and glad to have learned about a truly remarkable woman in our history.
The story, sad as it was in part, is inspiring and uplifting, highlighting the life of Donaldina Cameron, a real historic figure who along with other women, put herself in danger to save little girls and young women. Selfless, she went on dangerous rescue missions down alley ways and to “cribs”, where women and girls were held in cages. She fought court battles to get custody at times when the system favored the vile men with money. At the same time these heroes cared for and educated those who had been rescued, keeping them safe, making a home for them, loving them. While this is a fictional depiction, it appears to be meticulously researched and reflects real people and events. Cameron in her time running the Occidental Mission Home for Girls, now known as the Cameron House, is credited with having saved 3,000 young women and girls. There are other notable real women here as well, in particular Tien Fu Wu, herself a victim, a child slave who as she matures, musters the courage to participate in rescues and becomes an integral part of the mission.
This is a difficult story to read at times, with details of abuse and violence. In an alternating narrative, we get to see the day to day life in captivity and the struggles one woman, promised a husband, but forced into prostitution. But it is also a story of courage, selfless caring and hope for those who were saved. A well delivered piece of historical fiction, focusing on Donaldina Cameron, a national treasure whose life deserves to be told and remembered.
I received a copy of this book from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley.
The story, sad as it was in part, is inspiring and uplifting, highlighting the life of Donaldina Cameron, a real historic figure who along with other women, put herself in danger to save little girls and young women. Selfless, she went on dangerous rescue missions down alley ways and to “cribs”, where women and girls were held in cages. She fought court battles to get custody at times when the system favored the vile men with money. At the same time these heroes cared for and educated those who had been rescued, keeping them safe, making a home for them, loving them. While this is a fictional depiction, it appears to be meticulously researched and reflects real people and events. Cameron in her time running the Occidental Mission Home for Girls, now known as the Cameron House, is credited with having saved 3,000 young women and girls. There are other notable real women here as well, in particular Tien Fu Wu, herself a victim, a child slave who as she matures, musters the courage to participate in rescues and becomes an integral part of the mission.
This is a difficult story to read at times, with details of abuse and violence. In an alternating narrative, we get to see the day to day life in captivity and the struggles one woman, promised a husband, but forced into prostitution. But it is also a story of courage, selfless caring and hope for those who were saved. A well delivered piece of historical fiction, focusing on Donaldina Cameron, a national treasure whose life deserves to be told and remembered.
I received a copy of this book from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley.
January 14, 2021
Another awesome 5er for 2021. I’m on a roll and hope I didn’t just jinx myself.
This is superbly written and based on real history.
Chinese girls brought and sold in San Francisco, California in the late 1800’s. Many families being promised their daughters would be married to wealthy American Chinese men and in reality, becoming addicted to opium as a way to smother their voices as they were forced into prostitution.
But one missionary, Donaldina Cameron, the white devil as called by the Tong, but Lo Mo by the Chinese daughters, is the woman who put her life at risk and sacrifice to save these girls from the horrific horrors they had to endure.
An amazing story of strength, determination and resiliency. An amazing woman. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is superbly written and based on real history.
Chinese girls brought and sold in San Francisco, California in the late 1800’s. Many families being promised their daughters would be married to wealthy American Chinese men and in reality, becoming addicted to opium as a way to smother their voices as they were forced into prostitution.
But one missionary, Donaldina Cameron, the white devil as called by the Tong, but Lo Mo by the Chinese daughters, is the woman who put her life at risk and sacrifice to save these girls from the horrific horrors they had to endure.
An amazing story of strength, determination and resiliency. An amazing woman. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 28, 2020
Far too often history doesn't light up the sky with the names of individuals who've had a profound impact on certain corners in this country. As the years roll out, their identity and their work will go unnoticed as time dusts over their efforts. But it has made all the difference in the world to those who came in contact with Donaldina Cameron.
Although I was aware of the plight of the paper daughters in Chinatown in San Francisco, I was never able to attach a name in particular. But Heather B. Moore introduces us to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping young women brought under false circumstances from Hong Kong and mainland China to America. These "papers" promised a good marriage and a wealthy husband for those that they preyed upon. Parents felt pride that their daughters had been chosen.
There's not always gold in California nor were there potential husbands waiting on its shores. Instead, the young women were forced into houses of prostitution with the threat that their parents would be harmed if they didn't comply. They were also told that they would have to "work" to pay off their procurement debt. Never a glimmer of hope for these women.
Not until women like Donaldina Cameron joined forces to step in the way of the tongs and illicit businessman who ran the streets of Chinatown. Based on a true story and true characters, Donaldina ran the Occidental Mission Home for Girls. She and her staff would put themselves in danger rescuing these women even in the dead of night.
The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is quite the read. Moore makes us aware of the challenges that faced Donaldina with language and culture barriers in her rescue program. It has been recognized that her group was responsible for over 2,000 rescues with little assistance from the city of San Francisco. In addition, we are painfully reminded of the dark side of human nature, still today, with women and youth preyed upon on the internet and on the streets of American cities.
And so, too, are the throngs of nameless and faceless rescuers who step forward in the name of social justice and simple mercy.
Although I was aware of the plight of the paper daughters in Chinatown in San Francisco, I was never able to attach a name in particular. But Heather B. Moore introduces us to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to helping young women brought under false circumstances from Hong Kong and mainland China to America. These "papers" promised a good marriage and a wealthy husband for those that they preyed upon. Parents felt pride that their daughters had been chosen.
There's not always gold in California nor were there potential husbands waiting on its shores. Instead, the young women were forced into houses of prostitution with the threat that their parents would be harmed if they didn't comply. They were also told that they would have to "work" to pay off their procurement debt. Never a glimmer of hope for these women.
Not until women like Donaldina Cameron joined forces to step in the way of the tongs and illicit businessman who ran the streets of Chinatown. Based on a true story and true characters, Donaldina ran the Occidental Mission Home for Girls. She and her staff would put themselves in danger rescuing these women even in the dead of night.
The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is quite the read. Moore makes us aware of the challenges that faced Donaldina with language and culture barriers in her rescue program. It has been recognized that her group was responsible for over 2,000 rescues with little assistance from the city of San Francisco. In addition, we are painfully reminded of the dark side of human nature, still today, with women and youth preyed upon on the internet and on the streets of American cities.
And so, too, are the throngs of nameless and faceless rescuers who step forward in the name of social justice and simple mercy.
January 26, 2021
So here's the thing. I've spent a lot hours at 920 Sacramento, having participated in summer programs there for many years of my childhood. I went into this knowing more than your average bear about Donaldina Cameron and her story, and therefore probably much higher expectations. And this was a big ole womp womp in my eyes.
I thought that the writing was decent enough, and it felt like a (mostly) well researched novel, therefore 2 stars. Where Moore lost me was... well, pretty much everywhere else. I know that Donaldina Cameron was a white lady who helped a lot of Chinese girls. That's just fact, and I don't believe it to have been a whole ~white savior~ situation. But the way that Moore presented the story felt very white savior-y to me, and the whole story was jam-packed with microaggressions from start to finish. Some examples that particularly bothered me (yes, I was bothered enough to actually note these):
Pro tip: probably don't refer to a whole group of people as "The Chinese" repeatedly throughout your book. Another pro tip: it comes across as really weird and fetishy and stereotype-y when you mention heights in relation to Chinese people over and over again. Another pro tip: pushing the idea that Chinese women are or should be modest is bullshit.
I was really bothered and bummed about examples like this coming up seemingly every other page, because I think the story of Donaldina Cameron is really important and not as well known as it should be. And I fully understand that this is historical fiction, but that doesn't really give you license to make comments like these, does it?
Beyond that, I had issues with plot points that felt fully unnecessary—the inclusion of Charles at all, Dolly's trip to China, etc. and neither moved the story along nor really helped the character develop further. I love historical fiction, but this one was a miss for me. I'd highly encourage everyone to read more about Donaldina Cameron's life and all that she managed to accomplish... just not from this book.
I thought that the writing was decent enough, and it felt like a (mostly) well researched novel, therefore 2 stars. Where Moore lost me was... well, pretty much everywhere else. I know that Donaldina Cameron was a white lady who helped a lot of Chinese girls. That's just fact, and I don't believe it to have been a whole ~white savior~ situation. But the way that Moore presented the story felt very white savior-y to me, and the whole story was jam-packed with microaggressions from start to finish. Some examples that particularly bothered me (yes, I was bothered enough to actually note these):
- Multiple mentions of a Chinese character speaking "shockingly good English"
- “Japanese are here too?” Mei Lin said when she saw two men who were at least a head shorter than the average Chinese man.
- “A man who was tall for Chinese...”
- “You’re not afraid to say what you think. You’ve been a leader, and the Chinese women look up to you.”
- “She was tall for a Chinese woman”
- “...said in her accented English”
- “Some of the Chinese grew flowers in their room”
- “Tien wouldn’t meet her gaze, but kept her dark head lowered.”
- “Ever the modest Chinese woman, Ah Cheng still displayed some insecurities.”
- “Tall Chinese men were rare”
Pro tip: probably don't refer to a whole group of people as "The Chinese" repeatedly throughout your book. Another pro tip: it comes across as really weird and fetishy and stereotype-y when you mention heights in relation to Chinese people over and over again. Another pro tip: pushing the idea that Chinese women are or should be modest is bullshit.
I was really bothered and bummed about examples like this coming up seemingly every other page, because I think the story of Donaldina Cameron is really important and not as well known as it should be. And I fully understand that this is historical fiction, but that doesn't really give you license to make comments like these, does it?
Beyond that, I had issues with plot points that felt fully unnecessary—the inclusion of Charles at all, Dolly's trip to China, etc. and neither moved the story along nor really helped the character develop further. I love historical fiction, but this one was a miss for me. I'd highly encourage everyone to read more about Donaldina Cameron's life and all that she managed to accomplish... just not from this book.
March 1, 2025
Wonderful book exposing the horrors of the Chinese slave trade. Follow the historical character Donaldina Cameron who becomes the director of a Mission House for Chinese ladies who were told they were coming to the US to be brides and ended up being forced into slavery and prostitution by their Chinese "owners." A real eye-opener, yet also so uplifting at the Donaldina was able to accomplish. During her tenure she was able to save over 2,000 women from slavery. The book is gut wrenching and yet we marvel at the efforts of Donaldina
Solid 4.5* for me!
Solid 4.5* for me!
August 7, 2021
This is a review I should have written ages ago, but it's been intimidating to find the words to encompass how I felt while reading the book. I'm filled with admiration for Donaldina Cameron and those she worked with. The impact of the book was even greater for me because she was a real person and this account is meticulously researched, while still reading as easily as a novel. The author explores beyond the heroism of Donaldina- we see the humanity and reality and struggles and flaws and choices. The evil she confronts and fights against is unimaginable, but was all too real in our history- and sadly continues to this day. Through the trials and difficulties of the home and the girls in it, the overarching feeling of hope brought light and reassurance that they were making a significant and priceless difference. It was so heartwarming to read and think about the influence Donaldina had on generations to follow. This book is perfect for fans of both historical fiction and real historical accounts, and would make a wonderful book club featured book. I can't recommend it highly enough. It stayed with me for weeks after finishing it!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
March 30, 2020
Donaldina "Dolly" Cameron's story is surely one that should be told. Dolly's courage and selflessness make for a great story. Props to Heather B. Moore for bringing this story to light. However, I wish Heather had chosen to tell Dolly's story differently. Or perhaps even picked another main character.
Though she did courageous things, Donaldina Cameron was still a flesh and blood human being with very human thoughts. I'm sure she felt fear, hopelessness, love, despair, and hate. Much like everyone else. I wish those feelings were showcased more.
I wish the book included more of the personal losses Dolly went through. I wanted to feel the pain Dolly went through when her engagements ended instead of being told of the pain Dolly was going through. I wanted to read about it instead of being told that Dolly hurt. Because essentially those personal losses that Dolly felt added to the courage she showcased in continuing to be the director of the mission home.
The story of the Paper Daughters of Chinatown could've been told in many other ways. The author could've followed the life of Mei Lien as she did for a little bit. She could've nurtured that story better and we would've gotten an in-depth story arc. Even the forgiveness scene between Mei Lien and Ah-Peen Oie could've been expanded much more. Instead of the paragraph that scene and the emotional turmoil Mei Lien & Ah-Peen Oie both experienced was given in the book, it should've been a chapter or so of its own.
Right now, Dolly's story starts and ends in the middle somewhere. You don't see character progression. Dolly is more or less the same throughout the entire book. At the end of the book, you're given even more background as an afterword on yet another engagement and personal loss Dolly experienced. Shouldn't that have been in the book? Perhaps the book should've ended at Dolly's retirement.
The author also downplays of the fact that the mission home demanded the women embrace Christianity & the fact that one woman was even abused by her in-laws once she went back to China for embracing Christianity. Those problematic parts of this story make me wonder if there was a better way to tell this story without reeking of the white savior complex.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Though she did courageous things, Donaldina Cameron was still a flesh and blood human being with very human thoughts. I'm sure she felt fear, hopelessness, love, despair, and hate. Much like everyone else. I wish those feelings were showcased more.
I wish the book included more of the personal losses Dolly went through. I wanted to feel the pain Dolly went through when her engagements ended instead of being told of the pain Dolly was going through. I wanted to read about it instead of being told that Dolly hurt. Because essentially those personal losses that Dolly felt added to the courage she showcased in continuing to be the director of the mission home.
The story of the Paper Daughters of Chinatown could've been told in many other ways. The author could've followed the life of Mei Lien as she did for a little bit. She could've nurtured that story better and we would've gotten an in-depth story arc. Even the forgiveness scene between Mei Lien and Ah-Peen Oie could've been expanded much more. Instead of the paragraph that scene and the emotional turmoil Mei Lien & Ah-Peen Oie both experienced was given in the book, it should've been a chapter or so of its own.
Right now, Dolly's story starts and ends in the middle somewhere. You don't see character progression. Dolly is more or less the same throughout the entire book. At the end of the book, you're given even more background as an afterword on yet another engagement and personal loss Dolly experienced. Shouldn't that have been in the book? Perhaps the book should've ended at Dolly's retirement.
The author also downplays of the fact that the mission home demanded the women embrace Christianity & the fact that one woman was even abused by her in-laws once she went back to China for embracing Christianity. Those problematic parts of this story make me wonder if there was a better way to tell this story without reeking of the white savior complex.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
I wasn't aware of the problem of the import of young Chinese girls and women into the USA at the end of the 19th Century to be sold into human slavery. I wasn't aware - but equally, I wasn't the slightest bit surprised. Young women were being sold into prostitution and domestic slavery all over the world in those days. Sadly, it still happens today. 'The Paper Daughters of Chinatown' is set in San Francisco and tells the story of Donaldina Cameron, a woman who goes to work as a sewing teacher at a home that rescues Chinese girls from slavery and finds her meaning in life.
The problem with books based on the true stories of real people, is that real life often falls short of fiction. At times there's a real sense of 'Here we go again' as the staff head out to rescue yet another poor, opium-addicted, bruised and battered young girl from horrible conditions. It's all just very 'samey'. At times it reads like a YA novel - carefully avoiding being too explicit about what's actually happening to these poor girls. Much is hinted at. Little is explicitly stated. If it had been written for 12-year-old readers, I would have probably made allowances for that and for the overly simplistic writing style.
When I first joined Goodreads a few years ago, I picked up a much-used comment that applies to this book - that is "Show don't tell". This book is all telling and no showing and is the weaker for it. It has the simplistic style of 'he said, she said, he did, she reacted'. We get told somebody is sad or frightened when it would be so much better to show us how they react and let us work out for ourselves that's how they feel.
Donaldina - Dolly - doesn't develop through the book. We don't really get to understand her more at the end than we did at the beginning. Some of the girls do well but again, do we really get to 'know' them?
My assumption when reading this was that this was probably a new author's first published book. I was surprised to discover the author has more than 50 published books. Clearly lots of people don't mind her style, but I was amazed that such a rudimentary writing style is quite so popular.
I'm giving this 3-stars with a thank you for introducing us to the stories of these young women. But I'm sad that the task of telling the world about their lives wasn't given to somebody who could have made them come alive more through their writing.
I received a free ARC ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The problem with books based on the true stories of real people, is that real life often falls short of fiction. At times there's a real sense of 'Here we go again' as the staff head out to rescue yet another poor, opium-addicted, bruised and battered young girl from horrible conditions. It's all just very 'samey'. At times it reads like a YA novel - carefully avoiding being too explicit about what's actually happening to these poor girls. Much is hinted at. Little is explicitly stated. If it had been written for 12-year-old readers, I would have probably made allowances for that and for the overly simplistic writing style.
When I first joined Goodreads a few years ago, I picked up a much-used comment that applies to this book - that is "Show don't tell". This book is all telling and no showing and is the weaker for it. It has the simplistic style of 'he said, she said, he did, she reacted'. We get told somebody is sad or frightened when it would be so much better to show us how they react and let us work out for ourselves that's how they feel.
Donaldina - Dolly - doesn't develop through the book. We don't really get to understand her more at the end than we did at the beginning. Some of the girls do well but again, do we really get to 'know' them?
My assumption when reading this was that this was probably a new author's first published book. I was surprised to discover the author has more than 50 published books. Clearly lots of people don't mind her style, but I was amazed that such a rudimentary writing style is quite so popular.
I'm giving this 3-stars with a thank you for introducing us to the stories of these young women. But I'm sad that the task of telling the world about their lives wasn't given to somebody who could have made them come alive more through their writing.
I received a free ARC ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 11, 2020
This story based on the true story of Dolly Cameron is breathtakingly beautiful. It envelops you from the beginning and you live and breath Dolly's story. Heather B. Moore certainly has a way with words! Dolly Cameron was a Scottish girl that came to America and ended up in Chinatown. She started working in a mission and ended up wrapped up in saving young Chinese girls who were tricked into being trafficked and hooked on opium to control these young girls. Dolly Cameron is a hero and I am glad I was able to read about this amazing woman. A beautiful historical fiction you should not pass up!
September 1, 2020
You know when you read a book and you can hardly put it down? When the story is so compelling that you are drawn completely in. The characters become dear to your heart. The story is intriguing and very inspiring that it compels you to want to find a way to follow in the footsteps of the characters or the theme of the book. Well, that’s what this story was for me. I didn’t want to stop reading it until I was completely finished because I was completely drawn in. I loved the characters. They tugged on my heartstrings. I ached and cried for these characters. For their joys that turned to sorrow. For their hopes that shattered and were destroyed. And yet my hope was rekindled alongside many of these characters as I watched them be rescued and allowed the possibility of healing hope and joy and love in their lives.
Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron’s life didn’t follow the plan that most young women believe will happen. Instead she finds herself in her mid-twenties with a broken engagement. Looking for something that she can do to feel as if she is helping and not a burden, she finds herself joining the Mission home in San Francisco to teach sewing to the young Chinese girls who were rescued from slavery and sex trafficking. As she teaches and gains the trust of the girls, she is able to share her natural gifts of compassion and love with them. I really enjoyed the way the author showed the emotions of Dolly from her beginning days at the Mission home, to going on her first rescue mission, to standing next to a rescued Chinese girl on trial, to not backing down against those who were angry at Dolly for disrupting their source of income.
As we get a few chapters into the story the author introduces us to a fictional character, one who is meant to show us what a Paper Daughter of Chinatown would have experienced from being approached in China to become a bride in America, to arriving in San Francisco, to becoming a slave. Mei Lien is the young Chinese girl who’s fictional story we get to follow. I really enjoyed the alternating stories that were working towards converging together. Mei Lien’s story was a few years in the future compared to Dolly’s story. I loved how the two stories came together.
The rich history of this story was a reflection of the research and dedication of the author in trying to write an amazing woman’s story. And the many others who began the effort that Dolly and many, many others worked and sacrificed so much for. If you read one other book this year, let me urge you to consider it to be this one. It is an inspiring, beautiful, albeit at times heart wrenching, tale of human nature, compassion, sorrow, hope, healing, and love. Immerse yourself in Donaldina Cameron’s life story and discover the good of human nature. I highly recommend this wonderful story for you.
Content: Surprisingly with the story involving the history of human trafficking and prostitution in San Francisco, I would say that it was a clean read. I would recommend for more mature readers because of the nature of the story. The author wrote it in a very sensitive way while still portraying the gravity of these girls’ situations. There are descriptions for when the girls are rescued which show the living conditions of the small rooms many of the girls are kept in and the filth. There really isn’t a lot of description of the prostitution. More just knowing that they are enslaved in those situations. Some of the more high end courtesans are shown in banquets where men come to bid or pay for the women, and they leave the banquet, but nothing further. With Mei Lien’s story it is a fade to black scene. There is also talk of the use of opium which was a big issue in this point in history in San Francisco. Some of the characters are forced to take opium and it shows a little bit of the effects of opium and addiction. There is also talk about some of the Chinese girls being hurt or tortured as young slaves before they are/would be transferred to prostitution. Also some talk about kidnapping and forced marriages. But honestly, even with the above mentioned content, I really felt like this was written in a very clean way. I’m a pretty conservative reader as far as content and was expecting possibly more content due to what the story is about but I felt like it was kept very tame and sensitive.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron’s life didn’t follow the plan that most young women believe will happen. Instead she finds herself in her mid-twenties with a broken engagement. Looking for something that she can do to feel as if she is helping and not a burden, she finds herself joining the Mission home in San Francisco to teach sewing to the young Chinese girls who were rescued from slavery and sex trafficking. As she teaches and gains the trust of the girls, she is able to share her natural gifts of compassion and love with them. I really enjoyed the way the author showed the emotions of Dolly from her beginning days at the Mission home, to going on her first rescue mission, to standing next to a rescued Chinese girl on trial, to not backing down against those who were angry at Dolly for disrupting their source of income.
As we get a few chapters into the story the author introduces us to a fictional character, one who is meant to show us what a Paper Daughter of Chinatown would have experienced from being approached in China to become a bride in America, to arriving in San Francisco, to becoming a slave. Mei Lien is the young Chinese girl who’s fictional story we get to follow. I really enjoyed the alternating stories that were working towards converging together. Mei Lien’s story was a few years in the future compared to Dolly’s story. I loved how the two stories came together.
The rich history of this story was a reflection of the research and dedication of the author in trying to write an amazing woman’s story. And the many others who began the effort that Dolly and many, many others worked and sacrificed so much for. If you read one other book this year, let me urge you to consider it to be this one. It is an inspiring, beautiful, albeit at times heart wrenching, tale of human nature, compassion, sorrow, hope, healing, and love. Immerse yourself in Donaldina Cameron’s life story and discover the good of human nature. I highly recommend this wonderful story for you.
Content: Surprisingly with the story involving the history of human trafficking and prostitution in San Francisco, I would say that it was a clean read. I would recommend for more mature readers because of the nature of the story. The author wrote it in a very sensitive way while still portraying the gravity of these girls’ situations. There are descriptions for when the girls are rescued which show the living conditions of the small rooms many of the girls are kept in and the filth. There really isn’t a lot of description of the prostitution. More just knowing that they are enslaved in those situations. Some of the more high end courtesans are shown in banquets where men come to bid or pay for the women, and they leave the banquet, but nothing further. With Mei Lien’s story it is a fade to black scene. There is also talk of the use of opium which was a big issue in this point in history in San Francisco. Some of the characters are forced to take opium and it shows a little bit of the effects of opium and addiction. There is also talk about some of the Chinese girls being hurt or tortured as young slaves before they are/would be transferred to prostitution. Also some talk about kidnapping and forced marriages. But honestly, even with the above mentioned content, I really felt like this was written in a very clean way. I’m a pretty conservative reader as far as content and was expecting possibly more content due to what the story is about but I felt like it was kept very tame and sensitive.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 2, 2020
A true story of a brave woman who rescued enslaved Chinese girls from their owners by taking them into The Occidental Mission Home for Girls in San Francisco.
What Donaldina Cameron did for these young girls is amazing.
Their stories are heartbreaking.
The men who tricked them into thinking they were going to arrive in America and marry a wealthy man so they could take care of their family back home were despicable.
THE PAPER DAUGHTERS OF CHINATOWN follows one main girl, Mei Lien, from her home in China to San Francisco. Many other girls were mentioned, but Mei Lien was the focus along with Donaldina's story.
This book brought to light the horrors of what these young girls had to endure, but it also brought to light how there are wonderful people who work to stop it.
You will fall in love with these girls along with Donaldina and empathize with their plight.
Ms. Moore's writing is pull-you-in, the story line is mesmerizing, and her research is impeccable.
Historical fiction fans as well as women's fiction fans will enjoy THE PAPER DAUGHTERS OF CHINATOWN. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
What Donaldina Cameron did for these young girls is amazing.
Their stories are heartbreaking.
The men who tricked them into thinking they were going to arrive in America and marry a wealthy man so they could take care of their family back home were despicable.
THE PAPER DAUGHTERS OF CHINATOWN follows one main girl, Mei Lien, from her home in China to San Francisco. Many other girls were mentioned, but Mei Lien was the focus along with Donaldina's story.
This book brought to light the horrors of what these young girls had to endure, but it also brought to light how there are wonderful people who work to stop it.
You will fall in love with these girls along with Donaldina and empathize with their plight.
Ms. Moore's writing is pull-you-in, the story line is mesmerizing, and her research is impeccable.
Historical fiction fans as well as women's fiction fans will enjoy THE PAPER DAUGHTERS OF CHINATOWN. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
April 10, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Heather B Moore did an outstanding job in this heartbreaking and well researched novel about the history of the Chinese in San Francisco era 1890’s to early 1900’s. As a daughter of Chinese immigrants, this book resonated with me on how far we have come and how much more we have to go in issues of race and discrimination Chinese Americans face even today.
This is an amazing and inspiring story about a real life hero, Donaldina Cameron whose work on saving and rescuing these young women brought from China with a promise for a better life were forced into prostitution and addiction and sold. Cameron’s work saving upwards of 3.000 young women and girls from human trafficking is truly momentous and more people need to know about this blemished part of our American History.
A well written novel that highlights a woman’s courage, selflessness and whose work has helped thousand and the narrative of a woman forced into slavery and prostitution after a failed promise of a hopeful better life. This was a fabulous read that I highly recommend.
Heather B Moore did an outstanding job in this heartbreaking and well researched novel about the history of the Chinese in San Francisco era 1890’s to early 1900’s. As a daughter of Chinese immigrants, this book resonated with me on how far we have come and how much more we have to go in issues of race and discrimination Chinese Americans face even today.
This is an amazing and inspiring story about a real life hero, Donaldina Cameron whose work on saving and rescuing these young women brought from China with a promise for a better life were forced into prostitution and addiction and sold. Cameron’s work saving upwards of 3.000 young women and girls from human trafficking is truly momentous and more people need to know about this blemished part of our American History.
A well written novel that highlights a woman’s courage, selflessness and whose work has helped thousand and the narrative of a woman forced into slavery and prostitution after a failed promise of a hopeful better life. This was a fabulous read that I highly recommend.
May 12, 2021
More stories based on true stories like this, please! If this doesn't ignite the trailblazer in you, idk what will. I feel a fierce fire burning in me to make this world do better by us and for us!
Things are rarely as they appear...
I'd never heard about California being a center for slave trade previously, but it didn't surprise me that info had been buried, with the coasts being able to import/export and all the money that entails. It's always about money. America has its way of 'educating' us and the media has a way of 'advertising news' to us. What a sitcom, am I right? Thank goodness for true journalists and curious writers like this!
San Francisco's Chinatown, California, the 1800s-1900s: slave trade of Chinese and Japanese immigrants
Donaldina Cameron: Known as 'Fahn Quai' (White Devil) amongst immigrants for her fight against slavery and human trafficking
Having been helped by a domestic violence advocate resource center myself a dark past ago, I applaud and honor work done by all involved in helping residents of the mission home, and anyone helping with rescue work, in any form out there. You are appreciated deeply and have my greatest respect. This work can be dangerous and deadly.
I especially give bonus points to the author for her extensive research, when one can visit the soil on which blood was bled, it gives it a more real-life feel, than fantastical. Bravo Heather B Moore. You are indeed B(eing) Mo(o)re!
The only thing that bothered me about this book was the way Christian religion felt pushed on the paper daughters. Once in the mission home, Chinese culture felt wiped away and Americanized. It sort of felt like another form of ownership, but for 'the greater good' of the underaged, abused girls. I think more attention to detail on how some of the girls chose to keep their original heritage, not forced to convert to Christianity, but still be granted room and board in the mission home was necessary because even I was left wondering... It portrayed those who didn't convert, briefly, as lost souls or wandering around the mission home doing chores or just sitting in their rooms. Are they free? And why could they only marry Christian men if they were to wed? I understand this was done for safety but it felt like an infringement on their rights. Maybe it was written that way on purpose because that may be how it went down in history... but I didn't care for this aspect. I thought those parts needed some buffering/editing because it felt strange to my heart, mind, and stomach. Loved the rest of the book though.
It really opened my eyes and now I'm on a mad hunt for the book recs the author referenced, that I listed below. I always thought California was a gold-polished turd, turns out I was right... Where there is great opportunity there will also be great struggle and strife. Opposing forces will always be present with each other. It is inevitable. Be the light or be the darkness. The choice is ours.
Recommended reading mentioned within, that I plan on checking out at some point:
•The White Devil's Daughters: The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Fransisco's Chinatown
•Chinatown's Angry Angel: The Story of Donaldina Cameron
•Longtime Californ': A Documentary Study of an American Chinatown
•Women Trailblazer of California: Pioneers to the Present
•Lights and Shades in San Fransisco
•Chinatown Quest: One Hundred Years of Donaldina
•Unbound Feet
For more info, you can visit: CameronHouse.org
You can still visit the locations of these places today! I want to take a trip to Cali's Chinatown district to pay my respects when travel is a bit safer due to the pandemic and my health.
Much gratitude to the publisher and author for the ARC I won via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is freely given.
Things are rarely as they appear...
I'd never heard about California being a center for slave trade previously, but it didn't surprise me that info had been buried, with the coasts being able to import/export and all the money that entails. It's always about money. America has its way of 'educating' us and the media has a way of 'advertising news' to us. What a sitcom, am I right? Thank goodness for true journalists and curious writers like this!
San Francisco's Chinatown, California, the 1800s-1900s: slave trade of Chinese and Japanese immigrants
Donaldina Cameron: Known as 'Fahn Quai' (White Devil) amongst immigrants for her fight against slavery and human trafficking
Having been helped by a domestic violence advocate resource center myself a dark past ago, I applaud and honor work done by all involved in helping residents of the mission home, and anyone helping with rescue work, in any form out there. You are appreciated deeply and have my greatest respect. This work can be dangerous and deadly.
I especially give bonus points to the author for her extensive research, when one can visit the soil on which blood was bled, it gives it a more real-life feel, than fantastical. Bravo Heather B Moore. You are indeed B(eing) Mo(o)re!
The only thing that bothered me about this book was the way Christian religion felt pushed on the paper daughters. Once in the mission home, Chinese culture felt wiped away and Americanized. It sort of felt like another form of ownership, but for 'the greater good' of the underaged, abused girls. I think more attention to detail on how some of the girls chose to keep their original heritage, not forced to convert to Christianity, but still be granted room and board in the mission home was necessary because even I was left wondering... It portrayed those who didn't convert, briefly, as lost souls or wandering around the mission home doing chores or just sitting in their rooms. Are they free? And why could they only marry Christian men if they were to wed? I understand this was done for safety but it felt like an infringement on their rights. Maybe it was written that way on purpose because that may be how it went down in history... but I didn't care for this aspect. I thought those parts needed some buffering/editing because it felt strange to my heart, mind, and stomach. Loved the rest of the book though.
It really opened my eyes and now I'm on a mad hunt for the book recs the author referenced, that I listed below. I always thought California was a gold-polished turd, turns out I was right... Where there is great opportunity there will also be great struggle and strife. Opposing forces will always be present with each other. It is inevitable. Be the light or be the darkness. The choice is ours.
Recommended reading mentioned within, that I plan on checking out at some point:
•The White Devil's Daughters: The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Fransisco's Chinatown
•Chinatown's Angry Angel: The Story of Donaldina Cameron
•Longtime Californ': A Documentary Study of an American Chinatown
•Women Trailblazer of California: Pioneers to the Present
•Lights and Shades in San Fransisco
•Chinatown Quest: One Hundred Years of Donaldina
•Unbound Feet
For more info, you can visit: CameronHouse.org
You can still visit the locations of these places today! I want to take a trip to Cali's Chinatown district to pay my respects when travel is a bit safer due to the pandemic and my health.
Much gratitude to the publisher and author for the ARC I won via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is freely given.
March 27, 2020
The kind of book that lingers. I'm still thinking about it, long after I finished my copy. I wasn't aware of much of this history before I read Heather's book and I appreciate her meticulous research. What a despicable thing to happen to any human, be tricked into slavery and trafficking. Dolly worked on the front lines, rescuing women from this plight. She's a true hero and I'm thrilled that the author told her story. My heart broke for her own personal losses and cheered that such a woman even exists. Oh, that we could all be as brave and selfless as Dolly.
I really loved everything about this book. Another story line puts us square in the point of view of a woman in China who came to America, believing she was marrying only to find her mouth soon filled with opium, her bedroom door locked, and her life a nightmare. The reader is spared harrowing details, but is also very aware of the situation. I was intrigued from the first page. Thank you for the education and the journey.
I really loved everything about this book. Another story line puts us square in the point of view of a woman in China who came to America, believing she was marrying only to find her mouth soon filled with opium, her bedroom door locked, and her life a nightmare. The reader is spared harrowing details, but is also very aware of the situation. I was intrigued from the first page. Thank you for the education and the journey.
November 28, 2021
Wonderfully written book about young Chinese girls being brought to America to be sex slaves. A mission home in San Francisco who worked hard to save the young ladies.
June 6, 2021
I actually didn’t finish this book once I realized the story was not being told 1) by an Asian author because if we want to know about the history of a community, we should listen to them (should have looked before, that’s my bad) and 2) was written with problematic, white savior, micro-agressive content so heavily placed in the first couple of chapters.
February 28, 2021
I picked this one up because I wanted to read more books about Chinese-American history and...guys, this was not it.
Reading this book felt like being beaten over the head with white savior complex. All of the Chinese girls in the story, even the one who gets her own POV storyline, come across as one-dimensional damsels in distress waiting for Donaldina to save them, and the fact that they're all forced to convert to Christianity in order to be rescued is portrayed as an entirely unproblematic detail. Donaldina Cameron sounds like an amazing historical figure, but I think any story about her needs to be told with way more nuance than this.
Giving this 2 stars instead of 1 because the research was thorough and the prose was impressive.
Reading this book felt like being beaten over the head with white savior complex. All of the Chinese girls in the story, even the one who gets her own POV storyline, come across as one-dimensional damsels in distress waiting for Donaldina to save them, and the fact that they're all forced to convert to Christianity in order to be rescued is portrayed as an entirely unproblematic detail. Donaldina Cameron sounds like an amazing historical figure, but I think any story about her needs to be told with way more nuance than this.
Giving this 2 stars instead of 1 because the research was thorough and the prose was impressive.
September 2, 2020
Wow. If there is anyone out there that doesn't believe that books have the power to change you, they should read this book. I finished this book enlightened, in awe and also sad. I feel changed because I now know more. I'm a girl that loves fluffy romances and entertainment but I also love learning about events in time and people who made a difference. Historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine and Heather B. Moore is a master crafter, in my opinion. Her intense research shows as she brings this story to life.
This book is based on Donaldina Cameron who devoted her whole life to saving and caring for the young Chinese girls, stolen and exploited, in San Francisco. Donaldina (Dolly) started out thinking she would give the position at the mission home one year but that year turned into a lifetime. Her heart was so invested in saving girls sold into slavery and prostitution. I am honestly in awe of Dolly and the many people like her, who are so courageous and devoted. It inspires me to be better and do better.
This book isn't light reading. It is full of heart wrenching situations and brutal atrocities to young, innocent girls. I thought the author did a good job of balancing knowledge with details. She kept things tasteful given the subject matter while still allowing me, as a reader to understand and feel the magnitude of the situations.
While difficult, I am so glad I read this book. I can't stop thinking about it. This story is impactful and enlightening. What I know is that we, as human kind, need to take better care of each other and protect the innocent and helpless. Awareness is the first step to change.
Content: abuse in all forms, prostitution is frequently mentioned but no graphic details. Violence.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book is based on Donaldina Cameron who devoted her whole life to saving and caring for the young Chinese girls, stolen and exploited, in San Francisco. Donaldina (Dolly) started out thinking she would give the position at the mission home one year but that year turned into a lifetime. Her heart was so invested in saving girls sold into slavery and prostitution. I am honestly in awe of Dolly and the many people like her, who are so courageous and devoted. It inspires me to be better and do better.
This book isn't light reading. It is full of heart wrenching situations and brutal atrocities to young, innocent girls. I thought the author did a good job of balancing knowledge with details. She kept things tasteful given the subject matter while still allowing me, as a reader to understand and feel the magnitude of the situations.
While difficult, I am so glad I read this book. I can't stop thinking about it. This story is impactful and enlightening. What I know is that we, as human kind, need to take better care of each other and protect the innocent and helpless. Awareness is the first step to change.
Content: abuse in all forms, prostitution is frequently mentioned but no graphic details. Violence.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 10, 2025
RTC
I am convinced that we learn more from reading than anywhere else.
I am convinced that we learn more from reading than anywhere else.
January 31, 2025
Probably going to be the most scathing review I've ever written but like wtf did I just read ????
I should have just stopped after one chapter but Mei Lien's story was the ONLY thing that kept me going and there are several reasons why I don't like (or h*te) this book:
1. the white saviorism of this entire book - the way it was written pretty much generalized every single Chinese girl as "modest," every time something good happens it's attributed to the "Lord," the only time when anything other than Christianity was mentioned was used as a way to show how the Chinese didn't "trust doctors," and Dolly is portrayed as this white savior of pretty much every girl (like the rescuing of these documents and the continued portrayal of them as her "daughters" felt extremely cliche - like there was no character development of ANY of the girls it's just Dolly going on and on about how much pity and sadness she felt for their situation) also like where are all the other Chinese adults / other people who worked in the mission home ??????
2. also general oversimplification of the entire thing - this is a historical fiction novel and I think it's extremely important to acknowledge Dolly literally forced Chinese girls to get her permission to marry in the first place + force any man who was interested in the girls to CONVERT TO CHRISTIANITY ???? like what ??????? partly the oversimplification came across as worse because of how bad the writing was (like the number of statements about her "saving them" made it SO white savior esque)
OH also what the heck was the whole part about how the girls had to somehow forgive their enslaver ??? like honestly it's not only super duper cliche to be like "haha the enslaved has to forgive their oppressor" but also kinda morally repugnant when it's written in a way that made it seem as if Mei Lien or the other girl's forgiveness of her was something to be applauded/something that absolved all guilt
I really don't get how this book has such high ratings....it's literally a white woman swooping in to save poor Chinese girls from "slavery" as if "slavery" is a uniquely Chinese problem AND Dolly story was just not that compelling I would like to have learned more about the various girls instead
Also near the last part "walking through the newly built Chinatown, which held the same secrets, the same depravity...The Chinese people were taking a stand against the corruption that had plagued their corner of the world" like wtf ???? um "depravity?????" also sorry to break this author's bubble but slavery/trafficking does not exist solely in Chinese culture.......................
This book made me mad I guess so that's something.
I should have just stopped after one chapter but Mei Lien's story was the ONLY thing that kept me going and there are several reasons why I don't like (or h*te) this book:
1. the white saviorism of this entire book - the way it was written pretty much generalized every single Chinese girl as "modest," every time something good happens it's attributed to the "Lord," the only time when anything other than Christianity was mentioned was used as a way to show how the Chinese didn't "trust doctors," and Dolly is portrayed as this white savior of pretty much every girl (like the rescuing of these documents and the continued portrayal of them as her "daughters" felt extremely cliche - like there was no character development of ANY of the girls it's just Dolly going on and on about how much pity and sadness she felt for their situation) also like where are all the other Chinese adults / other people who worked in the mission home ??????
2. also general oversimplification of the entire thing - this is a historical fiction novel and I think it's extremely important to acknowledge Dolly literally forced Chinese girls to get her permission to marry in the first place + force any man who was interested in the girls to CONVERT TO CHRISTIANITY ???? like what ??????? partly the oversimplification came across as worse because of how bad the writing was (like the number of statements about her "saving them" made it SO white savior esque)
OH also what the heck was the whole part about how the girls had to somehow forgive their enslaver ??? like honestly it's not only super duper cliche to be like "haha the enslaved has to forgive their oppressor" but also kinda morally repugnant when it's written in a way that made it seem as if Mei Lien or the other girl's forgiveness of her was something to be applauded/something that absolved all guilt
I really don't get how this book has such high ratings....it's literally a white woman swooping in to save poor Chinese girls from "slavery" as if "slavery" is a uniquely Chinese problem AND Dolly story was just not that compelling I would like to have learned more about the various girls instead
Also near the last part "walking through the newly built Chinatown, which held the same secrets, the same depravity...The Chinese people were taking a stand against the corruption that had plagued their corner of the world" like wtf ???? um "depravity?????" also sorry to break this author's bubble but slavery/trafficking does not exist solely in Chinese culture.......................
This book made me mad I guess so that's something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
This historical fiction was a little too glossed over for my likings. It was based on real life pioneering advocate Donaldina Cameron, who goes to work at the Occidental mission home in the late 1800’s where Chinese women and children are rescued and brought to live. These women were lured from China to San Francisco by the criminal tong who promised the women marriages and employment but instead sold them as slaves to the highest bidder. Many women were forced into prostitution or as domestic slaves and severely abused.
The book shared examples of what happened to the many different women but didn’t go into detail. The accounts were more generalized and left to the reader’s imagination to fill in the details. As a result, the story lacked emotion. The narrative was also a little too “stiff.” Again, it chronicled the events that Dolly experienced during her years working at the mission but lacked heart in its telling. It brushed the surface too often where I hoped for more depth and grit.
The plot rambled a bit. I found the pacing to be off at times. The last quarter of the book could have been condensed into one chapter or an epilogue. It went on and on without much point. I would recommend to readers who are interested in learning more about the paper daughters yet don’t want details about the abuse - just a more generalized account.
The book shared examples of what happened to the many different women but didn’t go into detail. The accounts were more generalized and left to the reader’s imagination to fill in the details. As a result, the story lacked emotion. The narrative was also a little too “stiff.” Again, it chronicled the events that Dolly experienced during her years working at the mission but lacked heart in its telling. It brushed the surface too often where I hoped for more depth and grit.
The plot rambled a bit. I found the pacing to be off at times. The last quarter of the book could have been condensed into one chapter or an epilogue. It went on and on without much point. I would recommend to readers who are interested in learning more about the paper daughters yet don’t want details about the abuse - just a more generalized account.
March 31, 2020
This book was absolutely amazing. It is the story of Donaldina Cameron who began working in San Francisco in 1895 at a mission home that rescued Chinese women and girls from lives of slavery. She started as the sewing teacher, but was soon an essential member of the rescue team. Eventually, she became the director of the home.
This is historical fiction at it's finest. Supported by documented facts and countless hours of research, Moore weaves a complex tapestry. She skillfully intertwines the story of fictitious Mei Lien with the more historical account of Donaldina. This is a book of both tragedy and hope. The horrors these Chinese Paper Daughters suffered at the hands of their owners is heartbreaking. This book had me shedding tears. But at the same time my admiration and respect for Donaldina and others like her has grown. Human trafficking is a problem that has not disappeared. This story is a reminder of how one person's efforts can positively influence the lives of many.
This was an amazing journey and I am so glad that Moore wrote this story. It will stay with me for a very long time. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC. #Netgalley. #Heather Moore #paperdaughters
This is historical fiction at it's finest. Supported by documented facts and countless hours of research, Moore weaves a complex tapestry. She skillfully intertwines the story of fictitious Mei Lien with the more historical account of Donaldina. This is a book of both tragedy and hope. The horrors these Chinese Paper Daughters suffered at the hands of their owners is heartbreaking. This book had me shedding tears. But at the same time my admiration and respect for Donaldina and others like her has grown. Human trafficking is a problem that has not disappeared. This story is a reminder of how one person's efforts can positively influence the lives of many.
This was an amazing journey and I am so glad that Moore wrote this story. It will stay with me for a very long time. Thanks Netgalley for the ARC. #Netgalley. #Heather Moore #paperdaughters
January 1, 2021
An enjoyable read and an eye-opening history of Chinatown in San Francisco during the early 20th century. The story of a relentless crusader for the freedom of “Paper Daughters” Chinese women illegally brought into the US and were human trafficked.
August 2, 2024
Wow! While I knew about paper daughters, and paper sons, and the Chinese Exclusion Act, I didn't know the story of Donaldina Cameron, a woman who devoted her life to rescuing enslaved and abused Chinese girls and women in San Francisco. Even though this was a rough topic, Moore does a wonderful job of telling it with sensitivity and delicacy. A lot of books like this can devolve either into White Savior narratives or into poverty or abuse sensationalism. There's none of that here, and I could have listened for twice as long! (The audiobook reader, btw, is excellent.)
January 29, 2025
This was an enlightening read about the slave trade in Chinatown San Francisco in 1895. - 1910. Based o the life of Donaldina Cameron who was the superintendent of Cameron house. She rescues women and girls who have been abducted, sold or tricked into slavery. Often agents went to China and acted as matchmakers for poor Chinese teenagers offering them passage to the US and finding them husbands. The agents paid the parents for the girls then sold them to houses of prostitution.
August 31, 2020
Powerful and touching
I love fluffy romance stories, but every once in awhile, I crave a deeper book that's full of meaning, value, and leaves me touched. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is real and raw, as it's based on true events. This book is all of that and more, and if historical fiction is a genre you enjoy, be sure to check this one out!
I had no idea how awful a lot of the conditions were in Chinatown in the early 1900s. I thought the only slaves in America were the ones brought here from Africa, but that's definitely not the case. Young girls, some even just children, were taken or families were lied to, in order to propel a drug and prostitution ring in the San Francisco area. This tale tells the story of a woman, Donaldina (aka Dolly) who works hard with a rescue mission in getting these girls out of this situation and giving them an education and place of refuge. The sad thing is, this type of horror, sex trafficking, still exists today and I know there are many foundations who are working tirelessly to rescue these girls.
Moore delivers a well-crafted book that is superbly written and allows to reader to dive into this time, over 100 years ago, to learn an important part of history, as well as come to know key historical figures in an intimate way. I love learning historical facts in this way and Moore is a master story teller, especially when it concerns the past. I was affected by this story and completely engrossed, both in trepidation and hope, and finished with a feeling of knowledge and power. I left wanting to do something and make a change for the present and the future, and feel if only for those reasons alone, Moore's offering is a big success.
Content: very mild romance; horrors of abuse, rape, prostitution, slavery (enough details to understand how bad it was, but nothing at all graphic); very mild religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I love fluffy romance stories, but every once in awhile, I crave a deeper book that's full of meaning, value, and leaves me touched. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is real and raw, as it's based on true events. This book is all of that and more, and if historical fiction is a genre you enjoy, be sure to check this one out!
I had no idea how awful a lot of the conditions were in Chinatown in the early 1900s. I thought the only slaves in America were the ones brought here from Africa, but that's definitely not the case. Young girls, some even just children, were taken or families were lied to, in order to propel a drug and prostitution ring in the San Francisco area. This tale tells the story of a woman, Donaldina (aka Dolly) who works hard with a rescue mission in getting these girls out of this situation and giving them an education and place of refuge. The sad thing is, this type of horror, sex trafficking, still exists today and I know there are many foundations who are working tirelessly to rescue these girls.
Moore delivers a well-crafted book that is superbly written and allows to reader to dive into this time, over 100 years ago, to learn an important part of history, as well as come to know key historical figures in an intimate way. I love learning historical facts in this way and Moore is a master story teller, especially when it concerns the past. I was affected by this story and completely engrossed, both in trepidation and hope, and finished with a feeling of knowledge and power. I left wanting to do something and make a change for the present and the future, and feel if only for those reasons alone, Moore's offering is a big success.
Content: very mild romance; horrors of abuse, rape, prostitution, slavery (enough details to understand how bad it was, but nothing at all graphic); very mild religion
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
May 16, 2021
4.5 Stars!!! rounded to 4
A very good story about Chinese girls being tricked into coming to America for husbands and a better life. The timeframe is circa 1900. The story is based on real events that occurred in the San Francisco Chinatown.
The story largely follows a few girls and what they went through. Starting in China, arriving in California, then being part of the human slave trade. The girls were locked up, forced to take opium, and then controlled by their addiction.
Fortunately, there was a battle against this slavery by a city mission. Led by a strong, stalwart director who would rescue girls who somehow asked to for help. So a very dangerous battle against the rich Chinese slave owners.
The characters were personal and heart felt. The slave rescues, court trials, and relationships were all told wonderfully.
I also didn’t realize San Francisco Chinatown went through a Black Plague outbreak for four years during this time, with events sounding much like the covid pandemic.
I felt there was some repetition and maybe a little longer than needed to be. But the very good far outweighed this small criticism.
A very good story about Chinese girls being tricked into coming to America for husbands and a better life. The timeframe is circa 1900. The story is based on real events that occurred in the San Francisco Chinatown.
The story largely follows a few girls and what they went through. Starting in China, arriving in California, then being part of the human slave trade. The girls were locked up, forced to take opium, and then controlled by their addiction.
Fortunately, there was a battle against this slavery by a city mission. Led by a strong, stalwart director who would rescue girls who somehow asked to for help. So a very dangerous battle against the rich Chinese slave owners.
The characters were personal and heart felt. The slave rescues, court trials, and relationships were all told wonderfully.
I also didn’t realize San Francisco Chinatown went through a Black Plague outbreak for four years during this time, with events sounding much like the covid pandemic.
I felt there was some repetition and maybe a little longer than needed to be. But the very good far outweighed this small criticism.
April 22, 2021
This is a book club book so not normally one I would pick up.
It’s disheartening to see how many people are loving this book when it is twisting this story to be a white savior tale, centering the white woman who ran this boarding house and writing all of the Chinese girls and women to be weak, hopeless victims that would be nothing without this white woman. The book blatantly says this many times and refers to Dolly as some kind of messiah saying that no one else could have done this when the reality is that many women could have done this and, in reality, the Chinese women that came to the house and starting running the rescues should have been a far larger part of this story.
The house was founded as a mission to convert these Chinese women to Christianity, erasing their culture and traditions. In fact, this book has maybe ONE sentence on the fact that Dolly made the women marry Christian men! They could not marry other Chinese men, or any men, for that matter, unless they were Christian. That is cultural erasure and is racist.
The book also has such a weird and creepy obsession with talking about how much the girls love Dolly and want her as their mother. The author always has a character saying something to the affect of, “we love you so much, you are our mother.” Of course some of the girls probably did that but it is over the top and gross! It just paints this house and this white lady who has no idea about Chinese customs going into this situation as heaven on earth. I HIGHLY doubt that was the case, especially reading further and seeing how Dolly had many racist characterizations of Chinese people in her interviews.
Besides all the racism and gross white savior complex, the book is written so so corny like it’s part spy part corny action thriller from the 70s. The characters never have any complex thoughts or feelings about what is happening. Dolly is always naive about the reality of racism, which is NOT who end up typically being the people that can serve marginalized communities.
It sounds like Dolly was a complex person who did objective good but also had TONS of other people helping her that are kind of mentioned in the book but painted in an “I would be nothing without our brilliant savior Dolly” way. It clearly wasn’t this objective, and those complexities need to be mentioned. This author is trying to say some white lady who had NEVER interacted with marginalized communities is magically completely unbiased? Not a thing.
Again, it is disheartening how people read this and felt it was great. We have so far to go on understanding whiteness in this country and this book proves it.
It’s disheartening to see how many people are loving this book when it is twisting this story to be a white savior tale, centering the white woman who ran this boarding house and writing all of the Chinese girls and women to be weak, hopeless victims that would be nothing without this white woman. The book blatantly says this many times and refers to Dolly as some kind of messiah saying that no one else could have done this when the reality is that many women could have done this and, in reality, the Chinese women that came to the house and starting running the rescues should have been a far larger part of this story.
The house was founded as a mission to convert these Chinese women to Christianity, erasing their culture and traditions. In fact, this book has maybe ONE sentence on the fact that Dolly made the women marry Christian men! They could not marry other Chinese men, or any men, for that matter, unless they were Christian. That is cultural erasure and is racist.
The book also has such a weird and creepy obsession with talking about how much the girls love Dolly and want her as their mother. The author always has a character saying something to the affect of, “we love you so much, you are our mother.” Of course some of the girls probably did that but it is over the top and gross! It just paints this house and this white lady who has no idea about Chinese customs going into this situation as heaven on earth. I HIGHLY doubt that was the case, especially reading further and seeing how Dolly had many racist characterizations of Chinese people in her interviews.
Besides all the racism and gross white savior complex, the book is written so so corny like it’s part spy part corny action thriller from the 70s. The characters never have any complex thoughts or feelings about what is happening. Dolly is always naive about the reality of racism, which is NOT who end up typically being the people that can serve marginalized communities.
It sounds like Dolly was a complex person who did objective good but also had TONS of other people helping her that are kind of mentioned in the book but painted in an “I would be nothing without our brilliant savior Dolly” way. It clearly wasn’t this objective, and those complexities need to be mentioned. This author is trying to say some white lady who had NEVER interacted with marginalized communities is magically completely unbiased? Not a thing.
Again, it is disheartening how people read this and felt it was great. We have so far to go on understanding whiteness in this country and this book proves it.
September 18, 2020
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Paper Daughers of Chinatown is an historical novel recounting the life of Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron, a woman born in New Zealand from Scottish descent, and who traveled at a young age to California where she grew up. By her mid-twenties, she is invited to join a mission who rescued Chinese girls who were brought to the United States and sold as slaves or prostitutes in Chinatown. Dolly remained there for almost 40 years and become and advocate for the rights of these girls and to try to end the inhumane trafficking of girls and women by their own people.
I had no idea who Dolly was, neither of the dark history of Chinese immigration to the United States. In this aspect, this book was eye-opening and it does an excellent job in depicting the realities of San Francisco in the early 20th century. Some parts of the story are hard to read, as the author depicts the horrors girls and women suffered after being sold to heartless Chinese men and also other women. They became slaves not only because of the debt they were forced to pay but also because they were drugged with opium and thus became addicts, to prevent their escape.
I believe the author did an excellent research and thus, it is very easy to be transported into that specific time period and learn of what happened, while suffering and feeling impotent at all the atrocities humanity can do to one another. I was truly immersed in the story and definitely this sparked my interest in learning more about the Chinese experience in the United States.
What I didn’t like about this book was that about halfway through the story I felt that it turned repetitive and it stalled, in terms of the narrative and writing style. I flew by through the first half but then –all seemed the same. The book explores life at the mission and how Dolly got more and more involved on her job, leaving her private life aside. Some chapters also focus a bit more on some of the stories of the rescued girls, particularly Tien and Mei Lein, who become close to Dolly and continue supporting its work through their lives. But, at some point I felt the narrative offered just a “formula” and became the same –Dolly going to rescue a girl with the help of the same policemen and one of the girls at the mission; the rescued girl briefly telling her story and trying to cope with trauma; Dolly facing the members of the tong, or Chinese mafia who threatened her until she was legally able to secure the girl, and then all starting again.
Also, even though we get a glimpse of the terrible things the girls go through, I think the book could have been enriched by a deeper picture on how the life in Chinatown was –what drove the mafia to act as they did and how they were able to build such a strong hold in San Francisco. We got bits and pieces but overall I felt it was just presented “good vs bad”. Obviously trafficker are bad people, but what prompt them to act that way with their own people?
Another aspect I did not like very much was the character development, which to me was basically non-existent for Dolly, the main character. We get a bit of background information on her life –her birth, the loss of her mother and a broken engagement, but I felt there was no real exploration of what drove her to commit to helping those girls. Sure, their situation was awful, but, what was in her life that led her to dedicate her existence to saving girls? I didn’t get the impression –at least from this portray- that she was a particularly religious woman or that something in her past drove her to protect others. I felt there was something missing in this aspect. Also, I found the relationship with Charles a bit random and too cheesy. I felt it added not much to the plot –I guess it was there to show that Dolly might have be tempted to leave the mission, as a woman and as a human being which dealt with many terrible things but it was a bit plain.
I appreciated this story in the sense that I learned of a historical period and of a brave woman I had no idea had fought for human rights. In terms of the story as fiction, I think it lacked a bit more depth in the characters and could have drawn more from Chinese culture and its good parts, in the eyes of Tien or Mei Lein, who were Chinese born and carried with them a whole world that was able to survive after they were rescued.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Paper Daughers of Chinatown is an historical novel recounting the life of Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron, a woman born in New Zealand from Scottish descent, and who traveled at a young age to California where she grew up. By her mid-twenties, she is invited to join a mission who rescued Chinese girls who were brought to the United States and sold as slaves or prostitutes in Chinatown. Dolly remained there for almost 40 years and become and advocate for the rights of these girls and to try to end the inhumane trafficking of girls and women by their own people.
I had no idea who Dolly was, neither of the dark history of Chinese immigration to the United States. In this aspect, this book was eye-opening and it does an excellent job in depicting the realities of San Francisco in the early 20th century. Some parts of the story are hard to read, as the author depicts the horrors girls and women suffered after being sold to heartless Chinese men and also other women. They became slaves not only because of the debt they were forced to pay but also because they were drugged with opium and thus became addicts, to prevent their escape.
I believe the author did an excellent research and thus, it is very easy to be transported into that specific time period and learn of what happened, while suffering and feeling impotent at all the atrocities humanity can do to one another. I was truly immersed in the story and definitely this sparked my interest in learning more about the Chinese experience in the United States.
What I didn’t like about this book was that about halfway through the story I felt that it turned repetitive and it stalled, in terms of the narrative and writing style. I flew by through the first half but then –all seemed the same. The book explores life at the mission and how Dolly got more and more involved on her job, leaving her private life aside. Some chapters also focus a bit more on some of the stories of the rescued girls, particularly Tien and Mei Lein, who become close to Dolly and continue supporting its work through their lives. But, at some point I felt the narrative offered just a “formula” and became the same –Dolly going to rescue a girl with the help of the same policemen and one of the girls at the mission; the rescued girl briefly telling her story and trying to cope with trauma; Dolly facing the members of the tong, or Chinese mafia who threatened her until she was legally able to secure the girl, and then all starting again.
Also, even though we get a glimpse of the terrible things the girls go through, I think the book could have been enriched by a deeper picture on how the life in Chinatown was –what drove the mafia to act as they did and how they were able to build such a strong hold in San Francisco. We got bits and pieces but overall I felt it was just presented “good vs bad”. Obviously trafficker are bad people, but what prompt them to act that way with their own people?
Another aspect I did not like very much was the character development, which to me was basically non-existent for Dolly, the main character. We get a bit of background information on her life –her birth, the loss of her mother and a broken engagement, but I felt there was no real exploration of what drove her to commit to helping those girls. Sure, their situation was awful, but, what was in her life that led her to dedicate her existence to saving girls? I didn’t get the impression –at least from this portray- that she was a particularly religious woman or that something in her past drove her to protect others. I felt there was something missing in this aspect. Also, I found the relationship with Charles a bit random and too cheesy. I felt it added not much to the plot –I guess it was there to show that Dolly might have be tempted to leave the mission, as a woman and as a human being which dealt with many terrible things but it was a bit plain.
I appreciated this story in the sense that I learned of a historical period and of a brave woman I had no idea had fought for human rights. In terms of the story as fiction, I think it lacked a bit more depth in the characters and could have drawn more from Chinese culture and its good parts, in the eyes of Tien or Mei Lein, who were Chinese born and carried with them a whole world that was able to survive after they were rescued.
June 9, 2021
This is Historical Fiction set in San Francisco around the turn of the 20th century. The MC, Dolly, is plucked right from history as she fought to free indentured Asian women from slavery and from prostitution. This is certainly a blemish in history that should not be squirrelled away. It's tragic what these young girls and women were subjected to. No humanity.
I liked the historical nature of this. And it was interesting to hear about Dolly's stiff resolve in helping these immigrants. She felt called to this work. All efforts worthy of a book or more.
Now while I liked that, this book was not my favorite. It felt long. I did page-math more than a few times. There was so much telling, especially when it came to the characters and emotions. The characterizations were predictable clichés kissed with angelic perfection. All doing and saying the right things. Dolly suffered through so much and she was in many fearful situations, which in this book all felt like missed opportunities for detail on what that must have felt like.
Overall, I didn't care for the writing, but the history is what kept me in until the end. So 2 stars.
I liked the historical nature of this. And it was interesting to hear about Dolly's stiff resolve in helping these immigrants. She felt called to this work. All efforts worthy of a book or more.
Now while I liked that, this book was not my favorite. It felt long. I did page-math more than a few times. There was so much telling, especially when it came to the characters and emotions. The characterizations were predictable clichés kissed with angelic perfection. All doing and saying the right things. Dolly suffered through so much and she was in many fearful situations, which in this book all felt like missed opportunities for detail on what that must have felt like.
Overall, I didn't care for the writing, but the history is what kept me in until the end. So 2 stars.
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