FICTION

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown

by Heather B Moore
Shadow Mountain. Sept. 2020. 384p. ISBN 9781629727820. $26.99. F
COPY ISBN
Donaldina “Dolly” Cameron is just 26 when she comes to work at the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in 1895 San Francisco. She is quickly moved by the plight of the Chinese girls she meets there. Called “paper daughters” because of the falsified paperwork their abusers filed to get them into the country, they were trapped in lives of sexual slavery before coming to the mission. Dolly develops a mother-daughter relationship with her charges and soon knows she has found her life’s calling, Prolific author Moore (Lady of Breken Manor) tells the story of a real-life crusader who, strongly motivated by her Christian faith, fought fiercely on behalf of her “daughters” even when doing so placed her own life in danger.
VERDICT Some readers may be disappointed that the Chinese characters in the novel are not nearly as well developed as Dolly is and that the mission’s insistence that they give up their own culture to convert to Christianity is not questioned. However, many readers will find Dolly’s bravery and commitment to her faith inspirational, and Moore’s impressively detailed research makes this a good introduction to this often neglected chapter in American history.
Reviewed by Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign P.L., IL , Sep 01, 2020
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Secret Fling with the Billionaire
by Douglas, Michelle
FICTION

Holiday Under Wraps
by Mettner, Katie
FICTION

Tracking Down the Lawman’s Son
by Fossen, Delores
FICTION

Cold Case Protection
by Helm, Nicole
FICTION

One Waltz with the Viscount
by Martin, Laura
FICTION

When Cinderella Met the Duke
by Williams, Sophia
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?