Thousand Pieces of Gold

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Hardcover
$24.00 US
On sale May 06, 2025 | 192 Pages | 9780807018866

The extraordinary biographical novel about a Chinese-American woman who fought for independence and dignity in the American West

A limited Beacon Classics edition, with a gorgeous spot gloss cover and retro, classic palette

“Fast-paced and entertaining-packed with adventure, drama, and inspiration.” —San Francisco Chronicle


Lalu Nathoy’s father called his thirteen-year-old daughter his treasure, his “thousand pieces of gold”—yet when famine strikes northern China in 1871, he is forced to sell her. Polly, as Lalu is later called, is sold to a brothel, sold again to a slave merchant bound for America, auctioned to a saloonkeeper, and offered as a prize in a poker game. 

Celebrated author Ruthanne Lum McCunn traces the gripping narrative of Lalu’s courageous attempts to escape captivity and then enslavement, and her unflagging efforts to live free in the American West as Polly, despite devastating losses. With over a quarter of a million copies sold, Thousand Pieces of Gold remains an enduring classic of biographical historical fiction, starring an unforgettable Chinese-American heroine whose struggles put a human face on the anti-immigration policies of the past and present.
Ruthanne Lum McCunn writes about the Chinese on both sides of the Pacific. Her award-winning books include The Moon Pearl and, most recently, Chinese Yankee. McCunn’s work has been translated into thirteen languages, published in twenty-two countries, and adapted for stage and screen. She lives in San Francisco.

About

The extraordinary biographical novel about a Chinese-American woman who fought for independence and dignity in the American West

A limited Beacon Classics edition, with a gorgeous spot gloss cover and retro, classic palette

“Fast-paced and entertaining-packed with adventure, drama, and inspiration.” —San Francisco Chronicle


Lalu Nathoy’s father called his thirteen-year-old daughter his treasure, his “thousand pieces of gold”—yet when famine strikes northern China in 1871, he is forced to sell her. Polly, as Lalu is later called, is sold to a brothel, sold again to a slave merchant bound for America, auctioned to a saloonkeeper, and offered as a prize in a poker game. 

Celebrated author Ruthanne Lum McCunn traces the gripping narrative of Lalu’s courageous attempts to escape captivity and then enslavement, and her unflagging efforts to live free in the American West as Polly, despite devastating losses. With over a quarter of a million copies sold, Thousand Pieces of Gold remains an enduring classic of biographical historical fiction, starring an unforgettable Chinese-American heroine whose struggles put a human face on the anti-immigration policies of the past and present.

Author

Ruthanne Lum McCunn writes about the Chinese on both sides of the Pacific. Her award-winning books include The Moon Pearl and, most recently, Chinese Yankee. McCunn’s work has been translated into thirteen languages, published in twenty-two countries, and adapted for stage and screen. She lives in San Francisco.

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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