Tam Ling Fan, a young woman who grew up in 1860s China, lived in comfort thanks to her father’s wealth. Unlike most girls of her status, her father spares her from painful foot-binding. However, her life takes a tragic turn when her brother dies of influenza and authorities falsely imprison her father. Refusing to accept a marriage of convenience for his release, Ling Fan disguises herself as a boy and takes up her brother’s contract to work on the Central Pacific Railroad in America.
Her journey to the “Gold Mountain” proves harsh and perilous. Along with other Chinese laborers, she builds the railroad connecting the East and West coasts, braving cave-ins, avalanches, blizzards, and racism from White Americans. When work accidents increase, it becomes clear sabotage is at play.
Yee’s narrative vividly portrays the challenges and dangers of constructing the railroad, when racism, classism, and drug abuse are common. Ling emerges as a powerful female protagonist, making immense sacrifices to save her family. The impact of the railroad extends beyond Chinese laborers to the indigenous people in its path, a testament to the book’s thoughtful exploration of history and adventure.
Beautifully written and well-paced, the story captivates readers from beginning to end, offering insights into history, mystery, and adventure. Although marketed as a young adult novel, it resonates with readers of all ages. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.