Historical fiction taking place in the varied Chinese districts of America
Oregon, 1888. In the middle of the underground labyrinth of the Shanghai tunnels of Portland, a woman wakes up disoriented in an underground cell. Although no foreigner maintains a facade, being half Chinese but passing as white, it is perplexed by the male disguise that it carries. However, dangers it faces is more urgent as “shanghaïed”, the sea to be done like forced work. While fighting to remember what happened, she is desperately trying to escape so that she can go back to her daughter, left in danger in a place where unearthed secrets can be even more deadly than dark corners of the Chinese district.
Did you know that the Chinese district of San Francisco is the oldest in the United States? The Chinese district of San Francisco has housed members of the Chinese diaspora since 1848. Filled with unique customs, dialects and identity, Chinese districts were important in the history and culture of Chinese immigrants.
The history of Chinese immigration to the United States is linked to the California gold rush and the construction of the transcontinental railway. The Chinese district of San Francisco was the port of entry for Chinese immigrants from the Pearl River Delta. The Chinese district of San Francisco was the only area in the city where Chinese immigrants were authorized to live and inherit buildings. The anti-immigrant feeling at the end of the 19th century led to the Chinese exclusion law, which prevented Chinese immigrants from entering the United States this period was harmful to American Chinese culture and shaped American Chinatowns. While Chinese immigrants were harassed by the police and lived without their family, the Chinese districts were exoticated as a depraved tourist destination.
The Chinese exclusion law was not repealed until 1943.
There are more than 50 distinct Chinese districts across the United States, with the largest in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Due to gentrification and demographic changes, many Chinese districts change quickly. These novels portray different eras of us, Chinese districts, approaching family, race and discrimination themes.
Go beyond the moon by Stacey Lee
Located in 1906 in San Francisco, this novel has a heroine with grain and determination in the face of adversity. Macey’s best chance to escape from Chinatown’s poverty is an education at St. Clare’s School for Girls. With a little corruption and intelligence, Macey obtains admission but faces a harsh discrimination of his rich white classmates. When a historic earthquake rocks the city, Macey is forced to wait with his classmates. She cannot bear to sit lazily while her family and others are in danger.
Chinese dolls by Lisa see
In the most exclusive Chinatown nightclub in San Francisco, Ruby, Helen and Grace Audition for the same role of Showgirl. Grace was fleeing an abusive father, Helen’s family has been in San Francisco for a long time, and Ruby is Japanese, posing as Chinese. Their differences and similarities feed their complex friendship. This novel follows Ruby, Helen and thanks through 50 years of war, romance and sorrow.
Last night at the Telegraph Club by Melinda Lo
In 1950, San Francisco at the height of red fear, Lily Hu and Kathleen Miller fell in love. The Telegraph Club, a lesbian bar, becomes a kind of haven for Lily as it faces discrimination and uncertainty. The note of the author of Lu adds an important historical context to this novel.
The hero of the shadow by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Sonny Liew
Inspired by a series of golden comics, The hero of the shadow Gives the golden turtle a story of origin and new adventures. Hank and his family run a small grocery store in the Chinese district. When a gang begins to terrorize the people of Chinatown, Hank’s great mother decides that he will save them. She sewed a suit and made him study the kung-fu before a Chinese guardian spirit gives superpowers to Hank. Infused with fun and stimulating themes, this graphic novel is a loving tribute to the comics of classic superheroes.
Kill it twice by Stacey Lee
When the body of the star of Silver Screen Lulu Wong is discovered in a stable, his former classmates, May, Gemma and Peony, are immediately suspect. There is evidence of unfair playing, but the Los Angeles police service seems to want to supervise Lulu’s death as proof of Chinatown’s immorality. With Chinatown on the blocking in favor of a station, it is more than the murder of Lulu in play. The sisters are determined to resolve the death of Lulu for themselves and to save their neighborhood. Follow the winding investigation in this Mystery Set of Ya in Hollywood in the 1930s.
City of Dragons by Kelli Stanley
During Chinatown New Year’s festivities, private investigator Miranda Corbie is witness to the death of Eddie Takahashi. Of course, it is a murder, Miranda informs the police and also decides to investigate by itself. The other cases of Miranda are starting to meet in a bizarre and sinister puzzle. First in a mystery series, City of Dragons Take readers to the lively streets of the Chinese district of San Francisco from the 1940s.
The Joy Luck Club By Amy Tan
Teed on in vignettes, this modern classic tells the story of four mothers of Chinese immigrant and their four daughters of American origin. After meeting the Chinese district of San Francisco in 1949, mothers form a Mahjong club which bears their friendship through years of difficulties and good times. Weaving past and present stories together, each chapter of The Joy Luck Club offers a thematic parable.
Does your city have a Chinese district? If so, plan to visit and discover history. In the meantime, add these 20 historic fiction books to read in your reading list!
