Although this book was tough to read in spots because of the cruelty some people forced on others, it was a very informative, insightful look at a very real part of our history. The author did an amazing job of giving the reader both the heartaches and the joys in the lives of the paperback daughters.

Based on the true life of Donaldina Cameron, The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is a must-read for anyone interested in the injustices done to Chinese women at that time or in the history of Chinatown in San Francisco in the late nineteenth century. Reading about the hard life that Mei Lien had to endure woven around the wonderful things that Donaldina did for so many women made this a very compelling story.

I almost didn't read this book. I wasn't sure if I could handle the subject matter and I wasn't a big fan of the cover. I am glad that I relented and read the book. Not reading it would have been a big mistake. I knew going into it that Heather B. Moore was a wonderful author, she wrote this book with compassion and dignity for the women who were victims on]f the Tong.

Donaldina is a new hero of mine. The fortitude and compassion that she showed were nothing short of incredible. She helped save many young Chinese girls and women from deplorable situations. She is an example of rising up and helping. She sacrificed so much for them. She is a true example of a Christian woman.

I can not rave about this book enough. I would suggest that this is a book that should be read by many. It may trigger women who have been sexually or physically abused. This is a book of finding hope in the darkness.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5
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.

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.

This book is SO AMAZING! I loved every page. An incredible story to begin with but told so well you are drawn in and do not want to put it down until the very end. I learned so much about the time and events I never knew before. I am in awe that these things happened and honor the woman who gave her life rescuing these precious Chinese girls. I am so grateful these words have been recorded. I highly recommend this book.

Before I start into my opinion of this book, I want to say that I really enjoyed learning about Dolly Cameron. I admire her courage in the face of such evil. She truly was a remarkable woman!

So why the two stars?

This was a book I had to force myself to read. I would have quit halfway through if I hadn't agreed to review it for Net Galley. Knowing both the author and the publishing house, I did not expect the semi-descriptive details of fictional character Mien Lie in the first half of the book when she was first brought to Chinatown. It really bothered me--made it too real, too visual. If Mien Lie hadn't been part of it, I would have enjoyed the book much more and given the book a much higher rating.

I knew the topic was rough going into it, but I didn't consider that a problem when I chose to read the book. I picked it up because of the author and because of the publishing house. Shadow Mountain publishes clean, uplifting fiction. Also, I believed the author could handle a rough topic and make it uplifting. Although she tried to in the end, the first half of the book was too disturbing to compensate. This took me by surprise. When I pick up a book by a specific author from a specific publishing house, I expect a certain type of book. That's not what I got.

One of the best adult books I've read this year. Heavily resourced historical fiction which draws the reader into the lives of Donaldina Cameron, a teacher at the mission house at 920 Sacramento Street, and Mei Lien, a young woman who travels from China to the United States under the impression there is a groom and happy life waiting for her in San Fransisco. Unfortunately, she has become a victim of the Chinese slave trade and is destined for a life of prostitution, addiction, and misery. The work of the mission house was to rescue the girls and young women, bring them to safety within their building, and heal their emotional and physical wounds, with the Police always on call to assist in the rescues, as the Chinese Tong had no intention of giving up any “assets”. Plot driven with each chapter beginning with an entry from her diary or a legal statement. In 1895, when Donaldina rode the train from her quiet home into San Francisco, she had no idea of the number of lives she would save, or the love she would have for her Paper Daughters. Highly recommend.

What a beautifully written, heartbreaking story that few people know about in history. Hearing the story from the perspective of the workers and of the rescued women presents a well-rounded, informative, and riveting narrative.

The way the author transformed a real-life event into historical fiction was impressive and seamless. The story is very realistic and believable, and it's also fascinating to read about the challenging experiences of the Chinese people in America at the turn of the 20th century.

It's crucial that the stories of these victims are being told, and the impact is tremendous.

First sentence: Donaldina Cameron leaned her head against the cool glass of the window as the train slowed to a stop, its whistle mimicking the call of a mournful dove—deep and melancholy—a fitting echo of her life over the past few years. With no husband, no employment, and no parents to watch over, she felt as stagnant as a warm pond on a lazy summer day.

Premise/plot: Based on a true story, The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is a must read. I'm not one to throw around the word must lightly or thoughtlessly. Nor am I one to toss around five star ratings. (Especially this year I've tried to be more mindful.) But this has to be one of the best books I've ever read...at least in the "based on a true story" category or sub-genre.

The book opens in 1895 and spans several decades as it follows the ministry of Donaldina Cameron as she serves as a teacher, rescuer, and guardian in San Francisco's Chinatown. She is trained to rescue young girls and young women--Chinese--that have been sold and trafficked. The Presbyterian Mission Home in which she serves faces much opposition. But their work changes lives.

“Rescued?” Dolly had questioned. “Yes,” Mrs. Browne said, lowering her voice, although only the birds and sunshine were within earshot, “from the brothels of Chinatown.” “Women and girls,” Mrs. Browne corrected. “Some of the girls are as young as eight or nine. They’re brought over from China by highbinders, promised a good life and marriage in America, yet the promises are lies. These young girls are sold as domestic slaves or forced into prostitution.”



Why the name Paper Daughters???

“The girls take on new identities in America, and their lives are controlled in every way. They’ve been reduced to what we call paper daughters. Without a home. Without care or love.” “Paper daughters,” Dolly whispered. These girls had become no more than documents with false names; they had given up not only their identities but their dignity.



My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved this one. It is easily one of the best books I've read this year. It is both sobering and inspiring. It is incredibly sad that humanity is so depraved that the selling of little girls is a recorded fact. But it is also incredibly uplifting that there are those willing to give their all to fight, fight, fight these wrongs. Dolly's life story is incredibly inspiring and beautiful. Her crown in heaven must be beautiful.

I know my review doesn't do the book justice. The book goes into incredible detail about the mission home, about the lives of those rescued, about the personal lives of the staff, etc. I just can't regurgitate that in my review. (That wouldn't be doing a service either.) Just know this is a beautifully compelling work.

Truly one of the best books I have read this year, this account of the bravery of Donaldina Cameron and her stand against the brutal tongs of 1895 San Francisco's Chinatown. Girls brought from China that were promised happy marriages and stable homes were instead forced into prostitution and worse. Ms. Cameron's haven, The Occidental Mission for Girls, gave these girls another chance for a good life.

I was so impressed with this book. It was thought provoking, emotional and engaging. I highly recommend it.

I have been a fan of Heather B Moore for several years now. I was excited when I had the chance to read her newest release, The Paper Daughters of Chinatown. I was not disappointed. This one is probably among one of my favorite books I have read by her to date. The historical details were so vivid, I felt like I was transported back in time to late 1800s San Francisco. I was intrigued from to finish. I had no problem having the whole book read in one day. It was that good.
I am giving The Paper Daughters of Chinatown a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy and are fans of historical fiction.
I received The Paper Daughters of Chinatown from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore is a fictionalized story about Donaldina "Dolly" Cameron. She was a woman in the late 1800s - early 1900s that fought for the rights of the Chinese women brought into America under false claims and then sold into human slavery. I haven't read or heard much about this topic in American history, and I thought this book was fascinating.

Things I liked: Each chapter has excerpts from actual logs from the mission homes, other testimonies from courts and receipts of sale of the women. I thought this really helped to solidify that this is based on a true story and show to what great lengths each side was willing to go to for the women, to either keep them enslaved or to free them. You could really feel how much Dolly loved the Chinese girls and wanted to keep them safe.

Part of the book is split between Dolly's happenings and a Chinese woman, Mei Lien who was brought to America and immediately sold into prostitution. I found Mei Lien's story more gripping; I would read really fast through Dolly's chapter(s) to get back to Mei Lien's story.

What wasn't my favorite: Dolly's story spans over a decade and I felt like there were parts where month's and years would pass in a couple paragraphs. I understand that there was tons of story to tell in a book, but I just felt like things were rushed at times.

This is a really great book and I definitely recommend it!

Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC. This review is my own opinion and in no way biased.

I was never a huge fan of history class but give me an immersive novel that puts skin on the people of a place and time period, and I am wholly engaged. In The Paper Daughters of Chinatown, Heather B. Moore sweeps readers to the turn of the twentieth century San Francisco and a little-known and dark part of America’s history.

Donaldina “Dolly” Cameron’s plan to spend a year teaching sewing classes at the Occidental Mission Home becomes a lifetime of sacrifice, heartache, and bravery. Moore brings to life the dangers, risks, fears, friendships forged, and sadness Dolly experienced with the Chinese girls she rescued from slavery from the tong.

Through the fictional character of Mei Lien, readers also get a small (and tasteful) insight into what life for these young girls was like. With no hope of escape from their captors, forced in to drug addiction and prostitution, these girls saw little hope for their future.

I could tell Moore did a load of research for this story and the author held it dear to her heart. I found myself tearing up through several parts of this book but am so, so grateful it was written—not only because it introduced me to a piece of American History I wasn’t at all aware of before but also because human trafficking is still happening. Evil people are still treating other human beings like possessions and slaves. We need more Dollys in this world.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This was a wonderfully written book about a hero in San Francisco who helped so many. This book was very well researched and written. I had no idea that this went on in the US during this time period (late 1800-early 1900’s). It is sickening to see what people will do to hurt each other and equally uplifting to see the strength of people like Donaldina to help so many others. These poor Chinese women were treated as slaves and taken advantage of sexually as well as in other ways. I am so pleased that I received an advance copy of this book. I would highly recommend this to anyone! Wonderful read.

If you enjoyed Before We Were Yours (Wingate), you’ll want to read this book. The Paper Daughter is exhaustively researched historical fiction dealing with human trafficking. In this case it is the Chinese girls who were brought to the US as “paper daughers” of people all ready living in the US. In reality they were being sold in to slavery. When Dolly Cameron comes to the Occidental Mission House, she thinks she is going to be teaching sewing. Instead she spends over 40 years there rescuing girls from the prostitution for which they have been destined. This would be a great book club selection as well as for young adults.

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.

I didn’t know anything about Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron until reading this book, and I’m so glad I know her story now. The Paper Daughters of Chinatown is the story of Dolly Cameron and her crusade against the slave trade in Chinatown San Francisco in the early 1900’s. “Paper daughters” refers to the young women and girls who were given fake documents to enter America, and therefore had no proof of their true identity.
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Dolly worked and eventually ran the Occidental Mission Home for Girls (now called the Cameron House) on Sacramento street. She personally went on several missions to rescue girls from brothels and opium dens, earning herself the title “Fahn Quai,” or “White Devil.” I was so impressed by Dolly’s determination to rescue and care for these girls at all costs. She faced many challenges aside from rescuing the girls- enduring plages, earthquakes, fires, and through it all her devotion to the girls was her first priority.
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Her story is told in novel form. It is very well researched and brings Dolly’s story to life. I loved the combination of a fictional character’s story, Mei Lein, and Dolly’s true life events. This is a timely book, and the message is critical- love, compassion, and equality. Always.

This is a well research and well written book on a hard but very real topic. While it deals with horrible things the book itself does not get graphic. This would be a great book club book because it can lead to a great discussion.

An incredible book! From the very first pages, I dived into the story and didn't want to stop reading. Although the main topic (slavery, abuse, human trade, prostitution) is not an easy one, Heather B. Moore wrote about it with a great sensibility, especially considering the aspect of race and racism in the US at that time. She managed to make the reader travel through time and continents thanks to her careful descriptions of San Francisco and China in the 19th-20th centuries, yet the dialogues make the story come alive. It was an honour to learn about the incredible life of Dolly and other historic characters, and I am glad I was introduced to this topic, place and time that I knew little about - slavery, abuse and prostitution are rarely mentioned in fictions.
Masterfully written - I would definitely recommend this book!