xangemthelibrarian's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This was really good! 

If you want your heart ripped out over true events that happened in the late 19th thru very early 20th century, this is the book for you. 

Tien Fu is six years old when she is sold into slavery because her father couldn't pay off his gambling debts. She is passed from one abusive owner to another, eventually finding herself across the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco's Chinatown. While there, she eventually rescued by a Presbyterian mission home. 

I liked being able to watch Tien Fu grow up. I never felt like her actions were unwarranted: she was brutally traumatized by her forced enslavement. And as she grew up, she learned to turn that resentment into a purpose: a life calling. 

I didn't quite like the chapters narrated by Dolly so much, but it was mostly because when I meet people who speak so religiously, I tend to be suspicious of them. She's just fine. It's me.

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bloodbrooxv's review

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emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I haven't read the original source material, but i think this adaptation was arranged beautifully. The characters and the pacing are spot on, and the story of Tien Fu is so inspirational for everyone. I think this book is a great starting point for young readers to learn about slavery and those kind of sensible topics. 
I would recommend The Paper daughters of Chinatown to anyone who's interested in a both deep and fast paced historical fiction book! 

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