Escape to Gold Mountain: A Graphic History of the Chinese in North America

Quick, how much do you know about the history of the Chinese in American and Canada? What does Gold Mountain refer to? What is a paper son?If all you know about the Chinese in America is that they helped build the American and Canadian transcontinental railroad, then this book will fill you in on all the rest that the Chinese did when they came here.This graphic novel was originally going to be called 'The Iron Chink" because of the machine that was invented int he early 1900's to gut fish, and put thousands of Chinese workers out of business. The author thought it would be more striking, but then realize that might turn people off from reading the book, even though that was the name for the machine.The novel follows a fictional Wong family from the first arrival to the 21st century, where the Canadian government offers an apology for all they did to them.In between we have all the horrors that happened to the Chinese, such as the working of the railroad, and the loss of life there, to the San Francisco earthquake that allowed for Paper sons, to the head tax in Canada and the barring from the mutual countries, Chinese families still in China.An excellent introduction to a part of history that is often overlooked and forgotten.

David Wong does an excellent job in presenting a complex and controversial history of Chinese immigration in both the US and Canada. A rollicking good story. All immigrants face adversity -- both economic hardship and racial prejudice, but the history of Chinese in North America is particularly vivid. Wong's decision to present their story as a graphic novel is effective. His history illustrates how a once-despised group overcame exceptional challenges to achieve success in their new home land. He manages to avoid platitudes pity and anger in showing the role of racism affected the Chinese. I thought I knew this history but I learned many fascinating details I hadn't realized by reading Wong's book.

This fascinating and graphic account of the experiences of Chinese immigrants to the United States and Canada is a must-read to understand the history of our area and the discrimination and problems faced by the Chinese who settled here. Their perseverance and fortitude is awe-inspiring. This is an important book in the history of immigration to the United States and Canada.

Nice story, I remember it from years ago.

This turned out to be very interesting although I didn't realize that it was a graphic novel or that it was largely about Canada. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read and being a graphic novel, I was able to interest my eleven-year old grandson in this. His part Chinese background led him to be interested in this story.

In a few swipes it becomes evident that this painful history forms the backbone to how North America was deformed, and ever grateful for those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for the generations to come.

Sad in many ways but very interesting

Everything was perfect and also and I like how neat was the packaging.

David Wong has created a vivid masterpiece in Escape to Gold Mountain as a stellar graphic novel. With deep empathy, he has created a vibrant journey of the Chinese in Gold Mountain, Canada and America. Future generations of Chinese, Canadians, and Americans will surely appreciate the harsh hardships of the few sojourners. The Chinese Head Tax. The Chinese Exclusion Act. The Paper Sons. Despite their tragedies and heartbreaks, the story of the Chinese is triumphantly told of their legacy of over 150 years in Gum Saan, Gold Mountain.

Great read for those interested in the history of Chinese contribution in the early days of Canada

A great history lesson, in the best format for all types of readers. Good book.

This book is MUST read. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Once I picked it up and started reading .....could not put it down!