A review by kairosdreaming
Ghosts of Gold Mountain: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad by Gordon H. Chang
4.0
This review is part of the Amazon Vine program.
I had known before that a lot of Chinese Immigrants came over to work on the railroads back in the 19th century. What I didn't know was the extent, the hardship, and just how integral they were to the effort.
Ghosts of Gold Mountain is a pretty definitive history of the "Railroad Chinese" who built the Transcontinental Railroad. As definitive as it can be considering there are no first-hand accounts themselves from the workers. It would seem that no journals, letters, etc. have yet been found to hear their side of the story. So we are left with historical accounts from newspapers, interviews with white Americans, and other non-first person basis. But despite this lack of information, Chang weaves a compelling narrative.
Imagine how hard it would have been to level out land and lay down track across the mountains. Now imagine doing that without any modern technology and only the strength of your back to do it. It is amazing what was accomplished. But it seems to have come at a high cost. An untold number of Chinese died creating the railroad. And since no records were kept well, the actual number will never be discovered.
Chang's writing is precise, but story-telling enough that you don't get bored with it. I found myself deeply engrossed and had a lot of trouble putting the book down. It was saddening (much like a look of most American history) but important. Why things like this aren't a part of our history classes I'll never fathom.
Review by M. Reynard 2019
I had known before that a lot of Chinese Immigrants came over to work on the railroads back in the 19th century. What I didn't know was the extent, the hardship, and just how integral they were to the effort.
Ghosts of Gold Mountain is a pretty definitive history of the "Railroad Chinese" who built the Transcontinental Railroad. As definitive as it can be considering there are no first-hand accounts themselves from the workers. It would seem that no journals, letters, etc. have yet been found to hear their side of the story. So we are left with historical accounts from newspapers, interviews with white Americans, and other non-first person basis. But despite this lack of information, Chang weaves a compelling narrative.
Imagine how hard it would have been to level out land and lay down track across the mountains. Now imagine doing that without any modern technology and only the strength of your back to do it. It is amazing what was accomplished. But it seems to have come at a high cost. An untold number of Chinese died creating the railroad. And since no records were kept well, the actual number will never be discovered.
Chang's writing is precise, but story-telling enough that you don't get bored with it. I found myself deeply engrossed and had a lot of trouble putting the book down. It was saddening (much like a look of most American history) but important. Why things like this aren't a part of our history classes I'll never fathom.
Review by M. Reynard 2019