Scan barcode
A review by jaclyn_sixminutesforme
Stone Sky Gold Mountain by Mirandi Riwoe
4.0
This is a really strong character-driven narrative set in the gold rush period in North Queensland, and adds a richly developed perspective on a period in history typically dominated by a white male narrative.
Through alternating perspectives of two siblings (Chinese migrants seeking their fortunes on the gold field to return home and support their siblings), and a young white woman who works in the same town, the story explores friendship and connection and identity amidst this backdrop. What I think was most powerfully done was the way gender was explored in a literal sense - particularly in so far as it explores issues around representation of Chinese women within Australian history, and the damage caused by stereotypes and racism.
It did feel as though the plot (as blurbed) was very late in the piece, so the narrative was more character-driven than expected based on this - that said the way each of the three perspectives was so fully developed was a real highlight for my reading.
For more: https://youtu.be/xWuk799ptak
Many thanks to UQP for a review copy.
Through alternating perspectives of two siblings (Chinese migrants seeking their fortunes on the gold field to return home and support their siblings), and a young white woman who works in the same town, the story explores friendship and connection and identity amidst this backdrop. What I think was most powerfully done was the way gender was explored in a literal sense - particularly in so far as it explores issues around representation of Chinese women within Australian history, and the damage caused by stereotypes and racism.
It did feel as though the plot (as blurbed) was very late in the piece, so the narrative was more character-driven than expected based on this - that said the way each of the three perspectives was so fully developed was a real highlight for my reading.
For more: https://youtu.be/xWuk799ptak
Many thanks to UQP for a review copy.