32 pages 1 hour read

C Pam Zhang

How Much Of These Hills Is Gold

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang follows 12-year-old Lucy and her 11-year-old brother Sam, two ethnically Chinese orphans in California during the Gold Rush, on a quest to find a proper burial place for their father, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the myths of the American West. The novel's structure shifts in time to reveal their family's tragic past and their struggle for acceptance in a society that discriminates against them.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews for How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang showcase its evocative prose and fresh take on the American Western genre. Critics praise its vivid imagery and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing uneven and plot development lacking clarity. Overall, it's lauded for its unique perspective and lyrical storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How Much Of These Hills Is Gold?

A reader who enjoys How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang is likely drawn to lyrical narratives, historical fiction, and stories focused on identity and the immigrant experience. Fans of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck will find this novel compelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Chinese Literature

Historical Fiction

Western

Period

Asian Literature

Topics

Race / Racism

Immigration / Refugee

Themes

Natural World: Appearance & Reality

Relationships: Family

Identity: Race