Gold Mountain Blues by Ling Zhang

A family saga revolving around the life of Fong Tak Fat, who leaves his native China at the age of 16 for the bleak chance of striking wealth in British Columbia.

By Stacy Lee Kong

Updated November 2, 2012

4. Gold Mountain Blues

In 1879, 16-year-old Fong Tak Fat boards a crowded, stinky ship destined for British Columbia and joins the rush of Chinese men hoping to strike it rich in a cold, inhospitable land, This poignant family saga follows Tak Fat; his bride, brave and artistic Suk Yin; and three generations of their descendants, whose destinies are irrevocably altered by Tak Fat's desperate decision.

Gold Mountain Blues, Ling Zhang, $32.

- S.L.K.

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