Review: A Rich Cultural Romance (B+ Grade)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2010
Quiang has left his homeland of China to travel to America and the place known as "Gold Mountain" in Sacramento, California. Like many other Chinese emigrants, Quiang works for very little money on the railroad the white men have constructed. Part of Quiang's wages is sent back to his family so they can have a better life. But Quiang is frustrated by the lack of respect given to him, as well as his fellow countrymen around him who live in the worst possible conditions. Quiang wants a better life for himself. But because of what he is and his lack of speaking English, he is stuck and may have to give up and return home.Leah and Clara are two colored women who have traveled from New York to Sacramento for better opportunities. Things are less than ideal for them even though they are getting by with their restaurant and laundry business. But because of their race and gender, they must still deal with racism and bigotry. Clara is in love with the Pastor Caldwell, who in turn seems more interested in Leah. Leah isn't interested in marriage and enjoys being independent. One day a Chinaman comes into her establishment and wants his shirt laundered. Even with the lack of communication between them, Clara is more than happy to clean his shirt and even gives him some spare clothes. Clara is uncomfortable by the way this strange man stares at her, but she ignores it. Quiang finds Clara to be very pretty and can't wait to see her again.When Quiang goes back for his shirt, Clara makes him a meal and although they can barely understand one another, they both feel something special between them. Both know they can't act on it because of their stations in life, and this is proved even more when two rough looking white men destroy Clara's business. Quiang wants revenge against these men who stole everything from Clara and begins working for a very dangerous and powerful man. Quiang thinks this is his way of escaping his less than appealing life. Once he has enough money, he wants to marry Clara and make a family with her. Clara has fallen for Quiang and would love nothing more to be with him, but first they must overcome so much in order to have a future together.Sharon Cullars' Gold Mountain is a well written and deep historical romance where many issues are raised, especially in regards to race. Ms. Cullars doesn't back away from the social issues that were so very strong during the mid 19th century. She gives a very realistic view of what both Clara and Quiang had to give up, as well as trying to make their way through life in a very cruel world.Even with the cultural and language barriers between Clara and Quiang, their attraction for one another is a beautiful thing. The respect and love they have is strong and these two will do whatever they can to be together. Their loves scenes simmer, are very emotional and what the reader is expecting. One love scene does border a bit on purple prose and I couldn't help but laugh when Clara is in awe of Quiang's "tumescence" but did enjoy reading the final outcome. There is also a great deal of tension with an exciting and suspense-filled endingI didn't want Gold Mountain to end and wished it was longer. I applaud Ms. Cullars for writing a wonderful and rich cultural romance about crossing barriers and embracing someone who is different.Katiebabs