Daughters of the Sun and Moon - three Chinese women are impacted by a shameful episode in American history.

In 1870, Los Angeles was a small city predominantly populated by men. It was home to miners, immigrants from Mexico and Europe, and roughly 180 people from China. Beautiful, seventeen-year-old Yut Ho (Dove) was sold by her family and transported to Los Angeles for an arranged marriage to an older man, a successful merchant, who left his first wife and children in China. During her journey, she meets Sing Yee (Petal), who was sold by her impoverished family, sent to America (the Gold Mountain), and then sold again to the leader of a Chinese gang (tong), where she was forced to work in his brothel. After they arrive in Lo Sang, the two young women meet Moon, who is married to the local Chinese doctor. Life is difficult for Dove, who is treated like a possession by her husband, and Petal, who is planning an escape from her degrading situation. Moon wants to help the two women but knows it could put her and them in danger. As rival tongs worsen conditions in this lawless city, a horrific massacre occurs, killing many Chinese men and boys. 

Lisa See has written many enlightening books that tell stories of Chinese women through the centuries. In Daughters of the Sun and Moon, See transports us to a Los Angeles that would be unrecognizable today, with a story that includes the little-known Chinese Massacre of 1871, also known as the Night of Horrors. Part of the story is told in 1926 by an elderly Moon, offering a sense of hopefulness. Many characters in the story were either real individuals from that time or inspired by historical figures. While the event is not well known, there are numerous articles and videos available online to learn more. Be sure to read the author's note, as it provides additional insights, including the impact of the massacre on the lives of her great-grandparents. 

Many thanks to Scribner for providing an advance of this moving book.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction.

Publication Date: June 9, 2026.

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