Quick Take

When gold rush fever gripped the globe in 1849, thousands of Chinese immigrants came through San Francisco seeking fortune. In The Poker Bride, Christopher Corbett uses a little-known Idaho legend as a lens into this Chinese experience. Before 1849, the Chinese in the United States were little more than curiosities. But as word spread of the discovery of gold, they soon became a regular sight in the American West. In San Francisco, a labyrinthine Chinatown arose where Chinese smuggled into the country were deposited. Polly, a young Chinese concubine, accompanied her owner to a mining camp in the highlands of Idaho. After he lost her in a poker game, Polly found her way with her new owner to an isolated ranch on the banks of the Salmon River. As the gold rush receded, it took with it the Chinese miners, but left behind Polly, who would make headlines when she emerged from the Idaho hills nearly half a century later to visit a modern city and tell her story. The Poker Bride vividly reconstructs a lost period of history when the first Chinese sojourners flooded into the country and left only glimmering traces of their presence scattered across the American West.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Poker Bride: The First Chinese in the Wild West

Introduction

"The Poker Bride: The First Chinese in the Wild West" by Christopher Corbett is a captivating historical narrative that delves into the lives of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush era in America. This book offers a unique perspective on the Chinese experience in the Old West, using the story of Polly Bemis as a focal point. Polly, a young Chinese concubine, traveled from San Francisco to an Idaho mining camp, where she found herself in a poker game and ultimately became known as "the poker bride." Christopher Corbett's meticulous research and storytelling skills bring to life the challenges and triumphs of Chinese immigrants during this time.

About Christopher Corbett

Christopher Corbett, the author of "The Poker Bride," is a former editor and reporter with the Associated Press. With extensive research and storytelling expertise, Corbett has crafted a compelling account of Polly Bemis's life and the broader history of Chinese immigration to the American West. His ability to weave together historical facts and personal narratives creates a captivating reading experience that immerses readers in the lives of these forgotten pioneers.

Analysis of Views

Historical Insight: Readers appreciate the depth of historical research and context provided by Christopher Corbett. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of the lives of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush era, shedding light on their experiences, struggles, and contributions to American society.
Engaging Storytelling: The book's narrative style captivates readers, making it an enjoyable and accessible read. Corbett's ability to tell Polly Bemis's story while interweaving it with broader historical events creates a compelling reading experience.
Fascinating Subject Matter: The subject matter of "The Poker Bride" is intriguing, exploring a little-known aspect of American history. Readers find it fascinating to learn about the experiences of Chinese immigrants in the Old West and how they overcame adversity to build their lives.
Well-Researched: Christopher Corbett's extensive research shines through in the book. Readers appreciate the attention to detail and the accurate portrayal of historical events, making them feel like they are learning from an expert in the field.
Limited Focus on Polly Bemis: Some readers express disappointment that the book's title and marketing focus more on Polly Bemis than her actual story. While Polly's life is an integral part of the narrative, readers feel that there could have been more emphasis on her individual experiences.
Repetitive Content: A few readers mention that the book tends to repeat certain aspects of Chinese immigration history, making it feel repetitive at times. While this may not be a significant concern for all readers, it is something to consider when deciding whether to read this book.

Reasons for Recommendation

In-Depth Historical Exploration: Readers recommend "The Poker Bride" for its comprehensive exploration of Chinese immigration history in America during the Gold Rush era. The book provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants and their resilience in building new lives.
Engaging Storytelling: Christopher Corbett's narrative skills make "The Poker Bride" a highly recommended read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a strong storytelling component. The book's engaging style keeps readers invested in Polly Bemis's journey and the broader historical context.
Fascinating Subject Matter: The subject matter of Chinese immigration history is fascinating, and "The Poker Bride" offers a unique perspective on this aspect of American history. Readers appreciate the opportunity to learn about a little-known aspect of American society and how it shaped the nation's development.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Focus on Polly Bemis: Some readers feel that the book's title and marketing promise more focus on Polly Bemis's story than what is actually delivered in the text. While her story is an integral part of the narrative, readers feel that there could have been more emphasis on her individual experiences.
Repetitive Content: A few readers mention that certain aspects of Chinese immigration history are repeated throughout the book, making it feel repetitive at times. While this may not be a significant concern for all readers, it can be a factor when considering whether to recommend this book.

Conclusion

"The Poker Bride: The First Chinese in the Wild West" by Christopher Corbett is a compelling historical narrative that delves into the lives of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush era in America. Through the story of Polly Bemis, Corbett offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by Chinese immigrants in the Old West. While some readers feel that there could have been more emphasis on Polly's individual experiences and that certain aspects of Chinese immigration history are repetitive, overall, "The Poker Bride" is highly recommended for those interested in American history, particularly the experiences of Chinese immigrants during this time period. Christopher Corbett's meticulous research and engaging storytelling skills make this book an essential addition to any reader's collection.