The White Devil's Daughters

The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Francisco's Chinatown

During the first hundred years of Chinese immigration--from 1848 to 1943--San Francisco was home to a shockingly extensive underground slave trade in Asian women, who were exploited as prostitutes and indentured servants. In this gripping, necessary book, bestselling author Julia Flynn Siler shines a light on this little-known chapter in our history--and gives us a vivid portrait of the safe house to which enslaved women escaped. The Occidental Mission Home, situated on the edge of Chinatown, served as a gateway to freedom for thousands. Run by a courageous group of female Christian abolitionists, it survived earthquakes, fire, bubonic plague, and violent attacks. We meet Dolly Cameron, who ran the home from 1899 to 1934, and Tien Fuh Wu, who arrived at the house as a young child after her abuse as a household slave drew the attention of authorities. Wu would grow up to become Cameron's translator, deputy director, and steadfast friend. Siler shows how Dolly and her colleagues defied convention and even law--physically rescuing young girls from brothels, snatching them from their smugglers--and how they helped bring the exploiters to justice. Riveting and revelatory, The White Devil's Daughters is a timely, extraordinary account of oppression, resistance, and hope.

San Francisco's past

I read The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B Moore, so I had some idea of the plight of Chinese girls in Chinatown, about Donaldina Cameron and her work at the Presbyterian Mission in San Francisco. This book was then a good addition, and I had my knowledge renewed and filled in. I liked the narration. I did not find it cold as one person said. She kept the story going at a good pace with enough expression to keep my interest. These are important stories to know. I now want to read Fierce Compassion, the life of abolitionist Donaldina Cameron by Kristin and Kathryn Wong.

Incredible story that needs to be told

Being 5th generation Chinese American I had minimal information about my family’s immigration story. I’m so thankful for this beautifully researched account of the little known story of Chinese women.

Chinese patriots for freedom!

If you’re interested in immigration and the struggles of legal and illegal transport for the Chinese, this has many stories to share. Really enjoyed and would only like to be able to see the bibliography and sources for additional study.

Great San Francisco History

Great history lesson for anyone who has been to or lived in San Francisco! Heartbreaking and heroic, these strong women helped to make San Francisco a better place.

Well researched

Provides more historical. Context than Carol Green Wilson is a good historical account. Does little to show the human warmth of characters. Tries hard to veer away from being a retelling from a white Christian view, but even so I was disappointed. The narrative is a totally dispassionate narrative