Nancy Wang, a playwright, transformed her family's history into the historical novel "Red Altar," recounting tales from her great-great aunt's life in 1849. The novel explores the challenges faced by early Chinese immigrants, represented by her aunt and her fiancé Quock Bo, who navigates the allure of California's Gold Rush while balancing love and duty. Wang captures the initial harmony with the Rumsen-Esselen Nations and the hardships of racial discrimination that shaped the Chinese experience in America, highlighting both collaboration and struggles within the context of Monterey's fishing industry.
Wang's novel intertwines personal family tales with the history of Monterey's fishing industry, showcasing the resilience of the Chinese community amid early California struggles.
The story begins with Great-Great Aunt So Me in 1849, considering marriage to a Chinese fisherman torn between adventure in California and traditional expectations.
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