The White Devil's Daughters

The Women Who Fought Slavery in San Francisco's Chinatown

By: Julia Flynn Siler

Narrated by: Nancy Wu

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, best-selling 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.

©2019 Julia Flynn Siler (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“An eye-opening account of the valiant work of a handful of Christian women against the enslavement of Asian girls in San Francisco’s Chinatown from the mid-1870s well into the next century. In her latest impressive work of research and storytelling, Siler delves vigorously into a shocking story of racism and oppression. [She] vividly portrays both the vibrant, violent milieu of Chinatown of the era - amid the fear and hatred of the Chinese by whites and the effects of laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 - and the lives and dedication of the extraordinary women of the Mission House. An accessible, well-written, riveting tale of a dismal, little-known corner of American history.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Meticulously researched and inspiring...[Siler] recounts the bravery of the women who dared escape their imprisonment and the devotion of the women who ensured their safety.... Some of the book’s best scenes are gripping legal trials where Donaldina Cameron helps to set precedents for immigrant women’s rights.... A reminder that our political gestures and small wins accumulate and create ripple effects in ways we cannot often measure.... Looking at [the Cameron House] after reading Siler’s book is a terrific reminder of a how a life’s work is built: brick by brick.” (Anisse Gross, San Francisco Chronicle)

“Unveils a remarkable and controversial chapter of Chinatown history. Sounding a warning gong in a world still plagued by human trafficking, The White Devil’s Daughters is a timely book and a valuable lesson in caring for the suffering of fellow humans while looking for a real cure.” (Yunte Huang, author of Inseparable)

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.

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.

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.

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

I was wishing for more

Ok account. I wanted more. Author could have focused more on a 3-5 people instead of the many.