Three Coins recreates the world of Tong Yan Gai or Chinatown before the turn of the century. It is a world where old traditions and family values are set against the unwelcoming attitudes of the American West. Ah Ying’s determination to survive her life as a child slave is only surpassed by her desire for love and her hope for the future.

Three Coins is based upon a true story that touches upon the themes of human trafficking, immigration, cultural and racial discrimination, violence, and romance that are as relevant today as they were 140 years ago.

Russell Low is a physician with a passion for discovery and storytelling. Discovery of his own roots began 30 years ago through the stories of his parents and their siblings. Growing up in Central California, more American than Chinese, his connection to Chinese culture and history was limited and incomplete. Discovering the 1903 Hong family photograph among the belongings of 100-year-old great Uncle Kim sparked a decades-long search for the stories behind the photograph. These are the stories presented in Three Coins. In his searches, Russell came across a 130-year-old newspaper notice titled “Villainous-looking Chinese after a Chinese Girl.” In the article, he recognized his great-grandparents’ names, but the romantic drama it uncovered shook the core of his family’s belief in who they are and how they came to be Americans.

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Learn more about the book: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Coins-Kidnappings-Slavery-Romance/dp/1796601349