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Madam in Silk

Gini Grossenbacher

4.30 · Rating details · 27 ratings · 19 reviews

San Francisco, 1849. Despite her objections, Ah Toy and servant Chen arrive in San Francisco from Hong Kong after her husband dies aboard ship. With little cash and bound feet, she opens a "Lookee Shop," catering to men who pay in gold dust to see her exotic beauty. Among them policeman John Clark finds her captivating and they form a strong attraction for one another. Yet ...more

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Paperback, 476 pages

Published July 15th 2019 by Jgks Press

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Oct 10, 2019 Jypsy rated it really liked it

Thank you Historical Fiction Virtual Tours and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Madam In Silk
By: Gini Grossenbacher

*REVIEW*
My knowledge of mid 19th century San Francisco and the gold rush, etc. is not vast. Madam In Silk is more than a story-it's an education. I highly respect all of the research that the author obviously poured into this book. It's well done without being too heavy. The heroine, Ah Toy, and her lifelong ...more

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Mar 07, 2020 Erin rated it liked it

Shelves: historic-fiction-1800s

Find this and other reviews at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...

Gini Grossenbacher’s Madam in Silk takes its inspiration from the life of Ah Toy, America’s first Chinese Madam. It’s fascinating subject matter, especially for those encountering it for the first time, but the delivery of this fictionalized version of her life fell a measure short of my expectations.

To be fair, my middling assessment of Madam in Silk is not entirely Grossenbacher’s fault. Reviews and ratings are intensely s Find this and other reviews at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...

Gini Grossenbacher’s Madam in Silk takes its inspiration from the life of Ah Toy, America’s first Chinese Madam. It’s fascinating subject matter, especially for those encountering it for the first time, but the delivery of this fictionalized version of her life fell a measure short of my expectations.

To be fair, my middling assessment of Madam in Silk is not entirely Grossenbacher’s fault. Reviews and ratings are intensely subjective and the more one knows of a subject, the more opinions they have on how it should be approached. I admit I found elements of Grossenbacher’s work underdeveloped, but the root of my opinion rests in the omission of details I wanted to see utilized. It is, of course, ridiculous to expect an author to tell a story in any particular way, but it is equally ridiculous for me to pretend my perspective didn’t color my experience of this novel. All things considered, I ask those reading this to accept my comments with a healthy measure of salt.

Getting back to the story at hand, I felt the presentation lacking in emotional and contextual complexity. Ah, for the sake of example, decides to open a “Lookee Shop” after overhearing a group of sailors discussing girls who pose and parade nude. Twelve paragraphs later, the shop is open and boasting a thriving trade. Pardon my candor, but where does Ah’s business acumen come from? We are told she meant to perform translations for her husband’s porcelain factory, but translation is a world away from full-time management of any business. How did she, a lone woman with no experience in an intensely misogynistic environment even acquire the real estate for this venture? And why is the prospect of parading about in little to nothing not explored? I understand the driving need to eat, but I felt the gear shift from a respectable merchant’s wife to peep show performer deserved more than a shrug of Ah’s shoulders.

I also felt Grossenbacher missed an opportunity in failing to utilize Norman Assing (aka Yuen Shen), a prominent Chinese businessman who wanted Ah Toy out of his way. Court records and news reports indicate he tried and failed to have the madame deported in April/March 1851.

The fact that he appealed to the Committee of Vigilance to arrest two men and two unnamed women a mere four months later suggests he was not above aligning himself with the vigilante group (Papers Of The San Francisco Committee Of Vigilance Of 1851). The meeting minutes do not link Assing and Toy by name, but one could argue she was involved in the investigation as her name appears in a narration of the subsequent investigation only two years later (Holinski, La Californie Et Les Routes Interocéaniques).

Why am I hooked on Assing? Probably because traditional Chinese culture is male-dominated, and I like the idea of a woman using the American courtroom as a mechanism to thematically unbind herself from the rule of norms that imposed both physical and social limitations on her person, but that’s just me. I find this sort of arc far more interesting than fictional rivalries and romantic storylines, even when historical figures like John Clark offer such tantalizing opportunities.

When all is said and done, I feel Grossenbacher possesses an eye for subject matter and I enjoyed both her exploration of the experiences of female Chinese immigrants and illustration of California’s 19th-century sex trade. I'd have obviously preferred she framed the narrative differently but aside from that, I'd have little trouble recommending her work and look forward to reading her again. ...more

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Sep 29, 2019 Sarah 🌺 Books in Their Natural Habitat rated it really liked it

This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Grossenbacher and surely will not be my last; I ordered her other book from Amazon when I was in the middle of Madam in Silk!

This book starts off with a bang as Ah Toy immediately faces death, a change of plans and the risk of everything she crossed the ocean for being pulled out from under her by no choice of her own. Right off the bat, I was inspired by Ah’s tenacity and what she refers to as her inner dragon. The hits just keep coming in the years to co ...more

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Sep 21, 2019 Chelsie rated it really liked it

Shelves: on-my-shelves

Very interesting read into the historical aspects of the Chinese women coming over to the United States during the Gold Rush. Many of them came over here unfortunately to serve the men's needs, while others were trying to escape the horror of what happened to them over there to just have a different kind of abuse happen once they got here. It was very interesting to read about how these immigrants had to fight to stay here, and often they were taken against their will and put on ship, back to th ...more

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Sep 23, 2019 gwendalyn _books_ rated it it was amazing

This book was received as an ARC from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own  Thank you to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the Author
 Listen to your Inner Dragon 🐉.....
 Madam In Silk, is Gini Grossenbacher’s second novel in The American Madame Series.
 Ah Toy, finds herself along with her dedicated lifelong servant Chen, on a ship bond for San Francisco. Her life takes a sudden twist when her husband dies on th This book was received as an ARC from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own  Thank you to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the Author
 Listen to your Inner Dragon 🐉.....
 Madam In Silk, is Gini Grossenbacher’s second novel in The American Madame Series.
 Ah Toy, finds herself along with her dedicated lifelong servant Chen, on a ship bond for San Francisco. Her life takes a sudden twist when her husband dies on the voyage. Stepping off the ship she finds herself in the rapidly expanding world of the San Francisco Gold Rush.
 In a Tragic turn of events her dead husbands well laid plans comes a halt. Ah Toy is now destitute, and struggles to find employment. With time running out and her resources depleted. Her lotus bond feet were once highly prized in her native Guangzhou, but actually have handicapped her making everyday walking a trial. She decides to capitalize on her one true aspect, her extraordinary beauty. With help from her devoted Chen she opens a Lookee Shop.

 Gini Grossenbacher, has written a vividly descriptive, atmospheric, intriguing, well-written and irresistible historical fiction here, that I absolutely loved and was thoroughly impressed by. The characters were extremely interesting, compelling, and definitely held my full attention. Exquisite prose, with great pacing and depth, Victorian San Francisco comes to life within the pages of this beautifully atmospheric, compelling novel. Ah Toy’s narrative voice allows you to struggle along with her and Chen as the find themselves facing obstacles and dangers on all sides.

 Grossenbacher, writing ability shines through in the details of the interaction between the characters themselves. To me the the strength of the novel is the trials and tribulations that the main protagonist has survived through. Fierce and inspirational, Ah Toy must listen to her inner dragon to find her way in this truly stunning beautifully written historical fiction.

 As her notoriety grows, so does her attraction to the devoted policeman, John Clark. Yet should she put her faith in one man? Ah’s relationship with Chen, is definitely worth noting, his complete devotion to her was truly heartwarming. This is a touching, raw, heartbreaking and an absolutely wonderful novel that had me emotionally engaged and interested throughout the entire book. I was completely immersed in this deeply moving and beautifully written story here. I connected with and absolutely loved Gini Grossenbacher writing style. This well researched historical fiction was incredible, I am definitely looking forward to reading the next installment in her series.

 I also enjoyed the selective placement of Li Po’s writing in the book. Li Po wrote occasional verse and poems about his own life. His poetry is known for its clear imagery and conversational tone. His work influenced a number of 20th-century poets, including Ezra Pound and James Wright.

 The author touches on some critical subjects, the position of the Chinese immigrant in the Victorian era, and the foundation of the Californi’s 19th century sex trade This is a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book #GiniGrossenbacher #HFVBTBlogTours #historicalfiction ...more

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Aug 19, 2019 Melissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

An incredible new novel

I just finished this book last night and it was incredible. Ah Toy’s character was so easy to fall in love with. She had such a rough life and persevered despite all the horrible things she had to endure. This historical fiction novel looks at life in SF during the 1840’s and 1850’s and women who are forced to do the unthinkable just to survive. If you like novels like Honolulu or Moloka’i by Alan Brennert, you will love this book. Gini Grossenbacher develops her character ...more

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Dec 16, 2019 CoffeeandInk rated it really liked it

Gentle Ah Toy has survived so much in her short life, from the binding of her feet in childhood, her abusive husband, the deaths of her girl babies, and arriving in San Francisco with no one but her loyal servant, Chen.

I was unable to put down the story of her survival in San Francisco, a riveting account of early California and the Gold Rush, and the first Chinese people to arrive in that chaotic time. Vigilante groups opposed to the immigration of Chinese, heap violence upon them. Ah Toy’s hus ...more

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Jul 23, 2020 Christina Francine rated it it was amazing

Is making a living worth risking life and reputation? For Au Toy during the American Gold Rush, it was. There isn’t another way. When her abusive husband dies from consumption on the journey by ship from China in 1849, Au is left with her freedom, but without a way to support herself.
The price women pay for independence and safety historically is high. Many women used the only resource they had – their body. For Au Toy, her choices were even more limited due to her bound feet. Not wanting to Is making a living worth risking life and reputation? For Au Toy during the American Gold Rush, it was. There isn’t another way. When her abusive husband dies from consumption on the journey by ship from China in 1849, Au is left with her freedom, but without a way to support herself.
The price women pay for independence and safety historically is high. Many women used the only resource they had – their body. For Au Toy, her choices were even more limited due to her bound feet. Not wanting to subject herself to prostitution, Au opened a “Lookee shop” instead. The San Francisco bay held unspeakable danger though, especially when Au was “fragile” and “dainty,” twenty years-old, and “varmints” and “ruffians” filled the streets. Her loyal servant, Chen, is big and strong, yet the two need safer accommodations. Mining camps sprang up and more men than women roamed the area. Au had to be careful with who she allowed inside her shanty for a look, but not touch her naked body. When one of her observing customers is a policeman from New York assigned to protect the area, he unnerves her. Ever careful, she works to not encourage him or any of her clients. And yet, John Clark’s gentle nature and soft voice give her pause. He tells her “You are so very lovely, Mrs. Toy. Your skin is like alabaster, your hair like spun silk.” He agrees to pass by regularly on his round for her safety. John Clark warms Au and yet she’s not sure exposing her heart is a good idea. She may never recover.
Grossenbacher’s Madam in Silk is a suspenseful romance to be sure, but also a treat for those longing to travel through history. She captures the essence of people, time-period, setting, and historical events perfectly. Her dedicated research is obvious. She also captures the dangers and stigma women face in order to make a living no matter the time in history. Though an historical account, the situation unfortunately exists present day. Grossenbacher reminds readers of humankind’s ability for cruelty and evil, but also for kindness and love. A heart-warming novel intricately plotted with historical data. A valuable exploration too of how women, especially foreign women, fit into the larger scheme of Gold-Rush history.
...more

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Sep 06, 2020 Sandra Warren rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Historical fiction lovers/women's history

Gini Grossenbacher has crafted the story of Mrs. Ah Toy's survival in SanFrancisco in the 1800's, a not so friendly place for "celestials" as they were called, in a way that makes you understand and accept Ah's choice of opening first a "Looksee" shop and later a house to entertain men seeking sexual favors.

The vivid descriptions of the good and the bad of that era in early SanFrancisco as well as the strong pull of tradition coming from Ah's home country of China, make Ah's daily struggles com ...more

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Dec 19, 2020 Shelley Buck rated it it was amazing

Both a romance and a thriller, Gini Grossenbacher’s well-crafted historical novel relates the struggles of Chinese immigrant Ah Toy, one of San Francisco’s early madams, as she strives to attain and hang onto new-found autonomy as a woman in her adopted land. The issues the book explores, while firmly grounded in the author’s thorough research on the Gold Rush era and its turbulent excesses, remain surprisingly modern. Endowed with relatable characters, colorful ambiance, and high suspense, Gros ...more

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Jul 24, 2020 Joanne Guidoccio rated it it was amazing

Ms. Grossenbacher has produced a beautifully crafted novel filled with fresh insights into the plight of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush. Captivated from the start, I couldn’t read fast enough to discover how a 20-year-old widow with bound feet and limited financial resources survived and thrived in rowdy and dangerous 1800s San Francisco. Despite the many obstacles she faced, among them threats from a rival madam and encounters with local vigilantes and street thugs, Ah Toy listened to ...more

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Sep 22, 2020 Linda Ulleseit rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-historical-fiction

I enjoyed meeting Ah Toy in this novel. She is easy to fall in love with, a very sweet girl whose circumstances make her tough. She has bad luck with men, for sure! You will ache with her and rejoice with her as she navigates her way through early San Francisco, a place where women were rare and they had to be strong!

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Oct 11, 2019 Patty rated it really liked it

I am thoroughly enjoying my efforts in reading more books about American history. Most of my historical fiction has been in the realm of the English and French kingdoms. This year I have I have tried to stay on this continent. Madam in Silk tells the tale of Ah Toy, one of the first Chinese women in San Francisco. The novel is based on a real woman who came to San Francisco, lost her husband on the way over, and managed to become a wealthy woman. There are also records of her fighting for hersel I am thoroughly enjoying my efforts in reading more books about American history. Most of my historical fiction has been in the realm of the English and French kingdoms. This year I have I have tried to stay on this continent. Madam in Silk tells the tale of Ah Toy, one of the first Chinese women in San Francisco. The novel is based on a real woman who came to San Francisco, lost her husband on the way over, and managed to become a wealthy woman. There are also records of her fighting for herself and for her business interests. The book was very well written and hard to put down, I just had some issues with the lionizing of a woman who basically subjugated other women to create her wealth. Ms. Grossenbacher has a series of books about Madams. I don’t dispute her skill as a writer, I just wonder why she has chosen to highlight these women.

Ah Toy leaves China with her husband and companion/friend Chen. Her husband dies en route and when she lands she finds that the man whom had promised them jobs now has no jobs for them. He encourages her to return to China but she knows that if she does that she will be forced to marry her brother in law. That will only continue the abuse she suffered while married to her husband. She is determined to be free. But with little money, few skills and bound feet what can she do? She opens a “lookee” shop where men will pay to see her naked. One of her first customers is a police officer who forms an attraction to her and Ah finds herself liking him very much as well. Soon her business is booming and this brings her some unwanted attention.

Her brother in law has not forgotten her and sends someone to kidnap her but the plot is foiled. In order to stay on the good side of the local Chinese bosses she agrees to expand her business and open a brothel. As she navigates the changing times in the city, the anti-immigrant feelings that are growing and the threat from China Ah finds herself trying to also find love. Two men have expressed feelings for her but one has lied to her and other does not make her heart flutter. After her bad marriage in China does she want passion or security?

This was a detailed and descriptive book about life in San Francisco during the gold boom. Ms. Grossenbacher brings the city to life from the gritty port area to the shanties of little Canton. Her research shows in her depiction of the roving bands of thugs and the newly formed Vigilantes formed by the police to help keep the thugs in line. It was a time of great growth and much lawlessness. Ah Toy was a strong woman dealing with a raft of issues in a country that was completely alien to her. One has to respect the courage that took. It’s just sad that she felt that the only avenue open to her was the sex trade.

It’s a book that grabs you from the beginning and keeps you immersed until the very end.

4.5 ...more

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Nov 17, 2019 Beth Schatz rated it it was amazing

Madam in Silk is a beautifully written book that provides a clear window into the lives of mid 1900's San Francisco characters, all heavily influenced by-- but not directly a part of-- the California Gold Rush. These characters are well developed by the author, allowing the reader to quickly feel a part of the story. Ah Toy, the central figure, is a strong, resilient, bright, pragmatic and moral woman from a wealthy family in China who traveled by ship to San Francisco with her manservant Chen. ...more

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Nov 10, 2019 Dennis Mahoney rated it it was amazing

Most of us know that San Francisco was an untamed place during the California Gold Rush and that Chinese immigrants played a role, but Madame in Silk gives us fresh insights by looking at the era from the perspective of one of those immigrants who has an especially compelling story to tell. Arriving with no money at a time and place where an unmarried woman had few "respectable" options for survival, disabled because her parents had followed the custom of binding her feet as a small child, Ah To ...more

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Dec 10, 2019 Lisa rated it it was amazing

Readers of historical fiction will revel in this compelling story about a celestial beauty from China who forges her own path in the rowdy world of uncivilized miners during the Gold Rush era of the mid-1800's. Madam in Silk is based on the historic character of Ah Toy, a notorious foot-bound beauty who desires a life of her own beyond the oppression of her native China. Ah Toy must navigate the brutal conditions of an emerging frontier town and also find the love of her life who is always just ...more

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Nov 12, 2019 Carolyn Radmanovich added it

The book was well-written, dotted with poetic references and filled with marvelous characters. Based on a Chinese madam’s life story in the gold rush town of San Francisco, I became enthralled with the newly arrived widow with bound feet and the fact that she found the fortitude to support herself and her servant and become a success. The details of the fetid opium dens, the Chinese societies with their own justice system, and the courtroom scenes were all realistic and drew me into the story. I ...more

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Sep 06, 2019 Virginia Simpson rated it it was amazing

Madam in Silk transports the reader into the life of Ah Toy, a newly widowed beautiful young woman from China, who arrives in San Francisco during the Gold Rush era and eventually becomes a Madam in order to survive. I'm not one to give away plots, but I can assure you that this story, exquisitely written will hold your attention as you find yourself turning page after page.
Gini Grossenbacher has obviously done an incredible amount of research in order to include details which make mid-19th cen ...more

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Nov 02, 2019 Cherie O'Boyle rated it it was amazing

A fascinating tapestry of real historical events, people, and settings woven and made richer with the author's imagination. Her attention to detail brings alive a time long past in a city many of us love still today. The sights, the smells, and the sounds. A creaking harness on the horse, the smell of whiskey and cigars on the men, the vivid detail of the Chinese furnishings. From start to finish, a captivating read. ...more

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