Paul Yee wonderfully illuminates dark chapters of Canadian history in Dead Man’s Gold and Other Stories. This latest work by the Governor General’s Award-winner is a collection of 10 stories told in the folktale style of Yee’s earlier Tales from Gold Mountain. Focusing on people in frontier, urban, or small town settings, the tales trace both historical events and the flow of Chinese migration eastward across Canada. Stories are arranged chronologically from the mid-1800s to 1955, and each begins with a journey from China and features a ghost or otherworldly presence. The ghosts keep history alive and offer protection in the New World.

Yee’s stories are plot-driven and character is revealed through action. Conflicts are linked to the hardships of immigrant life. In “Digging Deep,” Chung loses something priceless in exchange for gaining courage to go into the mines. In “Sky-High,” Shu clashes with fellow loggers when he refuses to disturb the forest spirits. “The Memory Stone” finds young lovers separated by unjust immigration laws.

Yee’s respectful and occasionally formal narrative tone is appropriate to the weighty subject matter. Although emotionally tumultuous, the tales are not about victimhood but rather about courage, optimism and finding happiness however possible.

Engaging and poignant, Dead Man’s Gold expands our understanding of Chinese contributions in Canada and eloquently captures immigrant experience. Better than any history lesson, these tales can be read aloud to young schoolchildren and enjoyed solo by older kids. Yee is mining gold and we are all richer for it.