Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

1999 • 205 pages

Ratings21

Average rating4

15

A riveting memoir of a girl's painful coming-of-age in a wealthy Chinese family during the 1940s.A Chinese proverb says, "Falling leaves return to their roots." In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph and courage in the face of despair. Adeline's affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her. Life does not get any easier when her father remarries. She and her siblings are subjected to the disdain of her stepmother, while her stepbrother and stepsister are spoiled. Although Adeline wins prizes at school, they are not enough to compensate for what she really yearns for -- the love and understanding of her family.Following the success of the critically acclaimed adult bestseller Falling Leaves, this memoir is a moving telling of the classic Cinderella story, with Adeline Yen Mah providing her own courageous voice.From the Hardcover edition.


Become a Librarian

Reviews

Popular Reviews

Reviews with the most likes.

One of those books I read as a kid that has been stuck with me ever since. You do not want to know what I searched to find this book xD Definitely want to reread it at some point

January 4, 2023

A riveting read from start to finish. Adeline's story of growing up in China was a wonderful and educational insight into the times and culture. Highly recommended.

January 14, 2015

Top Lists

See all (15)

List

740 books

Owned

The Pale Horse
The Victoria vanishes
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
S.
Iron Flame
Bride
The Reappearance of Rachel Price

List

39 books

G Memoir

I'm Glad My Mom Died
Turning Point: 1997-2008
This Boy's Life: A Memoir
The Bright Hour
Geisha, a Life
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
Reading "Lolita" In Tehran