Chinese Cinderella: The true story of an unwanted daughter

Chinese Cinderella: The true story of an unwanted daughter

By Adeline Yen Mah

12 ratings 18 reviews 31 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 9 - 12Grades 10 - 9n/a5.749573
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.
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN-13: 9780141359410
ISBN-10: 0141359412
Published on 7/2/2015
Binding: Paperback

Book Reviews (18)

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saddy saddy

Wow... that is so sad...

The main character of this book is the author, and she talks about her childhood through a girl whose family doesn't love her. It doesn't concern a glass slipper, mind you, but the reason why Adeline is disliked is because her mother died giving birth to her. This book is about her trying to appease her stepmother, and trying to fit in and live happily despite the family circumstances.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!

Have you ever thought that the Cinderella story couldn't be real? If you thought "no, it can't", think again and read this book. Adeline Yen Mah tells the heartbreaking story of her difficult childhood, in a way that can make you cry. This book is very emotional, and it's cool how you can share your sadness with others by writing a book.

The most touching story that i have ever read....its as good as gold! The story of true love, bonds, resilience and innocence...a truly inspiring read!

sounds so sad i realy want to read this book at my lybraie who wrote this book i want to know

This was one of the best books I read, and you have to read it. It was so heart-felt and it was so sad. Anyway I read it twice it was that good!!

I loved this book! It was extremely sad as it takes you on the journey of Adeline, the harsh times she goes through but in the end, her father gives her a life long dream, an education.