Chinese Cinderella

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fairytale like novel but lack of depth - Rated
I enjoyed reading the book. We, all human beings, experience being the subject of discrimination, being rejected and feeling unwanted, and lesser equal, thus we relate to the story.

However the story seems to be more like fiction than an autobiography, in my opinion. I question that if the father was complete cruel to the child, to the extent that he forgot his own daughter's name and birthday, he would not have sent her to England to study. Some details of the story do not reconcile with the main scheme.

In summary, a well-written book but is lack of depth.

A Moving Story - Rated
I recieved this book years ago after reading the children's version of it. As I read through the adult interpretation I understood the real nature of Adeline Yen Mah's chilling childhood. I will not write a long reveiw, but I feel that books like this should be held on a peddlestool and recognised for their relating nature. The story takes hold of an individual and makes them cry the tears they imagined she cried as a child who was blamed for the death of her mother, and continously taunted by her step mother. This story not only carries life but also gives a clear picture of what a family can turn in to if circumsatnces allow.

I salute you Adeline Yen Mah for giving us a chance to share in the events that made you who you are today, and i know you have overcome them with a passion of strengh and longing for the best. No 1 fan.

chinese cinderella - Rated
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah

This book is a true account of Adeline Yen Mah’s childhood. When Adeline’s mother dies giving birth to her, the family consider Adeline bad luck. The only people that did not think that she was inferior were her Aunt Baba and her grandfather who helped her overcome her awful childhood.

The book starts off when Adeline is four and how her three older brothers and one older sister, tormented her. These matters were not helped when Adeline came top of her class for a whole term in a row. Adeline’s father re-marries and her stepmother abuses her. Adeline’s stepmother has two children and it is clear that she favours them over the rest of the children.

When Adeline grows up, she becomes extremely clever and very popular. Adeline, against her parents’ orders, goes to her best friends birthday party. As a result of this, she is sent to boarding school. While she is at boarding school her grandfather dies, a tragic moment in her life. Then the turning point for Adeline is when she enters a writing competition and wins first prize. Her father is impressed and grants Adeline’s wish, to go and study at university in England.

I relished reading this book because it was moving, and full of drama and suspense. The author tells the story in the first person. My favourite scene was when Adeline won the writing competition because the chances were not in her favour. My favourite character was Aunt Baba because she was persistent in helping Adeline whatever the circumstances.

Truly Inspiring - Rated
I bought this book and right into the first pages was gripped and it bought tears to my eyes, literally. It is a very, sad and emptional book which makes you sad and angry. You tend to forget it is an autobiography at times as it is such a cruel world to which this unwanted child belongs. I was really sad to have finished it as it will be ahrd to find a book that equals its qualities. If anyone can recommend anything jsut has good lat me know. Im now going to buy Chinese Cinderella.

Very Emotional - Rated
After being bought for me as a birthday present, I have now read this book soooooo many times, simply because it is very touching. It is the story of an unwanted child, who is rejected by her stepmother and mentally abused. To continue with this story, Falling Leaves, by the same author, is the full biography of her.
The book is simple, which is one of the reasons that it touches your heart. It will appeal to all ages, and is an ideal present, even if you don't read much.