Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

· Sold by Laurel Leaf
4.5
153 reviews
Ebook
224
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

More than 800,000 copies in print!
 
From the author of critically acclaimed and bestselling memoir Falling Leaves, this is a poignant and moving true account of her childhood, growing up as an unloved daughter in 1940s China.

A Chinese proverb says, "Falling leaves return to their roots." In her own courageous voice, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph in the face of despair. 

Adeline's affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her, and life does not get any easier when her father remarries. Adeline and her siblings are subjected to the disdain of her stepmother, while her stepbrother and stepsister are spoiled with gifts and attention. 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. Like the classic Cinderella story, this powerful memoir is a moving story of resilience and hope. 

Includes an Author's Note, a 6-page photo insert, a historical note, and the Chinese text of the original Chinese Cinderella.

A PW BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

AN ALA-YALSA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
 
“One of the most inspiring books I have ever read.” –The Guardian

Ratings and reviews

4.5
153 reviews
A Google user
November 22, 2010
A little girl lived in a big family and mother died after her birth so she was considered bad luck of her family. she grew up in this family with sadness because nobody really loved her but her grandfather and aunt BaBa. As her father remarried, her life became even more difficult. From boarder school to almost lost the opportunity to attend to school. Finally she went to the place she wanted to study, away from her family through her hard work.
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A Google user
October 20, 2010
This is a story of an unwanted daughter. Although she is the first in her class and the best in leading her class, she is still not accepted. Her own family considers her bad luck because her mother died because of her. When she was a year old, her father remarries a Eurasian woman and gives birth to their most treasured step brother and step sister. Adeline's life gets worse when her step mother jumps into her life. Adeline's story is really painful but inspiring. Living in a house where your doing great at everything but your treated like number two, it's really painful especially when your the eldest. Adeline's story is painful, it makes you cry but let's you realize one thing. Whatever worst things everbody say about you, don't forget to pray to God. Whatever, whenever God is always beside you. And you should not listen to what they say like"You'll never make it." or "you're weak, you'll never be as good as me." If people look down on you, don't look down on yourself. Always remember God is always with you. If you need someone to run to, God is always there....
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Suresh Oscar
January 24, 2014
I don't read books, but when I was in Secondary school we had to go to the school library to spend some time reading during free periods. I came across the 'Chinese Cinderella' novel with an interesting looking cover. Once I had my eyes on the first page, straight away i borrowed the book and spend the rest of time reading this book! Till i finished reading, i never once regret! It's a sad story of a little girl who grew up not being loved. In addition, i learnt a few chinese folk tales from the book itself
4 people found this review helpful
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About the author

Adeline Yen Mah was born in Tianjin, China and has lived in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and England. She is the author of the adult memoir Falling Leaves, which was a New York Times Bestseller and has sold over a million copies worldwide; Chinese Cinderella, her autobiography written for teens which has also sold over one million copies; and other novels. Adeline is Founder and President of the Falling Leaves Foundation, whose mission is to promote understanding between East and West and to provide funds for the study of China's history, language and culture. She and her husband have two children and live in California and London.

www.adelineyenmah.com

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