Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah


Synopsis :

 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.

Even though I am not a fan of Asian authors, I quite like such self autobiography books by Asian authors.  I have enjoyed a few of such titles with the most memorable one being Wild Swan by Jung Chang, read many years ago.

Chinese Cinderella is more of a simplified version of her childhood by Adeline Yen Mah.  It is quite easy to read as it is meant for the young adults market.  Reading it is quite like having an aunty sitting in front of you, telling you the story of her life and you can just take that in, bit by bit.

Growing up, life was not easy for Adeline without a mother to care and protect her. She is bullied by almost everyone in the family except her grand-aunty and grandfather.  I can't help but to feel sorry for the little girl.

There are a couple of photos of the author and her family among the pages of the book.  I always enjoyed such photos as having the faces of the ones mentioned in the book really brought the story to a different dimension and make it more readable.

I am keeping the book for the princess the read.  I have a feeling she would enjoy it too.

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