Lesley S. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
Ding Dong, the witch is dead! The tale of the Evil Stepmother and her hated Cinderella Step Daughter is alive & well in this memoir of growing up wealthy but unloved in mid 20th century China & Hong Kong. After her mother dies giving birth to her, Adeline - the youngest of several brothers & a sister - is considered unlucky and disposable. When her beloved father then falls under the sway of a young, half-French hottie - gorgeous but obviously mentally tweaked - tale after tale of woe ensue for young Adeline and her clan at the hands of dad's new wife. At the very least, visiting with this mega-rich but scheming, screwed up family will make you feel better about the state of your own dysfunctional fam, however, after a certain point, I felt like I was eavesdropping on a therapist's couch & had stayed for one session too many.
Dorothy R. (obsidianfire) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 133 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
A well written biography. You can feel the pain she has been through like you are walking in her footsteps.
Jessica M. (wisegal99154) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
This story, while an entertaining, really confused me. Unlike âMemoirs of a Geishaâ or âA Boy Called Itâ, her childhood seems to lack substantial suffering. I find it hard to commiserate with her when her main grievances appear to be that she did not get money to ride the bus and that she had old clothes. While her Stepmother is a world class witch worthy of a starring role in the most cold and heartless Disney tales, I wouldn't say that her story is all that different from many others living with overbearing mothers. She is given a great education in China and in Europe. She spends much of her childhood in boarding schools. Although obviously uncared for, she wasn't locked in a closet lacking in anything but love. Her Stepmother plays favorites and plays the children against each other, but you have to wonder why the author keeps setting herself up for the horrible heartbreak. She just keeps coming back for more even when she HAS distanced herself and become a success in her own right. Really, a good read, but not exactly what I had in mind when I picked it up.
Helpful Score: 4
This book was not nearly as good as Memoirs of a Geisha and others. I found this book very hard to get into. While there was the occasional "OMG" moment, for the most part it's not a book I will likely even remember the title of by next week.
Lisa L. (taaza) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 56 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I was shocked by reading Adeline's childhood and the cruelty she was subjected to. Adeline made several bad choices throughout her life. It was hard for me to understand why she kept trying life-long to please someone who was a backstabber and entirely cruel. Perhaps this was partly cultural and partly her personality. The way this family treated each other made me very sad. But overall, a worthwhile read.
Nancy S. (nancys) -
Helpful Score: 2
reading this book was a lot like visiting robben island in cape town - i kinda got the feeling that i was getting the pg version of events.
part of me can understand how a 17 year old woman would have a difficult time marrying a man with 5 children. and i can also understand how she would love her 2 biological children more than her 5 step children. what i don't understand is where her level of cruelty comes from. and why the father actually condoned the behavior.
though it was a bit disturbing to read, i am very happy that i have read this book.
part of me can understand how a 17 year old woman would have a difficult time marrying a man with 5 children. and i can also understand how she would love her 2 biological children more than her 5 step children. what i don't understand is where her level of cruelty comes from. and why the father actually condoned the behavior.
though it was a bit disturbing to read, i am very happy that i have read this book.
K. K. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
As a survivor of abuse, it was interesting to learn that the dynamics are the same regardless of culture. The author had an authentic voice without self-pity. I was proud of her for her fortitude and ability to grow from her experience.
Michelle B. (sdshellybean) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 51 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Heartbreaking memoir by a Chinese woman recalling her abusive childhood and family.
Carol C. (cjc72348) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The memoir of an unwanted Chinese daughter, this heartrendering true autobiography is painful, but a triumph to the will to survive.
Helpful Score: 2
Set against the backdrop of a fascinating period of Chinese history, Adeline Yen Mah relates the story of growing up in an abusive family. While the background was interesting, I would have preferred less history and more story.
Suzanne W. (ebaycoach) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I could not put this book down. Brilliant story of how one woman overcame numerous obstacles to find her place in the world. Empowering and inspirational as well as educational. I learned quite a bit about China and its history. Recommend to anyone who enjoys true accounts of the strength of the human spirit.
Andrea C. (Letizia1) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely loved this book. Kept my attention. It gives alot of insight into the Chinese culture. Felt very sorry for the little girl in this book and can sympathize with her totally.
Barbara W. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The author not only tells the story of her childhood and growing up, she tells much about life in China as well. I found the author so very touching as she tried her whole life to please her parents who failed her.
Catherine C. (c-squared) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 181 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The author's fascinating story is set amidst the backdrop of Chinese history. She blends the story of the incredible emotional (and sometimes physical) abuse she and her siblings suffered at the hands of her step-mother and father, with the political upheavals that swept China starting with WWII.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a fantastic book about the cruelty shown to Chinese daughters. This is a wonderful, historically accurate book. It is not a feel good book however. This book got to me emotionally, like not many books before it. A MUST read!
Helpful Score: 1
This is basically the same book as 'Chinese Cinderella', also written by Mah but for a Young Adult audience. 'Falling Leaves' is a bit more in-depth and I am still amazed at how Mah triumped over such adversity to become a sucess. It's worth reading for the insight into the events in China/Hong Kong during the 20th Century.
One passage which struck me was from when Mah went back to Shanghai to visit her dying Aunt Baba. Aunt Baba says, "The way I see it, the nineteenth century was a British century. The twentieth century is an American century. I predict that the twenty-first century will be a Chinese century. The pendulum of history will swing from the ying ashes brought by the Cultural Revolution to the yang phoenix arising from its wreckage."
It's obvious these days that changes are happening in China -- perhaps Aunt Baba is right and the 21st century will belong to China.
One passage which struck me was from when Mah went back to Shanghai to visit her dying Aunt Baba. Aunt Baba says, "The way I see it, the nineteenth century was a British century. The twentieth century is an American century. I predict that the twenty-first century will be a Chinese century. The pendulum of history will swing from the ying ashes brought by the Cultural Revolution to the yang phoenix arising from its wreckage."
It's obvious these days that changes are happening in China -- perhaps Aunt Baba is right and the 21st century will belong to China.
Marcia H. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Heartbreaking story of an unwanted Chinese daughter who triumphs despite many obstacles.
Barbara P. (novelist) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What a mesmerizing biography of a young unwanted Chinese girl who through the love and encouragement of her aunt, was able to rise above the neglect and despair her wealthy parents heaped upon her. Alternate title is appropriately named Chinese Cinderella.
Jennifer M. (yippeeiao) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A poignant novel of human indurance and a girl's journey into adulthood.
Nita F. (sissiree) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 34 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book gives a fascinating look into traditional Chinese values an show those values are affected by the Communist takeover of China. The story depicts a dysfunctional family trying to live within its cultural boundaries.
I wax caught up with the character's struggles and hated for the story to end.
I wax caught up with the character's struggles and hated for the story to end.
Michele (luluinphilly) -
Helpful Score: 1
I read "Chinese Cinderella," which is the young adult version of "Falling Leaves." I was glad to read that this book went farther than CC. What I couldn't understand was Adeline's actions toward her other siblings. She was basically shunned and used by most of them, especially her sister Lydia, who was disowned by the family because she moved back to China with her husband. Adeline's brothers told her not to get involved because Niang (the step-mother) didn't approve, but she helped her sister financially. What she didn't expect was Lydia was always in constant contact with Niang through letters, feeding Niang lies about Adeline. SPOILER ALERT ... What I couldn't understand, why didn't Adeline contest her father's first will? Niang managed to "rewrite" Joseph's will, giving everything to herself and then telling the siblings that Joseph was backrupt when, in fact, he was worth $30 million. Adeline and her husband, Bob, found it in Niang's apartment after her death. Instead, she went to confront her (favorite) brother James about the situation. But he happened to be in the middle of celebrating (with his other siblings, including Lydia) that they managed to pull the wool over Adeline's eyes. Niang's will gave James 50%, the other two brothers each got 20%, and Lydia received 10% of their father's/Niang's money. It was NEVER about money for Adeline. It was more about WHY she was treated the way she was. She did get redemption through this discovered will and realized her father did love her. He also stood by her decision to disown Lydia. I seriously hope that Adeline has had no more contact with her siblings since Niang died in 1988. I got the impression that most of them really needed the money but Adeline never did. Thank goodness for Bob, who is her rock. Hopefully he has managed to keep Adeline's head on straight. In my mind, I know that Susan, the biological daughter of Niang and Joseph who was disowned due to Niang's jealousy, and Adeline are keeping in touch and have basically turned the tables by disowning and shunning their siblings.
Chelle B. (bankie79) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Falling Leaves was EXCELLENT. I've actually used some of the mini-stories in the autobiography in my own writing and have been in touch with the author. She currently runs several educational tools to help westerners to be able to truly understand the beauty of the Chinese language. Her tough past obviously strengthened her character and resolve. I highly recommend this book.
Judith B. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
really intersting read , personal memoir of girl growing up in china somewhat contemporary setting including post world warII and communist revolution
Judi S. (jstueber2002) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Amazing story of courage, what in even in the darkest circumstances, we can remain good and honorable people, being kind to even the ones who hurt us the most.
Helpful Score: 1
Found this book hard to put down. It was emotionally gripping. I appreciated that the author gave such a detailed historical background. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about other cultures.
Kimberly C. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
powerful, gripping stuff--I learned a lot about history from a part of the world I never knew, through the eyes of an extraordinary woman. good read!
Susan D. (4smd) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A vivid portrait of human capacity for pure meanness and stubborn love. Set in 1937 China.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is one of my favorites (I have read many books, and only a handful I call favorites). It relates--as the title tells--the story of a chinese girl growing up in a society that favored boys, and in a family that considered her a burden and a curse (as her mother died at childbirth). It is an autobiography, narrated in a beautiful style that really pulls you into the story. It tells the amazing story of how this child endured so much suffering and overcame so many obstacles... I don't want to tell too much, but it is really worth reading.
Cori B. (evasky1) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a memoir about a wonderful little girl who has to live life with the fact that her own family does not love her. It exposes her struggles and yearning to be excepted. A wonderful book that also lets you in on a little bit of chinese culture.
The writing is easy to read. The facts really reveal China during a rough time. Very few Americans understood or even read this period of time. We learn more about China through this book.
R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 1438 more book reviews
A Chinese proverb describes the life of Adelline Yen Mah in this well written autobiography. "When leaves fall down they return to their roots".
Born in Tianjin, China, Adeline relates life from birth in 1937. She was the youngest of five children, three boys and two girls to her father and mother, his first wife. With the death of her mother, her father married a younger woman who became stepmother to the five children who gave birth to two children of her own. Niang, the cruel stepmother, dominates the story, deforming family life. Adeline's innocent and bewildered early life paves way for strange happenings as the story twists as she grows up. The family falls apart due to jealousies, betrayals and cold-heartedness forming factions fighting one another. Factions split again as power hunger and materialism replaces mistrust and devastating betrayal.
The book is difficult to put aside because one wants to discover is coming next. Fictional visions of family life disappear as premeditated cruelty to a family member emerges. Adeline's life and that of the immediate family is unbelievably deplorable. Life changes when at four years of age the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, invading China soon after. They remained until surrender with the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings. Troop withdrawal opened the country to civil war which the Communists won. At the age of twelve, things changed for her wealthy family and her father. Family members fled throughout the world.
The book ends with the close of the twentieth century when Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese by the British Government - July 1st 1997. Some readers may find it difficult to understand the cultural references. A very Chinese story, it's an intriguingly good one about a viciously dysfunctional family. For those who don't know Chinese culture, it's also a rather authentic look at the old hierarchy of family relationships.
Born in Tianjin, China, Adeline relates life from birth in 1937. She was the youngest of five children, three boys and two girls to her father and mother, his first wife. With the death of her mother, her father married a younger woman who became stepmother to the five children who gave birth to two children of her own. Niang, the cruel stepmother, dominates the story, deforming family life. Adeline's innocent and bewildered early life paves way for strange happenings as the story twists as she grows up. The family falls apart due to jealousies, betrayals and cold-heartedness forming factions fighting one another. Factions split again as power hunger and materialism replaces mistrust and devastating betrayal.
The book is difficult to put aside because one wants to discover is coming next. Fictional visions of family life disappear as premeditated cruelty to a family member emerges. Adeline's life and that of the immediate family is unbelievably deplorable. Life changes when at four years of age the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, invading China soon after. They remained until surrender with the Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings. Troop withdrawal opened the country to civil war which the Communists won. At the age of twelve, things changed for her wealthy family and her father. Family members fled throughout the world.
The book ends with the close of the twentieth century when Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese by the British Government - July 1st 1997. Some readers may find it difficult to understand the cultural references. A very Chinese story, it's an intriguingly good one about a viciously dysfunctional family. For those who don't know Chinese culture, it's also a rather authentic look at the old hierarchy of family relationships.
Stacey P. (staceyreader) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 56 more book reviews
This book goes through alot of the historical aspects of China while also telling the story of her childhood and growing up in a family that really didn't want her. I wouldn't have been able to handle growing up with this stepmother...no way!
Joyce M. (twinsisterjm) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 3 more book reviews
This is an excellent true story. Very moving, and a page-turner.
Carol W. (Wardbird) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 28 more book reviews
A story of an abused Chinese girl and her battle to become a succsessful doctor. A jouney from China. England and finally to the USA. A great read!
Joy D. (Tipppytoes) - reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 24 more book reviews
Wonderful heartwrenching story. Couldn't put it down. I highly recomend it.
Tara B. (mataelga) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 5 more book reviews
This account of neglect and mistreatment has underlying tones of determination and endurance. Adeline Yen Mah's childhood was filled with emotional abuse not only from her mean-spirited and materialistic step-mother, but also from her wealthy father who adopted his wife's attitude toward his youngest and brightest daughter. Adeline was treated harshly because of her lowly position in her society: she was a female and she was the youngest. She had the love of her deceased mother's sister and aunt as well as her paternal grandfather, which enabled her to excel academically. In adulthood she emigrated to the US to practice medicine, but the ghosts of her upbringing followed, and her familial obligations continued to deliver betrayal and difficulty across the miles into her adult life. This strong determined woman learned to overcome the horrendous abuse of her childhood and rely only upon herself for success and happiness.
Patricia M. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 3 more book reviews
This was not an easy read but it gave a lot of history of the far east. The characters were interesting.
This is the true story of an unwanted Chinese daughter. It is a heartrenching autobiography of a stubborn little girl unwanted by her own family.
haunting sad tale. I really enjoyed it.
Tisha K. (tishaklingensmith) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 7 more book reviews
Incredible book, really enjoyed it. Gave a lot of background history of China, but it wasn't dry or difficult to follow. Her childhood was at once fascinating and distubring. Really made me feel fortunate to have had parents that loved and wanted me, and appreciate all she had been through to become a successful woman.
This was suggested at our book club but it was not selected, though I read it anyway and I would have loved to chat about it with my friends. Great book club read!
This was suggested at our book club but it was not selected, though I read it anyway and I would have loved to chat about it with my friends. Great book club read!
Margaret T. (megt) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 178 more book reviews
Beautiful story, her story was hard to hear, but well written. The book also touches nicely on the Chinese history during her life time.
I enjoyed the way it was beautifully versed with insertions of Chinese proverbs.
I enjoyed the way it was beautifully versed with insertions of Chinese proverbs.
Kathy S. (jjmjgj) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 273 more book reviews
I first became acquainted with this story through her autobiographical book for young people. After reading it, I wanted to hear the rest of the story. I greatly enjoyed this book. It's more than just a sad story of a little girl forced to grow up in an abusive, dysfunctional family. It's set against the backdrop of the political struggles of China and Hong Kong during the twentieth century.
Some of the family dynamics didn't always make sense to me, but I attributed that to not being knowledgeable about Chinese culture. However, the author does give the reader some tidbits here and there about her culture. I especially liked where her grandfather lovingly explains to her the rich symbolism present in every Chinese character.
It's a sad story, but still full of hope.
Some of the family dynamics didn't always make sense to me, but I attributed that to not being knowledgeable about Chinese culture. However, the author does give the reader some tidbits here and there about her culture. I especially liked where her grandfather lovingly explains to her the rich symbolism present in every Chinese character.
It's a sad story, but still full of hope.
Kris K. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 6 more book reviews
This is a fascinating read. While there were confusing parts, I personally found it fascinating because of a personal family connection to China. There is a lot of Chinese history in the book and it provides excellent insight into Chinese culture and family life.
CHERYL M. (Cheryl-Sam) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 39 more book reviews
This was a pretty good read. Not the best memoir out there but interesting nonetheless.
Vicki M. (vmachapy) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 215 more book reviews
Excellent!!
Leslie C. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 15 more book reviews
If you like learning about other cultures, and you like memoirs this books is definetaly for you!
Yvonne M. S. (woodworm) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 92 more book reviews
I truly truly liked this memoir, I was mortified with how the family treated each other but amazed at the self determination and strength that was endured and triumphed.
Highly recommended read, excellent bits and pieces of history entwined within.
Highly recommended read, excellent bits and pieces of history entwined within.
Diane Y. (dianefrombklyn) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 12 more book reviews
I was unable to put this book down. The story is riveting. It gives a very good background of China from the early 1900's to present. It is about a girl in a family of 7 children who was not shown love from her parents. The family dynamics are fascinating and her triumphs despite her upbringing are redeeming.
Melissa H. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 17 more book reviews
Very good book.
Marilyn Z. (Marilyn) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 108 more book reviews
I couldn't put it down. Not only is the story unforgettably sad and compelling, but there was a lot of 20th century Chinese history that I was unaware of. I knew Mao made life hell for these poor people, but it was even worse than I thought.
Fascinating,heartwrenching,story,I was transfixed
Elizabeth R. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 2 more book reviews
The best part about this book is seeing history happen through someone else's eyes. It's a personal story, but it's also a story about how the changes in society affected this family.
As other reviewers said, the family's treatment of each other is really extreme. However, it's great to see what someone who was dealt a terrible hand in life has been able to do to turn things around.
As other reviewers said, the family's treatment of each other is really extreme. However, it's great to see what someone who was dealt a terrible hand in life has been able to do to turn things around.
Hazel T. (Spuddossis) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 84 more book reviews
Good book that did a great job stirring up my "wish I could've protected her" feelings!
Davina F. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 9 more book reviews
This book can be a hard read but it is worth the journey. Well written and beautifully evocative of a time past.
Tiffany L. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 8 more book reviews
Every Chinese descendant has skelatons in their closet. Sometimes they're better off left there. This author lived a life of privilege and luxury, whining all the while. Many more were not as fortuante as her. The Author's embitterment did benefit her via a sweet book deal. While it's easy to feel sorry for her, the "poor me theme" can only carry the book so far.
Vicki M. (vmachapy) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 215 more book reviews
Great book, if you haven't read it then you should. There is also a sequel too. Wonderful *****
Paula K. (pking) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 59 more book reviews
Amazon.com
Snow White's stepmother looks like a pussycat compared to the monster under which Adeline Yen Mah suffered. The author's memoir of life in mainland China and--after the 1949 revolution--Hong Kong is a gruesome chronicle of nonstop emotional abuse from her wealthy father and his beautiful, cruel second wife. Chinese proverbs scattered throughout the text pithily covey the traditional world view that prompted Adeline's subservience. Had she not escaped to America, where she experienced a fulfilling medical career and a happy marriage, her story would be unbearable; instead, it's grimly fascinating: Falling Leaves is an Asian Mommie Dearest. --
From Publishers Weekly
Although the focus of this memoir is the author's struggle to be loved by a family that treated her cruelly, it is more notable for its portrait of the domestic affairs of an immensely wealthy, Westernized Chinese family in Shanghai as the city evolved under the harsh strictures of Mao and Deng. Yen Mah's father knew how to make money and survive, regardless of the regime in power. In addition to an assortment of profitable enterprises, he stashed away two tons of gold in a Swiss bank, and eventually the family fled to Hong Kong. But he was indifferent to his seven children and in the thrall of a second wife who makes Cinderella's stepmother seem angelic. His first wife, Yen Mah's mother, died at her birth, and the child, considered an ill omen, was treated with crushing severity. But she was encouraged by the love of an aunt and eventually made her way to the U.S., where she became a doctor, married happily and, ironically, was the one her father and stepmother turned to in their old age. In recounting this painful tale, Yen Mah's unadorned prose is powerful, her insights keen and her portrait of her family devastating.
Snow White's stepmother looks like a pussycat compared to the monster under which Adeline Yen Mah suffered. The author's memoir of life in mainland China and--after the 1949 revolution--Hong Kong is a gruesome chronicle of nonstop emotional abuse from her wealthy father and his beautiful, cruel second wife. Chinese proverbs scattered throughout the text pithily covey the traditional world view that prompted Adeline's subservience. Had she not escaped to America, where she experienced a fulfilling medical career and a happy marriage, her story would be unbearable; instead, it's grimly fascinating: Falling Leaves is an Asian Mommie Dearest. --
From Publishers Weekly
Although the focus of this memoir is the author's struggle to be loved by a family that treated her cruelly, it is more notable for its portrait of the domestic affairs of an immensely wealthy, Westernized Chinese family in Shanghai as the city evolved under the harsh strictures of Mao and Deng. Yen Mah's father knew how to make money and survive, regardless of the regime in power. In addition to an assortment of profitable enterprises, he stashed away two tons of gold in a Swiss bank, and eventually the family fled to Hong Kong. But he was indifferent to his seven children and in the thrall of a second wife who makes Cinderella's stepmother seem angelic. His first wife, Yen Mah's mother, died at her birth, and the child, considered an ill omen, was treated with crushing severity. But she was encouraged by the love of an aunt and eventually made her way to the U.S., where she became a doctor, married happily and, ironically, was the one her father and stepmother turned to in their old age. In recounting this painful tale, Yen Mah's unadorned prose is powerful, her insights keen and her portrait of her family devastating.
Carroll H. (Seahorse) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 30 more book reviews
A tragic story covering the end of an era in China.
Kathy S. (nana23) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 243 more book reviews
"Painful and lovely, at once heartbreaking and heartening"
Jennifer L. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 9 more book reviews
NYT's bestseller - it was a good book.
Helene B. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 4 more book reviews
good read
Tracy M. (Karmicldy) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 5 more book reviews
Informative and sad, makes you really feel for the author
Dianne (gardngal) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 268 more book reviews
Excellent resource for Chinese history and culture during the twentieth century. Life of the common people was mentioned during the dynasty periods, the First and Second World Wars, and the occupation by Japan. That said, this family was exceedingly wealthy, thanks to the foresight and hard work of the father. He did not, however, protect his young children by his first wife from the cruelty of the second wife. At no point does he stand up for them, which I found hard to understand, even in Chinese culture. Sad story but very well written. D.
CM C. (CocoCee) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 404 more book reviews
i had to stop at the beginning. too sad for me.
Boring!!!!
Very good "Joy Luck Club" type book.
Lynn B. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 16 more book reviews
True story of Adeline Yen Mah. Moving haunting and triumphant
Jeanne P. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 7 more book reviews
A little hard to get into, but revealed itself to be an incredible story of endurance and strength.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
A good read,it held my attention. I really enjoyed it.
Mary F. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 74 more book reviews
Well written.
cdayzee reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 113 more book reviews
i realized i've read this before. theres a lot of what i'd call extraneous technical stuff, particularly in the beginning then dispersed thru-out that kinda detracted from the story for me. i think i recall liking the book better the first time i read it. was a decent story.
Maria F. (lloyd) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 33 more book reviews
excellent!
Darcy R. reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 6 more book reviews
I was shocked how similar all of adeline yen mahs books are.
very hard to put down.
Kate G. (katiegee) - , reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 6 more book reviews
Interesting.
Stephanie L. (Mokona) reviewed Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter on + 55 more book reviews
This was hard to believe it was true, it seems so hard to grow up in a family as she did. It seemed like they were all really greedy at the end though, even the author. Her sister drove me insane through this story, but I just couldn't believe how some of these people acted toward their own family! It was very rewarding to see that she only grew stronger and make herself more successful from her experience, instead of just giving up... but at least she wasn't just killed or abandoned or something worse. She seems a lot better off than most of her family after all, and I'm glad she finally has a stable family of her own.
This is also registered on bookcrossing, and it has a different cover photo than what is pictured.
This is also registered on bookcrossing, and it has a different cover photo than what is pictured.
