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Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter
Chinese Cinderella The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
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, ...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780141304878
ISBN-10: 0141304871
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 4.6/5 Stars.
 5

4.6 stars, based on 5 ratings
Publisher: Gardners Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on
Helpful Score: 5
This is not the story of a poor Chinese girl who married a prince, but of a Chinese girl from a rich family who turned out well in spite of them. Most of the family had it in for her because her birth had caused the death of her mother; but her stepmother, Niang, was the worst of all and her father did nothing to protect her against Niang's capriciousness and spite. Not being in a position where I have to show any Oriental respect to her, I am happy to be able to say here that I found Niang a despicable, selfish, and incredibly cruel person. The writer's father was also terribly insensitive, but at least in the end, he recognized her literary achievements and decided to let her go to England and study to be a doctor. The postscript tells us that in the end her life was happy, and the reader will be glad I let that much slip out, because the rest of the book is full of frightful suffering. She must be in her 60's now and appears to be living in California.
justread01 avatar reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
One of my favorite books; it was sad and disturbing to read about how Adeline's stepmother treats her (and that her father allows it!), but it is inspiring and very interesting to read how Adeline survives and gets through a difficult time. I loved the part where she was talking about how she loved and kept re-reading the book The Little Princess.
luluinphilly avatar reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 367 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I absolutely LOVED this book. This story made me cry in several places. You really don't know the situations in other peoples' lives. I think if young girls had to read books like this, maybe there wouldn't be so much violence among young girls. Just thinking out loud. Great for young people, including boys. I was intrigued on the complete story and decided to go further with her autobiography entitled "Falling Leaves." I tried to do a search on what has happened to the various siblings since the ending of "Falling Leaves," but there isn't anything online. When her siblings took advantage of her kindness through the years and then "disowned" her for a minor transgression (in my mind), I guess they really meant it!
reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 73 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Heartbreaking yet hopeful book of a young girl in China who was horribly mistreated and neglected by her family. But she overcomes in the end. A true story. Very good book!
reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed the book a lot and want to read the other 2 by this author. It is a heartbreaking story that makes you wonder how people can be so cruel.
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reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 4 more book reviews
Purchased for a high school summer reading assignment, a good look at a different culture
reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on
Wonderful read, my daughter had to read it for homework, she said it was really good so i read it and it is very good!
reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 273 more book reviews
An interesting story of an unwanted daughter growing up in China during the political upheavals of the 20th century. Written for middle-school to Jr. High school age.
reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 5 more book reviews
Sad to read but very interesting.
nieshalovesbooks avatar reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 11 more book reviews
I think this book was wonderful. I believe it was written for younger readers.I enjoyed the information about Chinese culture as well as the autobiographical story about Adeline herself. I was impressed by the resilience and strength of the young Adeline.


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