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
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
"This memoir is
hard to put down." --
Publishers Weekly, STARRED
"
Absorbing . . . . [A] rich depiction of a very different world." --
School Library Journal "
A captivating read." --
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