45 pages • 1 hour read
Chinese Cinderella
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Book Brief
205
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
China • 1940s
1999
YA
10-14 years
960L
Super Short Summary
Chinese Cinderella follows Adeline Yen Mah's childhood in China from 1937 to 1952, detailing her experiences growing up in an abusive household. Shunned and bullied by her family, except for her Aunt Baba and grandparents, Adeline finds solace and success in school. Her intelligence and writing talents offer her a sense of hope and self-worth, ultimately leading her to pursue education and fulfill her dreams despite the hardships she faces. This book includes instances of physical punishment, emotional abuse, and animal cruelty.
Melancholic
Inspirational
Nostalgic
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
41,846 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah has received praise for its emotional depth and captivating narrative, illustrating resilience in the face of familial adversity. Readers were moved by Mah's poignant storytelling, though some criticized the pacing and found certain plot elements predictable. Overall, the memoir is celebrated for its heartfelt authenticity.
Who Should Read Chinese Cinderella?
Readers who enjoy Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah typically appreciate memoirs and coming-of-age stories that explore resilience and cultural identity. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai will find it particularly engaging for its poignant portrayal of overcoming adversity in a challenging family environment.
41,846 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Aunt Baba
Aunt Baba
Adeline's cherished ally who provides emotional support and guidance, and narrates part of the story through her letters.
Father
Father
Adeline's father, whose neglect and conditional affection contrast sharply with the more overt cruelty present in her upbringing.
Niang
Niang
Adeline's stepmother, who is portrayed as the primary antagonist with a domineering presence in the family.
Big Sister
Big Sister
A sibling characterized by her manipulative tendencies and intent on bullying Adeline, showing a complex relationship with her.
Third Brother
Third Brother
Adeline's closest sibling, who alternates between supportiveness and self-preservation, reflecting the shared struggles of their circumstances.
Ye Ye
Ye Ye
Adeline's grandfather, who offers wisdom and support, reinforcing Adeline's determination and resilience through his encouragement.
205
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
China • 1940s
1999
YA
10-14 years
960L
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