Chinese Cinderella

Chinese Cinderella: The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter (1999) is the autobiography of Adeline Yen Mah and covers her experience growing up in an abusive household during a politically tumultuous era in Chinese history (1937-1952). Yen Mah, who now lives in the United States, made the decision to fulfill her childhood dreams of writing professionally after practicing medicine for several decades according to her father’s wishes. Chinese Cinderella is an abridged version of her 1997 autobiography, Falling Leaves, adjusted for a younger audience, according to the idea that Yen Mah’s triumphs in the face of extreme adversity during her childhood might serve as inspiration for young readers.

This guide refers to the 2020 illustrated paperback edition of Chinese Cinderella, released by Ember.

Content Warning: The source text for this guide deals heavily with child neglect and abuse, includes a graphic instance of animal abuse, briefly mentions human trafficking, and describes historical cultural practices that constitute female mutilation.

Summary

In the earliest stages of her childhood, Adeline lives in Tianjin with her father, stepmother (Niang), aunt (Baba), grandparents (Ye Ye and Nai Nai), four older siblings, and two younger stepsiblings.