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Falling Leaves

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1997

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Book Brief

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Adeline Yen Mah

Falling Leaves

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

278

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 1900s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

950L

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Super Short Summary

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah is an autobiography of a Chinese-American author, detailing her traumatic childhood marked by emotional abuse from her stepmother, her struggles under the Chinese concept of filial duty, and her experiences navigating life in the United States, including her troubled first marriage. The book examines broader sociocultural transformations and personal experiences within historic events from the late 19th to late 20th century. The book contains instances of emotional abuse and family conflict.

Melancholic

Challenging

Inspirational

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

30,126 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah has been praised for its raw and poignant narrative of familial rejection and cultural clashes. Readers appreciate the historical and cultural insights into Chinese society. However, some critique the book's pacing and emotional heaviness. Overall, it's a compelling memoir that resonates deeply despite its somber tone.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Falling Leaves?

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah will captivate readers who appreciate memoirs about resilience and overcoming adversity. Those who enjoyed Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club or Jung Chang's Wild Swans will find this personal tale of a Chinese woman's struggles with family and cultural expectations particularly compelling.

4.2

30,126 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

278

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 1900s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

950L

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