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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

Character List

Adeline Yen Mah

The narrator and author who is the youngest of five children and faces mistreatment but finds solace in her academic achievements and stories.

A strong female role model for Adeline, known for refusing traditional practices, pursuing education, and establishing a successful bank.

Adeline’s grandfather, a kind and wise man who quietly supports Adeline and her siblings, despite the constraints imposed by their family dynamics.

Adeline’s aunt who sacrifices her own potential for the children, acting as a mother figure and a source of encouragement for Adeline’s academic pursuits.

Adeline’s father, a successful businessman whose infatuation with western ideals and control over the family contribute to a complicated relationship with Adeline.

Adeline’s birth mother who worked at Gong Gong's bank, whose death shortly after Adeline's birth casts a shadow over Adeline’s relationship with her father.

Adeline’s stepmother of French-Chinese descent, known for her domineering and often cruel behavior towards her stepchildren.

Adeline’s older sister who bullies her and manipulates family dynamics to her advantage.

Adeline’s oldest brother, favored as the eldest son and later supportive of Adeline during family inheritance disputes.

Adeline’s unattractive and unintelligent middle brother, known for bullying his siblings.

The fourth child of Ren and Joseph, who shares a close bond with Adeline and later becomes the head of the family business.

The son of Niang, who is spoiled and favored, enjoys privileges others do not.

Niang’s daughter, who has a troubled relationship with her mother, marked by competitive tension.

Adeline’s first husband in the US, whose initial charm quickly reveals a more volatile and deceptive personality.

Adeline’s second husband, a compassionate and supportive Chinese-American professor who provides her with a nurturing relationship.

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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