Helpful Score: 5
This is not the story of a poor Chinese girl who married a prince, but of a Chinese girl from a rich family who turned out well in spite of them. Most of the family had it in for her because her birth had caused the death of her mother; but her stepmother, Niang, was the worst of all and her father did nothing to protect her against Niang's capriciousness and spite. Not being in a position where I have to show any Oriental respect to her, I am happy to be able to say here that I found Niang a despicable, selfish, and incredibly cruel person. The writer's father was also terribly insensitive, but at least in the end, he recognized her literary achievements and decided to let her go to England and study to be a doctor. The postscript tells us that in the end her life was happy, and the reader will be glad I let that much slip out, because the rest of the book is full of frightful suffering. She must be in her 60's now and appears to be living in California.
Michele (luluinphilly) -
Helpful Score: 4
I absolutely LOVED this book. This story made me cry in several places. You really don't know the situations in other peoples' lives. I think if young girls had to read books like this, maybe there wouldn't be so much violence among young girls. Just thinking out loud. Great for young people, including boys. I was intrigued on the complete story and decided to go further with her autobiography entitled "Falling Leaves." I tried to do a search on what has happened to the various siblings since the ending of "Falling Leaves," but there isn't anything online. When her siblings took advantage of her kindness through the years and then "disowned" her for a minor transgression (in my mind), I guess they really meant it!
Dawn K. (justread01) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
One of my favorite books; it was sad and disturbing to read about how Adeline's stepmother treats her (and that her father allows it!), but it is inspiring and very interesting to read how Adeline survives and gets through a difficult time. I loved the part where she was talking about how she loved and kept re-reading the book The Little Princess.
Heather H. (plantgirl848) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 73 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Heartbreaking yet hopeful book of a young girl in China who was horribly mistreated and neglected by her family. But she overcomes in the end. A true story. Very good book!
Amy C. (weirdtasteinbooks) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed the book a lot and want to read the other 2 by this author. It is a heartbreaking story that makes you wonder how people can be so cruel.
Danette G. reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Wonderful book, I am hoping to find others she has written.
Tanya A. (CampSunshine) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This story is a heart-rending tale of a child who is truly unwanted and unloved. Her mother dies soon after her birth, and Mah is labeled as "bad luck." Her father remarries a very mean-spirited woman and does nothing to protect his children from her cruelty.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good read for 12 year old and up. It is a compelling story on how hard life can be on a child and how inner strength can help you to overcome it.
Sandra D. (bookcrazychick) -
Helpful Score: 1
A very good book. This is for juveniles where as her book Falling Leaves is for adults.
Claire H. (CHalamka) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the touching story of the real life experiences of an unwanted daughter whose life really paralleled the story of Cinderella. Although she was treated cruelly by her family, her spirit and intellect allowed her to rise above her sad circumstances to become a successful, brilliant person. Through reading this book one can get a true picture of Chinese culture and history. It is a short, but powerful book. I enjoyed it very much
Tracy M. (Karmicldy) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 5 more book reviews
Sad to read but very interesting.
Margaret T. (megt) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 179 more book reviews
A simply written story, but a totally captivating tale. For a more detailed story of Adeline Yen Mah's life, read "Falling Leaves," which is written for an adult audience. For children, "Chinese Cinderella" is a poignant and heartbreaking story of a young girl's courage and perseverance.
Stephanie B. (colordiva02) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 4 more book reviews
Purchased for a high school summer reading assignment, a good look at a different culture
Wonderful read, my daughter had to read it for homework, she said it was really good so i read it and it is very good!
Kathy S. (jjmjgj) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 273 more book reviews
An interesting story of an unwanted daughter growing up in China during the political upheavals of the 20th century. Written for middle-school to Jr. High school age.
Niesha R. (nieshalovesbooks) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 11 more book reviews
I think this book was wonderful. I believe it was written for younger readers.I enjoyed the information about Chinese culture as well as the autobiographical story about Adeline herself. I was impressed by the resilience and strength of the young Adeline.
Kayla K. (kaylakatharsis) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 4 more book reviews
This is a hard hitting book that will draw you in and make you feel connected to the characters. Not a book to read if you want a comedy though.
Darcy R. reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 6 more book reviews
I was shocked how similar all adeline yen mahs books are.
I have the same book, but the ISBN number is different. It's 0-440-22865-4. Anyone intrested please request the book. It's an amazing read.
krisann -
Okay book - quick read. BUT if you've read Falling Leaves, you've already read Chinese Cinderella. Entire sections of the text are just copied and pasted it would seem. My advice, buy Falling Leaves instead.
Rachel T. (lockleymom) reviewed Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter on + 12 more book reviews
very good book
