Adeline Yen Mah
Adeline Yen Mah is a Chinese-American author and physician best known for her memoir 'Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter', which details her life growing up in a wealthy but emotionally abusive family in China and her eventual emigration to the United States. She has written other books that blend personal narrative with Chinese history, such as 'Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter', aimed at younger readers, and 'Watching the Tree: A Chinese Daughter Reflects on Happiness, Tradition, and Spiritual Wisdom'. Her work often explores themes of family, identity, and cultural heritage.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. Falling Leaves
"Falling Leaves" is a heartbreaking autobiography that recounts the life of a young girl who grows up in a wealthy but abusive family in 20th century China. Despite being the daughter of a prosperous businessman, she is treated as an outcast and blamed for her mother's death, who died shortly after her birth. The story portrays her struggle for acceptance and love within her family, her journey through the cultural revolution in China, and her eventual success as a physician in the U.S. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of familial bonds, resilience, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.
-
2. Chinese Cinderella
This book is a memoir of a young girl growing up in China during the 1940s and 1950s. The protagonist is considered unlucky by her family after her mother dies giving birth to her. She is mistreated by her stepmother and largely ignored by her father, leading to a lonely and challenging childhood. Despite these difficulties, she finds solace in her academic achievements and her Aunt Baba's support. The story is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
