Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

By:

Synopsis
"My family considered me bad luck because my mother died giving birth to me. They discriminated against me and made me feel unwanted all my life. Though mine is a simple, personal tale of the journey of one unloved little Chinese girl growing up in Shanghai and Hong Kong, please do not underestimate the power of such stories. In one way or another, every one of us has been shaped by the stories we have read and absorbed in the past. All stories, including fairy tales, present elemental truths, which can sometimes permeate your inner life and become part of you. The fact that this story is true may hold special appeal. Today the world is very different from the place it was when I was a child. Though many Chinese parents still prefer sons, daughters are not so much despised. But the essential things have not changed. It is still important to be truthful and loyal, to do the best you can, to make the most of your talents, to be happy with the simple things in life, and to believe deep down that you will ultimately triumph if you try hard enough to prove your worth. For those who were neglected and unloved as children, I have a particular message. In spite of what your abusers would have had you believe, please be convinced that each of you has within you something precious and unique. Chinese Cinderella is dedicated to you with the fervent wish that you will persist in trying to do your best in the face of hopelessness; to have faith in the end your spirit will prevail; to transcend your abuse and transform it into a source of courage, creativity and compassion." (A.Y.M.) Because this is a true story which involves cruelty to children, animals, and older people, parental involvement is suggested. A tremendous book for a book report. An interesting way to glimpse a bit of Chinese history.
Copyright:
1999

Book Details

Book Quality:
Excellent
Book Size:
172 Pages
ISBN-13:
9780440228653
Publisher:
N/A
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Adeline Yen Mah
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
History, Children's Books, Teens, Biographies and Memoirs
Submitted By:
Bookshare.org In-house Volunteers
Proofread By:
Lena
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

Reviews

4 out of 5

By on

Chinese Cinderella focuses on the author's life and how she is abused by her step family.<p> Chinese Cinderella, focuses on people's roles in their family. The book focuses on how people in the family should react to others.<p> In this book there are many negative things to remember. Most characters don't care about the narrator, Adeline. They all treat her as a failure and a disgrace. Father Only cares when she does well in school.<p> Overall, this is a well detailed book. The only thing is that it may be slightly difficult to understand some customs of the book if you dont really have a Chinese Background. This book is also pretty similar to "A Child Called It", by Dave Pelzer.