Chinese Cinderella The True Story Of An Unwanted Daughter Summary
Chinese Cinderella: The True Story Of An Unwanted Daughter is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah, published in 1999. The book narrates the author's experiences of growing up in a dysfunctional family in China during the 1940s and 1950s. The story is a poignant and heart-wrenching account of a young girl's struggle to find acceptance and love in a world that seems determined to reject her.
Early Life
The memoir begins with Adeline's birth in Tianjin, China. She is the fifth child of a wealthy Chinese family. However, her mother dies giving birth to her, and her father blames her for his wife's death. Adeline is raised by a cruel stepmother and is constantly reminded of her inferiority by her siblings and extended family.
Despite being a gifted student, Adeline's achievements are always overshadowed by her siblings. Her father is more interested in his new wife and their children, and Adeline is left to fend for herself. She finds solace in her books and dreams of becoming a doctor, but her aspirations are met with disdain by her family.
Education
Adeline's education becomes her refuge. She excels in school and wins a scholarship to attend a boarding school in Shanghai. However, her joy is short-lived as her father forbids her from attending the school and sends her to a different one. Adeline is devastated but continues to study hard and eventually earns another scholarship to attend a school in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, Adeline finally finds a sense of belonging. She makes friends and discovers a passion for writing. However, her family's disapproval continues to haunt her. Her stepmother refuses to pay for her tuition, and Adeline is forced to work odd jobs to pay for her education.
Family Struggles
Adeline's family continues to be a source of pain and disappointment. Her stepmother is abusive and cruel, and her father refuses to acknowledge her achievements. Adeline's siblings are also hostile towards her, and she is constantly reminded of her status as an unwanted daughter.
Things take a turn for the worse when Adeline's father dies, and her stepmother inherits the family fortune. Adeline is forced to leave her home and is sent to live with her cruel aunt. She is eventually reunited with her siblings, but their relationship remains strained.
Conclusion
Chinese Cinderella: The True Story Of An Unwanted Daughter is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the struggles of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Adeline's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of education to transform lives. Despite the many obstacles she faced, Adeline never gave up on her dreams and eventually found happiness and success.