home

Hello Wiki Supporters!

This is a book review that I (Hillary Marshall) have written and I'm almost ready to add it to my blog. But, before I do, are there any suggestions or questions you would like to offer?

Thanks for participating! Hillary

By Adeline Yen Mah
 * Falling Leaves: the memoir of an unwanted Chinese daughter**

Adeline grew up in a wealthy, privileged family in Shanghai during the political upheaval of China in the 1940s. Adeline’s father, widowed for some time, thought he was getting a European wife with an Asian exterior, Niang, and her refined etiquette would benefit his children. But, as Adeline, the youngest female child, quickly learned Niang became her overbearing, emotionally abusive stepmother that made life unbearable. Thankfully, Adeline had a loving Aunt Baba who, although ostracized by Niang and forced to beg for money from her wealthy son, wrapped her up in love and compliments whenever the rare opportunity presented itself. But, it is how Adeline grew up and out of this dysfunctional family to create a successful life of her own that kept me reading.

This book is a mixture of emotion from depression to hope to despair to a journey toward a prosperous future. It was the captivating title that caught my interest, the detailed setting of China that intrigued me, and the perseverance of Adeline that kept me engaged. But, the story line is dry at times bogged down by heavy, albeit justified emotion. All the negativity that Niang exudes makes you wonder how anyone could love such a woman. Still a book worth reading that shows a young girl’s strength despite cultural and familial hardships.