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Chinese Cinderella summary
Brief summary
Chinese Cinderella is a heart-wrenching memoir by Adeline Yen Mah. It shares the author's tumultuous childhood in China, where she faced rejection and abuse from her family. Despite her hardships, she found solace in her resilience and pursuit of education.
Table of Contents
Chinese Cinderella
Summary of key ideas
A Childhood Marked by Trauma and Loneliness
In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah introduces us to her tumultuous childhood as an unwanted daughter in her family. It began with the untimely death of her mother shortly after her birth. As a result, Adeline was deemed bad luck by her family. Living under the same roof with her authoritarian, wealthy father, domineering stepmother, and four older siblings was no less than a daily battle.
Treated with indifference and scorn by her family members, Adeline found solace and a sense of being loved in her Aunt Baba and her grandfather, Ye Ye. It was their warmth that provided Adeline with some respite from the harsh realities of her home life. However, after Ye Ye's death and her aunt's departure, she had to combat loneliness and the bitter feeling of abandonment.
Academic Triumph Amidst Personal Struggle
Despite these adversities, Adeline found an escape in her studies possessing an outstanding academic record, she excelled at school securing several accolades. Her academic prowess resulted in a glimpse of acknowledgement from her otherwise dismissive father. He awarded her a rare opportunity to study in England, creating a chance for a brighter future and an escape from her hostile family environment.
The sudden change, though, brought its own challenges. The excitement of studying in England was tarnished by her struggles with the language and the unfamiliar surroundings. Despite these hurdles, Adeline's resilience prevailed, and she gradually adjusted to her new life and continued her stand-out academic performance.
An Unexpected Reunion and a Brighter Future
After years of studying in England, Yen Mah was summoned back to Hong Kong by her father. Expecting to be pulled out of school, she was met with an unexpected twist. Her father had decided to let her pursue her dream of studying medicine. Backed by her determination, she overcame the challenges of late admission and became one of the very few women studying medicine in the 1950s.
This return to Hong Kong also brought with it a reunion with her older sister, Lydia, who, too, had suffered under their stepmother. The mutual comfort and understanding they found in each other were emblematic of their shared hardships and survival.
A Tale of Resilience and Triumph
Chinese Cinderella portrays a story of resilience and unyielding spirit in the face of hardships. Adeline's journey from the unwanted daughter in a hostile family in Hong Kong to a successful physician and author in the United States testifies to her ceaseless battle against adversity.
In conclusion, Chinese Cinderella serves a reminder of the powers of perseverance and determination. It teaches us that no one should be defined by the circumstances they are born into, highlighting the adage that it's not about how you start, but how you choose to finish.
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What is Chinese Cinderella about?
Chinese Cinderella is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah that tells the story of her difficult childhood in China. Born the fifth child to an affluent family, Adeline is treated as an unwanted daughter and faces emotional and physical abuse from her stepmother. Despite the hardships, she finds solace in her love for literature and eventually overcomes adversity to achieve success. This poignant and inspiring book sheds light on the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.
Chinese Cinderella Review
Chinese Cinderella (1999) tells the powerful and heartbreaking story of Adeline Yen Mah's tumultuous childhood in China. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges and abuse faced by Adeline, making it a deeply moving and eye-opening read.
- The book explores themes of family, resilience, and determination, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
- Through Adeline's captivating narrative, the book provides a glimpse into Chinese culture and history, offering readers a deeper understanding of the country and its people.
Who should read Chinese Cinderella?
- Readers interested in stories of resilience and overcoming adversity
- Individuals curious about Chinese culture and history
- People seeking inspiration and motivation to overcome their own challenges
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Chinese Cinderella FAQs
What is the main message of Chinese Cinderella?
The main message of Chinese Cinderella is the power of resilience and determination to overcome adversity.
How long does it take to read Chinese Cinderella?
The reading time for Chinese Cinderella varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Chinese Cinderella a good book? Is it worth reading?
Chinese Cinderella is a compelling and inspiring read, providing valuable insights into personal and cultural struggles.
Who is the author of Chinese Cinderella?
The author of Chinese Cinderella is Adeline Yen Mah.
What to read after Chinese Cinderella?
If you're wondering what to read next after Chinese Cinderella, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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