Chinese Cinderella facts for kids
1999 Puffin edition
|
|
| Author | Adeline Yen Mah |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English, Chinese and Bengali |
| Series | Falling Leaves |
| Genre | Autobiographical novel |
| Publisher | Delacorte Press |
|
Publication date
|
September 7, 1999 |
| Media type | Print (hardback, paperback) |
| Pages | 224 |
| ISBN | 978-0385740074 |
| Preceded by | Falling Leaves |
| Followed by | Chinese Cinderella and the Secret Dragon Society |
Chinese Cinderella: The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter (Wishbones) is a true story written by Adeline Yen Mah. She is a Chinese-American doctor and author. The book tells about her childhood in China. It was first published in 1999. Chinese Cinderella is a shorter version of parts of her 1997 autobiography, Falling Leaves. Adeline's mother died shortly after she was born. Because of this, her family often saw her as bringing bad luck. Her father later married a woman who treated Adeline and her siblings very badly. But she spoiled her own children with many nice things.
Contents
Adeline's Early Life
From the moment Adeline was born, her family treated her poorly. They believed she brought bad luck because her mother died after her birth. Her father's first wife died two weeks after Adeline, their fifth child, was born. Soon after, her father married Jeanne Prosperi. In the story, she is called "Niang," which is a Chinese word for "mother." Niang was a beautiful half-French woman.
A Difficult Stepmother
Niang did not like Adeline and her older siblings. She was often cruel to them. However, she showed great favor to her own two children, Franklin and Susan. These children were born soon after her marriage to Adeline's father.
Finding Comfort and Hope
The book shows Adeline's struggle to find a place where she felt loved and belonged. Her parents did not show her affection. So, she found comfort with her grandfather, called Ye Ye, and her Aunt Baba. But her stepmother, Niang, thought they were a bad influence. She kept them away from Adeline and the other children.
Adeline worked very hard at school. She hoped to earn her family's love and respect. She also loved learning and was very good at her studies. She often came first in her class. This was something her father and stepmother never expected. Adeline had good friends at school. They liked her for who she was, but they didn't know about her difficult home life.
Adeline's Journey to Education
While Adeline was at boarding school in Hong Kong, a sad event happened. Her chauffeur took her away and told her that her grandfather, Ye Ye, had died. Adeline was heartbroken. But the rest of her family seemed not to care.
A Dream for the Future
Adeline's love for her grandfather grew stronger when she read the play King Lear. This play inspired her to write something for an international play-writing competition. She also dreamed of studying at an English university. However, Adeline worried about what would happen when she returned home. She felt torn between her dreams and her family's expectations.
Winning a Competition
One day, while playing with friends at boarding school, Adeline was called home. Her chauffeur took her to see her father. In his special room, Adeline learned amazing news. She had won first place in the international play-writing competition!
Adeline was delighted and surprised. She bravely asked her father for permission to study literature and creative writing in England, like her brothers. Her father immediately said no. Instead, he sent her to a medical school that focused on obstetrics (the study of childbirth). Even though it wasn't her first choice, Adeline was still very happy to have the chance to study overseas.
