45 pages • 1 hour read
Adeline Yen MahChinese Cinderella
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 1999A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Chinese Cinderella follows Adeline Yen Mah's childhood in China from 1937 to 1952, detailing her experiences growing up in an abusive household. Shunned and bullied by her family, except for her Aunt Baba and grandparents, Adeline finds solace and success in school. Her intelligence and writing talents offer her a sense of hope and self-worth, ultimately leading her to pursue education and fulfill her dreams despite the hardships she faces. This book includes instances of physical punishment, emotional abuse, and animal cruelty.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah has received praise for its emotional depth and captivating narrative, illustrating resilience in the face of familial adversity. Readers were moved by Mah's poignant storytelling, though some criticized the pacing and found certain plot elements predictable. Overall, the memoir is celebrated for its heartfelt authenticity.
Who Should Read Chinese Cinderella?
Readers who enjoy Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah typically appreciate memoirs and coming-of-age stories that explore resilience and cultural identity. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai will find it particularly engaging for its poignant portrayal of overcoming adversity in a challenging family environment.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
960L