Falling Leaves

by Adeline Yen Mah | Biographies & Memoirs |
ISBN: 0140265988 Global Overview for this book
Registered by jackshome of Norwich, Norfolk United Kingdom on 6/13/2004
Buy from one of these Booksellers:
Amazon.com | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Bol.com
3 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by jackshome from Norwich, Norfolk United Kingdom on Sunday, June 13, 2004
A moving true story, as the front cover says, 'of an unwanted Chinese Daughter'.
From the back:
Adeline Yen Mah's childhood in China during the civil wae was a time of fear isolation and humiliation. The cause of this was not political upheaval but systematic emotional and physical abuse by her step-mother and siblings, and rejection of her father. Falling Leaves tells the story of a 'Fifth Younger Daughter' and her determination to survive the pain of a lonely childhood.

Journal Entry 2 by jackshome from Norwich, Norfolk United Kingdom on Sunday, June 13, 2004
A moving story of Adeline Yen Mah's life. This book really captivated me in the way Yah Mah told her story, without bitterness, but from a viewpoint of acceptance. There is so much background information given, such as details of the civil war, and the odd account from a family member. If this had happened in the 'Western' world, I'm in no doubt whatsoever that her parents would have been labeled a child abusers. A book which will always stay in my mind.

This is now a bookring through UKBC Yahoo Group, and will be starting its journey at the Birmingham meetup in July 04. Here's the reading list so far:

ladychass
ziggythecat
paperclip

and anyone else who joins - then it's back to me!

Journal Entry 3 by LadyChass from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, July 17, 2004
must read first must read first must read first...starting tonight:)bcuk unconvention

Journal Entry 4 by LadyChass from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Monday, July 19, 2004
very good, very moving story....amazing what goes on in a family though????? sending to ziggythecat this afternoon on my lunch break,thanks for letting me be a part of this jackshome:)

Journal Entry 5 by ziggythecat from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Arrived this morning, thanks Ladychass (& thanks for the extras! - had to hide them from the kids ;o))

Journal Entry 6 by ziggythecat from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 3, 2004
A really interesting account of the life a person from a different culture. Also interesting to see how she found life in England & the US. I think the description by one of the 'official' reviewers that writing the book was an act of catharsis more than anything else.

It is rather limited though, to the politics & relationships in her family and short background pieces about the changes/wars/politics in China. Not in the same league as Wild Swans for example.

Thanks Jackshome. Sent on to Paperclip.

Are you sure you want to delete this item? It cannot be undone.