Product Description

The story of an unwanted Chinese daughter growing up during the Communist Revolution, blamed for her mother's death, ignored by her millionaire father and unwanted by her Eurasian step mother. A story of greed, hatred and jealousy; a domestic dramais played against the extraordinary political events in China and Hong Kong. Written with the emotional force of a novel but with a vividness drawn from a personal and political background. FALLING LEAVES has become a surprise bestseller all over the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50208 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Review
Unlike many other books about life in 20th-century China, economic oppression does not figure large here. Adeline Yen Mah is from a prosperous family and has spent most of her life in the United States. Instead, it is the oppression and mental cruelty inflicted on her by her scheming stepmother that is the real tragedy of this fine work of autobiography. From early childhood, when her glamorous Eurasian stepmother thought up terrible punishments and deprivations, Adeline stayed in the emotional grip of this evil woman, even when she became a successful and wealthy doctor, always ready to forgive and extend the hand of friendship. Although Falling Leaves offers fascinating insights into Chinese society, it is the universal sense of pain and rejection that makes it such a marvellous, haunting book. (Kirkus UK)

About the Author
Adeline Yen Mah took studied at London Univesity and now lives in the USA. ''My Chinese Cinderella. Her father's stunningly beautiful new young wife makes Snow White's wicked stepmother look like Mary Poppins. A compelling story.' - The Mail.

Customer Reviews

I've read better
While i agree that this is a book worth reading.In my mind it doesn't deserve 5 stars as most reviews give.For me Adeline was throughout the book full of self pity.I found this annoying at times, because clearly it wasn't just herself that suffered at the treatment handed out by Niang, who it goes without saying was a very cold unhappy person herself.In fact Niangs own daughter Susan was treated as coldly and indifferent as the rest of them, i would think she would have a very interesting story.She at least removed herself out of the family situation, and never looked back.I find it hard to understand why someone as intelligent as Adeline would still crave approval from her stepmother Niang, after so many years of complaining about her behavior towards herself.I do not in any way condone the treatmant handed out by the stepmother, but it wasn't just Adeline.She did have the love of her aunt Baba which seems more than what Susan had. She also had a good education and used it wisely.I think Adeline was actually quite naive and thought everything would end up happy ever after.I have to say i have read other books similar to this ,where the author has managed to get their stories across with a great positive attitude instead of negativity. Having said all that it is worth a read. Sorry if i upset other reviewers as i can obviously see the majority think this book is 5 star.

Parisa Diba's review on Falling Leaves
My god, what an amazing book! From chapter 4 onwards I struggled to hold back my tears and felt thousands of needles piercing my heart when I read about Adeline's Niang slapping her ferociously because her friends wanted to celebrate their success. What made terribly sad was the way her siblings excluded her and her father who constantly ignored her. This is amazing book by someone who suffered throughout her childhood and overcame all obstacles to emerge triumphant. Adeline Yen Mah is an inspiration to thousands who have step-mothers and the best advice I can give you is to not only read Falling Leaves, but all the books she has written.
By Parisa diba Age 14

Excellent title!
It was the first English book I have read through from the beginning to the end and it took me only 1 day to finish the book. You can imagine how attracting it is. I was touched by the truth of the story. I have met the author in person, even though she pointed out this book is not a biography of her life, I could still see the past from her eyes, her action, her words.