Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

Adeline Yen Mah

Mar 1998 · Penguin UK

About this ebook

New 25th Anniversary Edition
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'I am still haunted by Mah's memoir . . . Riveting. A marvel of memory. Poignant proof of the human will to endure' Amy Tan, bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club

1940s, Shanghai. As the civil war rages on and China falls under communist rule, young Adeline lives in constant fear. Not of the war, but of her family: blamed for the death of her mother, she is rejected by her father and abused by her cruel stepmother.

With the help of her aunt, Adeline escapes to the United States where she finds love, happiness and success. But will that be enough to quell a lifelong yearning for acceptance, or will she return to the family that rejected her years ago

Falling Leaves Return to their Roots is both the enthralling story of a Chinese family in a time of political upheaval, and a moving account of one girl's unrelenting will to survive.
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'Falling Leaves is a terrible and riveting family history . . . It is also a story about endurance and the cost it can exact. Gripping' Daily Telegraph

'An illuminating account of the destructive nature of family relationships set against a backdrop of China in change' Mail on Sunday

'An act, not of vengeance or bitterness, but of catharsis' Sunday Telegraph

Ratings and reviews

This is a book that you cannot put down. At times there were many tear, which forced me to put the book down. Everyone can identify themself with this tale of loneliness and lack appreciation. The story is hard to read at times as it is a honest portray of how cruel people can be to vulnerable individuals. This book is evidence that the best stories are the real ones

Could not put this book down. Adaline yen mah a true inspiration.

Enjoyed every minute! Took me on an emotional and endearing ride.

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.