Rating: 
Summary: People seem to love this or hate this....I liked it.
Review: I won't review the content of the book, as it has been done repeatedly in the previous reviews. As I scanned through the reviews, I was struck by how people seemed to either really like this book or really hate it. I put myself in the former category.Some of the things that I enjoyed about this book were: (1) I enjoyed getting an individual perspective on that period of time in China; (2) I appreciately the writer's willingness to talk about experience in her family of origin; (3) I cannot read, speak or write Chinese, but I enjoyed the writer's use of Chinese phrases (with translation). Several previous reviews have commented on the fact that the author's family wealth basically saved the author from having to suffer abandonment, child prostitution or other similiar horrific fates. I would like to respectfully point out that, sadly, we will never see the written life experience of those people. So in many ways, the author's family wealth also supported her in bringing her story to the world. I did struggle with parts of this book (and I'm sure that this is more telling about me than the author :-). I found that the author tended to gloss over her wealth. (Her description early in the book about her family gathering to hear her father's will seemed unneccesarily over the top in the description of the family's wealth.) While she readily wrote about the deprivations (and their ensuing effect on her), she wrote in (what appeared to me) a rather off-handed manner about the priviledges that she had in being able to study and travel abroad. I also found the author's continued efforts to gain acceptance with her family to be somewhat confusing without having the author share with us her understanding/experience of the process as it unfolded. I would have been curious to hear more of her internal process around her family process. Overall, I would recommend this book, and I thank the author for being willing to go through what must have been a painful process in order to write her story.
Rating: 
Summary: This Resonated With Me
Review: I live in Panama a Spanish speaking country and first encountered the book in Spanish. I bought it for some of the adolescent girls who live in the home for girls where I work, thinking it might touch their lives, and the first one to read it was fascinated. I've read it in English and found it hard to put down. Recently I've read Wild Swan, and it was interesting to read about some of the same time period from a very different point of view (upper class wealthy chinese) although they were not immune from the problems of the times either. The emotional and physical abuse the author suffered was really horrible and she is to be commented for her successful later life as a doctor.
Rating: 
Summary: Strong themes weakened by pettiness and self absorption.
Review: Every ones experience is their own. Yet, when realizing the extraordinary times in which Adeline Yen Mah lived, her account appears to be absurd. Mah apparently tries to make herself seem like the only child who was 'unwanted'. On the contrary, this is not a book about a single 'unwanted' girl but a book about the abuse of an entire family by a neurotic stepmother and a spineless father. Additionally, I'm quite certain that Mah did indeed feel unwanted by her parents, however there were many who were unwanted to a degree much more severe - many were sold to brothels, to servitude that was virtually slavery, killed by their family, or left to die. Although the emotional neglect from her parents is understandably painful, I would think she would use what was happening to other girls in her country to help her pull through. As I was progressing through Falling Leaves, there were two points in particular where I became absolutely disgusted. To complain about not receiving eggs from her parents, regardless of their ostensible symbolism, and of being bored at her boarding school is inexcusable at a time of unspeakable misery in China. Any respectable person would have said, "Yes. I am unhappy. But I am also incredibly fortunate, as there are a great many others in my country who are enduring enormous suffering. If this is where I must be, it is better than where most are now." To call her meals at the boarding school 'indecent' is also appalling. I thought to myself, "maybe she should have tried a diet of sorghum or acorn meal." That is all the food that was available for many Chinese, and it tasted and smelled revolting, not to mention being hard on the stomach. Many food supplies rotted and were infested with maggots and other such creatures. Eggs were precious in China, and her complaining 'o poor me, I got no eggs' made her appear like a spoiled princess. She also never expressed any amount of gratitude for being given the opportunity for a world education and a better future. Doing so would have allowed the author to save some face, and she fails. Countless futures were destroyed in her time, and education beyond high school was denied to girls, if they had an education at all. Many were sold to brothels or had to work in hard labor. She was one of the few who made it out. She never acknowledges her immense fortune. Mah writes that Niang accuses her of not appreciating her education, and, although I cannot say that Mah in her mind actually does not, she certainly doesn't appear to! Additionally, it is also a shame that this book is written within such a narrow view, which makes Mah appear all the more self absorbed. Of course I would expect such a book to be a bit biased, but 'good' and 'evil' characters are clear cut and defined with little to no development, and make clear her lack of insight outside herself. She does not have to justify actions, but she can surely give some pivotal individuals characterization to EXPLAIN why they do the things they do. This book feels like revenge and like a pity party. The structure of the text is interesting, with the chapters written in Chinese, romanji, and an English translation - yet her writing style, though by no means terrible, is bland and a bit odd. Certainly not the best that I have read. If you can ignore the fact that Mah makes some claims that become pretty petty if you have an at least a basic understanding of China during this century, and if you can handle sub-par writing ability, you may enjoy this book. Otherwise, skip it. I gave my copy away.
Rating:
Summary: Has strong themes, but not the best read
Review: Over the years, I have read many novels by Asian-American authors. The vast majority of them touch on common themes, such as overcoming adversity, and the relationships between their families in the past and present. Although Mah's story touched me deeply as an Asian-American, her writing style failed to impress me as much as other works by authors of the same genre. Perhaps due her former profession was in the medical field, Mah's story was delivered in a dry way, practical and to the point. One of the more interesting touches in Falling Leaves is the Chinese text that is scattered throughout the chapters. Phrases are transliterated and translated into their Western form, while the Chinese phrase is listed besides the translation in parentheses. This odd format gives a glimpse into the Chinese mindset of the author. Unfortunately, if you cannot read Chinese, the phrases can be a distraction. The book is full of historical references that tie in with the events occurring in her life, such as the rise of communism and the turning over of the city of Hong Kong from British rule to Chinese. All are dutifully noted and gave the book its sense of realism. However, given Mah's writing style, Falling Leaves became more of a historic fiction novel instead of a memoir. I think the thing that bothered me the most was at the end of the story, where she parts belligerently with her siblings. Throughout her life, she had vainly attempted to mend her relationship with her brothers and sisters. At times it seems that reconciliation was inevitable, but at some point or another it failed. Mah desperately wanted to have a united family. Despite all the accomplishments in her life, this was one thing that she did not achieve. Falling Leaves appears to be a form of vengeance (albeit well-deserved) masked as a memoir. Upon finishing the book, I realized sadly that by publishing her memoirs, Mah is throwing away any attempts at future reconciliation. I often wonder what her siblings' reactions were as they read the book and see themselves as the antagonists. Anger? Jealousy? Denial? The outlook looks grim. Falling Leaves is a poignant memoir that leaves the reader with an appreciation of life and inspires children and adults alike. Despite the author's dry writing style, its powerful message of overcoming adversity makes the book a recommended read.
Rating:
Summary: Falling leaves, broken childhood dreams
Review: The subtitle, "The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter" is all too revealing. Adeline Yen Mah's account of growing up in China, the last daughter from her father's first marriage, is a heartwrenching tale of neglect and betrayal. Some of the neglect can be explained by culture, but mostly the children raised in the Joseph Yen household were at the mercy of the mericural step-mother who seemed determined to sever them from all that was their birthright. If any of the children crossed 'Niang' they were liable to be punished physically or worse. Despite the complete lack of affection from her father and his wife, Adeline tries to gain their attention and approval through her schooling. It is a bitter lesson to discover that the only interest they have is in what her gains can provide them. The sadness could be the stoory, but each page is suffused with the unquenchable spirit of a young girl who is determined to prove her worth one day. While still in her home, she has allies in her aunt, great-aunt, and her grandfather. They too, must contend with the harsh conditions that prevail, soo becoming completely dependant on Adeline's father, or more frightening, her step-mother. Adelines rise in school, her determination to forge ahead make this an unforgettable story. The heartbreaking realization that her wish to be recognized as an important part of the family may never come true. This is a storyteller with a story to tell, not an ax to grind. The triumph of her kindness of spirit and honesty shines through and is the real reward in this book.
Rating:
Summary: Charlotte's Extended Web
Review: The love a parent has for her child is often related to God's love for the people - unconditional. However, in Adeline Yen Mah's case Niang, Adeline's stepmother, seemed to have an unconditional hatred and repulsiveness towards her. Torturing Adeline throughout her entire life, Niang gave Adeline a final stab in the back even on her deathbed. Even worse, Adeline's father did not protest at his wife's prejudice towards the children but rather submitted to his wife's every whim. Although the hatred of Niang might be understood (but still not accepted) the weakness of the father was unacceptable.
The runt of the family, Adeline, like Wilbur (in Charlotte's Web) grew up with only a select few to rely on - mainly Aunt Baba. Always tormented by her older brothers and despised by her oldest sister, life for Adeline was unimaginable. A story full of betrayal by the people closest to her as well as a story of forgiveness, it is a book that will make you wish you could duel Niang while running over to young Adeline to hug her and tell her life would be okay.
While some might classify Falling Leaves as "just another Cinderella story", the book offers so much more than the static rags to riches at the wave of a fairy godmother's wand. A story of an unwanted daughter, the author painstakingly remembers all the bad and good memories of childhood to share the meaning of a real family. After reading Falling Leaves I saw that the tests, quizzes, and homework we daily complain about was the least worry compared to a young girl whose life was so bad she fervently wished she was Jackie, the house dog.
Rating:
Summary: A Moving and Provoking Story
Review: Adeline Yen Mah's life story is told in her memoir, Falling Leaves. It is a riveting story about one woman's life within a family that did not want her. Born in to a wealthy family in China in the 1930's, Adeline's life should have been one of joy and prosperity however this was quickly shattered by the emergence of two tyrants, her stepmother and Chairman Mao. A great deal of the book is very disturbing. This book is filled with a great deal of intense imagery and recounts every horrifying moment of Adeline's life with vivid descriptions. This memoir could easily pass as a suspenseful drama novel with its powerful, cutting stories of family conflicts. This book is not only an interesting story but also a lesson in the history of China. Explanations of cultural aspects, such as Chinese words and religious rituals, are scattered throughout the book. One is capable of experiencing the rise of communism in China vicariously. Also portrayed are the raw feelings that lead to mass exodus of the social and economic elite as the nation was taken over.
Adeline, throughout the book, was hopelessly devoted to finding a way to achieve acceptance from her father and her stepmother. She struggles and endures great hardship in an attempt to reach this goal. It is a moving quest that seems to reach heroic proportions; a quest worthy of Hercules or any other hero. She faces indomitable odds and is only sustained by her determination, courage, and willpower. Falling Leaves is not only a great story and wonderfully well written but also presents the reader with many deeply thought provoking questions about societal values and family relations.
Rating:
Summary: Falling Leaves Book Review (2nd attempt)
Review: Characterized by a painful and piercing approach, Adeline Yen Mah's Falling Leaves has the ability to capture the expressions of an unwanted Chinese daughter who grew up in a cruel and harsh family environment. Originally born in China, Adeline Yen Mah was born and raised in an affluent family with an ignorant father and a hateful Eurasian stepmother. Although Adeline ultimately acquires an education in England and marries to a loving husband in America, she realizes that she can never feel completely satisfied because of her yearning for love from her parents; "I was the ostracized outsider longing for acceptance; the ugly duckling hankering to return as the beautiful swan; the despised and unwanted Chinese daughter obsessed with my quest to make my parents proud of me on some level. Surely some day, if I tried hard enough to help them in dire need, they would love me." (210) Touching and heartfelt, this story reveals the hardships and struggles that the author faced before she could heal her scars of neglect and repression. Although this account may seem one-sided and biased of the brutality of her parents, Mah effectively delivers her message of the hurt and lack of acceptance. Using childhood stories about tram fare, boarding school, and eggs, Mah is able to use simple examples to convey her compelling testimony; "The breakfast egg, more than anything, divided us into two distinct and transparent groups: the loved ones and the unloved ones. Needless to say, I remained eggless throughout my tenure at Sacred Heart." (102) Falling Leaves truly demonstrates the powerful bonds and consequences of family relationships.
Rating:
Summary: Novel or Autobiography?
Review: The basic plot of the book Falling Leaves can be summarized as a Cinderella type story in which a Chinese girl, Adeline, is detested by her family. Her step-mother, Niang, controlled the family and made Adeline's life miserable through favoritism of her children and harsh, unforgiving punishments. While this book is considered an autobiography, I thought of it more as a fictional story based on facts. The story was very interesting and engaging, but I felt that the characters were easily distinguishable between good and evil. At some points this created a more interesting story, while at other times I questioned if the characters were actually that blatantly mean and I wondered what their perspectives were. The author, Adeline Mah, did an excellent job of accomplishing her objectives through this book. On one level she recounted the events of her life with great emotion and vivid detail. She also included her unique perspective of a child growing up in twentieth-century China. Falling Leaves recounts the story of "an unwanted Chinese daughter" while identifying and incorporating the effects of communism on Chinese society. Although this book does not represent the average life of a Chinese girl during the time period, it still provides a valuable perspective. I enjoyed reading the book and highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: A Touching Memoir
Review: Adeline Yen Mah's story of her oppressed childhood captures the reader like no other book. Under the suppression of her stepmother's cruel and callous hand, she yearns for her family's love. The continuous abuse she receives affects her actions and perceptions in life, molding her into the person she becomes. Facing the Cultural Revolution and the rise of Communism, Mah gives her personal experience that she endures, including the separation from Aunt Baba, the only person who cares for her. The repression of her life mirrors the country's struggles under Communism. No matter how hard Mah tries to please her parents and win their hearts, she fails. Similarly, it was futile for the workers of China to gain high monetary status and climb up the economic ladder. Still, Mah continues to trample over adversity and succeeds. Even though she never attains her family's love, she becomes an esteemed physician and starts a family of her own. Her will to endure is remarkable; one must admire her strength and perseverance. Falling Leaves takes the reader along for an emotional and riveting ride, and leaves the reader awestruck with what the human being can withstand.
|
