The True Story Of An Unwanted Chinese Daughter

Once upon a time in a small village in China, a baby girl was born. Her name was Li Mei, meaning "beautiful plum". In a society that favored sons, Li Mei was considered an unwanted daughter.

Li Mei's parents, Wang Wei and Liu Ling, had always dreamt of having a son who could carry on the family name and provide financial support in their old age. They believed that having a daughter would burden them with the responsibility of finding a suitable husband and paying a large dowry.

As Li Mei grew older, her parents became increasingly detached and unaffectionate towards her. They would often compare her to their friends' sons, pointing out how she could never fulfill their expectations. Li Mei was constantly reminded of her inferiority as a girl.

Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

by Adeline Yen Mah(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1671 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Despite her parents' lack of affection, Li Mei never stopped yearning for their love and approval. She excelled in school, bringing home top grades and participating in various extracurricular activities. However, instead of celebrating her achievements, her parents dismissed them as insignificant compared to what a son could accomplish.

Li Mei's only solace was her grandmother, who showered her with love and affection. She was the one who encouraged Li Mei to dream big and never give up on her aspirations. Her grandmother's words became a guiding light for Li Mei, giving her the strength to overcome the constant disappointment from her parents.

As Li Mei reached her teenage years, her determination to prove herself grew stronger. She knew that education was her ticket to a better life and that she had to fight against the societal expectations placed upon her. She applied for scholarships and grants, working tirelessly to secure a place in a prestigious university.

Amidst all the hardships and setbacks, Li Mei drew inspiration from the stories of successful women who had overcome adversity. She read about figures such as Qiu Jin, a revolutionary feminist who fought for women's rights in early 20th century China. Qiu Jin became Li Mei's idol, and she aspired to be just as influential and powerful.

Li Mei's perseverance paid off when she was accepted into one of the top universities in China. It was a moment of triumph, not only for herself but also for every unwanted daughter who had been told that they couldn't achieve greatness. Li Mei was determined to make a name for herself and prove her worth.

During her time at university, Li Mei excelled academically and became involved in various women's rights organizations. She used her voice to raise awareness about gender inequality and fought for equal opportunities for women in education and employment.

Li Mei's accomplishments did not go unnoticed. She was awarded numerous scholarships and accolades, becoming a role model for young girls across the country. Her story of resilience and determination inspired many who felt trapped by societal expectations.

Today, Li Mei is a successful lawyer, specializing in women's rights and fighting against gender discrimination. She continues to empower young girls by sharing her story and motivating them to break free from the shackles of societal norms.

Li Mei's journey is a reminder that every child, regardless of gender, deserves love and support. It is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity. Li Mei's story is not just about an unwanted Chinese daughter, but about the strength of the human spirit and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter

by Adeline Yen Mah(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1671 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	278 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

"Riveting. A marvel of memory. Poignant proof of the human will to endure." —Amy Tan.

"Brilliant, compelling, and unforgettable. A heart-rending modern day Cinderella story set against the turbulence of 20th century China. Autobiography at its best." —Nien Chang, author of Life and Death in Shanghai.

"Charged with emotion...A vivid portrait of the human capacity for meanness, malice—and love." —Jung Chang, author of Wild Swans.

"Fascinating and heart-rending stuff...a harrowing story of emotional cruelty." —The Times of London

International bestseller.

The emotionally wrenching yet ultimately uplifting memoir of a Chinese woman struggling to win the love and acceptance of her family.

In this compelling memoir that scaled bestseller lists in England, Australia, and Hong Kong, Adeline Yen Mah chronicles her painful childhood growing up in a wealthy yet abusive Chinese family. The unwanted daughter scorned by her family, young Adeline dreamed of freedom and independence, ultimately escaping to the West to launch a successful career in medicine.

When Adeline's mother died giving birth to her, she was deemed bad luck and ostracized by her family. Then her father took a beautiful Eurasian bride and Adeline soon fell victim to the wrath of her stepmother. Treated as a pariah, she was shuttled off to boarding schools, bullied by her siblings, and deprived of the beautiful clothes and things given to the rest of the family.

Moving from Shanghai and Hong Kong to London and the United States, Falling Leaves is an enthralling saga of a prosperous Chinese family set against a background of changing political times and the collision of East and West. Written in haunting prose, it evokes all the suspense and emotional force of a satisfying novel.