Chinese Cinderella (4B04)

Date: 07/03/2025

Good morning, everyone,

Today, I am excited to share with you a book that left a deep impression on me—Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah. This book is a powerful true story about Adeline’s childhood in China, where she faced immense hardships within her own family.

From the moment she was born, Adeline was seen as a curse because her mother died shortly after giving birth to her. In Chinese culture at that time, some people believed that such circumstances brought bad luck, and sadly, this belief shaped how her family treated her. Her father, though successful and wealthy, was often distant and preoccupied with his own life. Her stepmother, a cruel and controlling woman, openly favored her own children while treating Adeline unfairly. She constantly belittled and mistreated Adeline, making her feel like an outsider in her own home. On top of that, her siblings either ignored her or joined in the mistreatment.

Despite growing up in such an unloving environment, Adeline displayed incredible strength and determination. Instead of giving up, she focused on her education, excelling in school despite the lack of support from her family. She found comfort in writing, using it as an escape from her harsh reality. Through words, she was able to express her emotions, thoughts, and dreams—things she could not share with her family.

The turning point in her story comes when she wins a writing competition. For the first time in her life, her father acknowledges her talent. As a reward, he allows her to study in England, giving her hope for a better future. This moment is incredibly significant because it is the first time she feels recognized for her abilities. It shows that, even in the darkest times, perseverance and passion can lead to opportunities. This is one of the most inspiring lessons from the book: no matter how difficult life gets, if we hold on to our dreams and work hard, we can change our future.

One of the most touching aspects of Chinese Cinderella is how Adeline finds strength in the smallest moments of happiness. For example, when she wins a school prize, it gives her a brief but meaningful sense of achievement. These little victories remind her—and the readers—that success is possible, even in the face of adversity. This part of the book really resonated with me because it highlights the importance of appreciating small joys in life.

Beyond Adeline’s personal journey, the book explores powerful themes such as family conflict, resilience, self-worth, and hope. Reading about her struggles made me feel deeply sympathetic toward her situation. At the same time, her story inspired me because, despite everything, she never gave up. Her perseverance and strength remind us that we have the power to overcome challenges if we believe in ourselves.

This book also made me reflect on the importance of kindness. Adeline suffered so much because her own family treated her cruelly, but what if someone had shown her more kindness? It made me realize that a small act of kindness can mean a lot to someone who is struggling. We never know what someone else is going through, so treating others with compassion is incredibly important.

Reading Chinese Cinderella also opened my eyes to different cultures and experiences. It helped me understand more about traditional Chinese family values and how societal expectations influenced people’s behavior. Stories like Adeline’s allow us to see the world from different perspectives and learn valuable lessons about courage, perseverance, and the human spirit.

This book has left a lasting impact on me, and I would love to explore more stories that share similar themes. There are many real-life accounts of people overcoming hardships, and they all have something valuable to teach us. I highly recommend Chinese Cinderella to anyone who enjoys emotional, thought-provoking stories about resilience and personal growth.

In conclusion, this book is a deeply moving and inspiring story that teaches us the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and kindness. I encourage all of you to read it—you won’t regret it!

Thank you for listening!