Fallen Leaves
(Adeline Yen Mah)

First of all, I would like to point out the language of this book. Although Adeline Mah is not native English, her command of the language is superb. Very lyrical and captivating writing.

Adeline's stories were described with such emotion that would make one sympathize with her situation. For example, in one scene Adeline had been elected class president, in order to celebrate her feat her friends secretly followed her home. The family maid admitted Adeline's peers into her home. The party ended abruptly when Niang summoned Adeline to her room and began to demand Adeline to admit that she had invited her classmates over so they could see their fancy home. Adeline was being falsely accused and refused to admit to these accusations. Niang, in response, began to slap Adeline, until her nose began to bleed. The whole book overflows with emotion, however although a large portion of the emotions are focused on Niang's malevolence the feelings are not of hatred and vengeance, but rather of worry about what she can do better to please Niang. Adeline is a respectable person who could be considered a role model, because no matter how much hate and inequality was turned loose on her she would always be forgiving and strive even harder to please people.

I related to her yearning to be loved, wanted and accepted for who she was. The unending plotting of her "wicked stepmother" ultimately scarred the entire family. Everyone in that family learned to play the game. I read this book in 2 days, always worrying about what would happen next, and fearing for what I felt would be a sad ending to a sad story.