Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah is a heartbreaking tale of one woman’s struggle for acceptance despite being emotionally abused by her family her whole life.

Adeline’s mother died in childbirth when Adeline was born in the late 30’s into an affluent family in China. Her father then married an Eurasian beauty who become the children’s truly evil stepmother, yet none of them could seem to escape her grip for the rest of their lives.

This is an honest and heartrending memoir, recalling Yen Mah’s struggle for acceptance and recognition and love from her family. A sad and powerful read.