suzanne (Edt) Oaks Adeline Yen Mah adeline Yen Mah

Depressing memoir about life in a Chinese family that is controlled by the proverbial evil stepmother. Sibling is set against sibling, the enemies constantly change, and duplicity is king. Adeline endures hate, abuse, and loneliness just to avoid her father "losing face", which is a concept I don't agree with. No one should have to take physical abuse so you look good to others. Anyway, I was annoyed at times when Adeline could have escaped her controlling family but decided at the last minute not to. I wish she had had more spunk, and wonder how many other people grew up in families like this one.

I'm very glad I have a strong personality and no siblings, that's for sure.… (altro)