The book comes in a bright Chinese red cover with an endearing photograph of Adeline inset and beautiful flower designs around the corners. There is a sequel in a blue cover so don't be confused by the 2.
The issue I purchased was a Puffin, paperback priced at £5.99.

There are many references to the history of Chinese politics/war. Especially good are the references to the style and art of Chinese writing,(chapter 22 is the orginal story of YE XIAN ; The Chinese Cinderella, in chinese writing) The language can be taught to be read and written without knowing how to speak it. Unlike our phoenetic alphabet this is one of pictograph.

THE AUTHOR
Adeline Yen Mah was born Jun-ling so her Chinese name was Yen Jun-ling. She was the 5th child in her family so the older generation referred to her as Wu Mei. Jun-ling had 1 older sister and 3 brothers. She now lives in America with her husband Bob Mah and has 2 children.
She came to have the name Adeline due to the remarried of her father, about 1 year after her mother had died. The step-mother was of French / Chinese orginal and very European in style and manner. She give her step-children European names.

Adeline's life began tragic, her mother died after giving birth to her and she was blamed for the death. She was born in November 1937 in Tianjin (close to Beijing). The only 2 members of her family that show any constant love and affection towards her are, her Grandfather (Ye Ye) and her Aunt Baba. As the story progresses her cruel step-mother (Niang) ensures she is separated from these two people, blaming them for making the child weak and spoilt.

When they are taken to the station one day the children, except the half sister aged 6 months, are reunited with their father and whisked away to Shanghai to live in the French part of the city.

She really is not wanted. However, her younger half -sister, is also treated badly to start with when, after 2 yrs she rejoins the family.
Aunt Baba brought her up so she has no idea who her mother (Naing) is. When the toddler refuses to go to her, Naing slaps her continuously until only the brave little Adeline screams for her to stop.
If this woman can treat her own child so viciously what will she do to her step daughter?

The story progresses through Adeline's life introducing the reader to the mental and physical abuse she endures from pretty much everyone in her family. We do see small snippets of comradship between the siblings but these are usually interrupted and ruin by the step-mother.

In chapter 12 we see her elder sister married off at the age of 17 to a family friend of 31. Another custom that unfortunity is still present.

I feel I have told you more than enough about this emtional story of abuse and the struggle of survival of a young, innocent girl who just wanted to be accepted.
A really powerful and humbling read.