FALLING LEAVES

In a story that proves that truth is stranger than fiction, Adeline Yen Mah tells the riveting and horrifying tale of her upbringing in China under the control of her malicious stepmother. As the "Fifth Youngest Daughter" in a society that disregards the value of girls, Adeline is the target of her stepmother's rage and her siblings' frustrations, while her father remains aloof. Writing with a calm simplicity, Yen Mah tells of striking out into the world to prove her worth, both to herself and her parents, and creating a life and career in America. Rosenblat matches this amazing story with her delicate and empathetic reading of this triumphant life. Rosenblat steers clear of a melodramatic performance, instead presenting Yen Mah's life as one would expect the author herself would have done--proudly and placidly. H.L.S. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 00]