IT’s MY CHOICE

A few years ago, I’ve already seen Adeline Yen Mah’s “Chinese Cinderella” in the nearest local bookstore in our country, but I only disregarded it. It looked too plain and the title was not catchy to me — “Cinderella” was not intended for boys, at the very first place. I was glad that I’ve seen a copy of it again a few days ago and decided to buy it because I’ve read in a blog of an online friend that it was really a good book. And I have to agree, it’s a book that will surely captivate and crush your heart into tiny bits of pieces.

The story goes like this: Adeline’s mother died shortly after she was born, and since then, she was treated as bad luck in the family. Her siblings, a sister and three brothers would steal her favorite fruits in the dining table while the elders were not looking, and give her a glassful of urine disguised as a tasty and cold orange juice during a very hot and humid summer day. In due time, her father was married again and another two children were added to the household. Her father would not notice her much while her stepmother would not treat Adeline and her other four siblings the same way her stepmother would treat her half-siblings. Her half-siblings would have all the luxuries in life: a tea at the local hotel, nice haircuts, and trendy clothes from the west, while they’re only allowed to eat three times a day, get clothes two sizes too small, and be treated as if they’re not part of the family.

Adeline was born in Tianjin, a port city on the northeast coast of China. As a student, she did all her best, she always led her class and bring sorts of awards in the hope that her father would learn how to love her and appreciate her, but it was only her Aunt Baba who truly recognized her talents. Aunt Baba, since she was not married was asked to take the role and responsibility of Adeline’s real mother. She was always there for her niece. She, together with Adeline’s grandparents, believed that she can do something and she can reach whatever she want, and that she is precious and special.

A few years later, they transferred to Shanghai, where Adeline continued to strive hard in her studies. She was even elected as the president of their class. But these were nothing to her parents and because of an unfortunate incident, she was banished, her parents brought her back to Tianjin where she stayed in a dormitory school during the time when the Communists were winning the war in China. It was as if she was sold to the demon. By December, she was the only student left in the school together with the nuns operating the school. Luckily for her, she got to Hong Kong, where her family migrated to because Shanghai was not safe anymore at that time. After some years there, she was able to prove to her father that she can do something. Ironically, she was not able to succeed in yearning her parents’ acceptance.

The book has definitely captivated my heart. Just after reading the first few pages, my heart was already broken into pieces. One would surely feel sad and sorry for Adeline throughout the whole book. Adeline’s story implies that the family is a very important factor for an individual’s success. It would be very hard for a person to be fully developed if his or her family does not supper him or her. This is another evidence that proves that no man is an island. More so, like Adeline, we should try our best to conquer the hurdles in our life that stops us from getting to the finish line; it is impossible to get there if we don’t even try. Look at this way, we all have the ability to get to our goals in life, but if we don’t even try to reach our goals we don’t stand a chance.

Yes, Adeline Yen Mah, the author is the Chinese Cinderella in the story, her life.. the story of her life where she struggled to feel that she is loved.