The group had so many different parts of the book to comment about. Most of us felt the loneliness of the author and championed the Aunt for bringing at least a little compassion and love for Adeline. I thought it was very sad that at the end she had noone but her husband to comfort her in the final family betrayal.

The contrast between the Chinese culture and the reader's life as an American girl raised during the same period in history is fascinating. It is difficult not to become impatient when the heroine continually returns to her family for more emotional abuse.

insight into another culture...a 'cinderella' type story

The author tells a fascinating story of her childhood. Her mother dies giving birth to her and she feels unwanted throughout her life. The new stepmother is very cruel to her as are her full brothers. She keeps being such an optimist believing that everyone is better than they really are.

Cultural norms, child abuse, and the will to suceed make this story of an unwanted little girl who eventually becomes a successful doctor in the United States make this an interesting read.

The book is engaging, and informative about Chinese culture. The reader suffers with Adeline's struggles, and is thrilled with her strong effort to make a good life for herself, and to contribute to the betterment of our understanding.

I found this book gave a very insightful description of Chinese culture and a young girls journey to adulthood. She overcame many barriers including her father and stepmother unfairness.