Tara B. (mataelga) reviewed An exceptional woman on 11/15/2008 + 5 more book reviews

This account of neglect and mistreatment has underlying tones of determination and endurance. Adeline Yen Mah's childhood was filled with emotional abuse not only from her mean-spirited and materialistic step-mother, but also from her wealthy father who adopted his wife's attitude toward his youngest and brightest daughter. Adeline was treated harshly because of her lowly position in her society: she was a female and she was the youngest. She had the love of her deceased mother's sister and aunt as well as her paternal grandfather, which enabled her to excel academically. In adulthood she emigrated to the US to practice medicine, but the ghosts of her upbringing followed, and her familial obligations continued to deliver betrayal and difficulty across the miles into her adult life. This strong determined woman learned to overcome the horrendous abuse of her childhood and rely only upon herself for success and happiness.

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