Falling Leaves

Adeline Yen Mah is the narrator and author of Falling Leaves, her autobiography. She is the youngest of five children in her family, and her birth results in the death of her mother. For this reason, she is an “unwanted” child who daily reminds her father of his first wife.

Adeline survives the mistreatment and neglect of both her father and stepmother, Niang. She is bolstered by the love and generosity of her grandfather, Ye Ye, and her aunt Baba. Both Ye Ye and Aunt Baba praise Adeline’s academic skills and intelligence, empowering her to success that leads her to England, Hong Kong, and America, where she eventually gains financial independence.

Throughout her childhood, Adeline is upheld by her love of stories and storytelling. She writes Falling Leaves as a tribute to Aunt Baba with the idea that “falling leaves return to their roots” (274).

Adeline’s Great Aunt establishes herself as a strong woman even as a child, refusing to have her feet bound in accordance with traditional Chinese culture. She goes on to pursue higher education in place of marriage and establishes the Shanghai Women’s Bank. Her bank is a tremendous success, and she prospers spiritually and financially. Her family refers to her as Gong Gong (or “uncle”) as a sign of respect for her achievements.