What do you think?
Rate this book
La Petite Femme
A solitary woman. A foreign country. An unknown language. An impossible dream? No, God's call on the life of Gladys Aylward. With no mission board to support or guide her and less than ten dollars in her pocket, Gladys Aylward left her home in England to answer God's call to take the message of the gospel to China. With the Sino-Japanese War waging around her, she struggled to bring the basics of life and the fullness of God to orphaned children. Time after time, God triumphed over impossible situations, and drew people to Himself. The Little Woman tells the story of one woman's determination to serve God?at any cost. With God all things are possible!
Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
168 people are currently reading
4640 people want to read
About the author
Gladys Aylward
9 books14 followersGladys May Aylward was born in Edmonton, London to a working class family. She worked as a maid and had very little education.
In her twenties she attended an evangelistic service and dedicated her life to God. Despite being "unqualified" according to a mission organization, Gladys was determined to be a missionary to China. She spent her life savings on a railroad ticket to Yuncheng in the Shanxi province (October 1930).
She worked with an older missionary, Jeannie Lawson, to found The Inn of the Eighth Happiness. She was involved in caring for orphans, prison reform and worked as a "foot inspector."
Gladys became a citizen of China in 1936. The Japanese invaded in 1938 and Gladys rescued over 100 orphans, leading them safely over the mountains, despite being injured herself.
Gladys returned to England in 1948, and was denied re-entry to China when she tried to go back. Instead she went to Taiwan and founded an orphanage.
She died in Taiwan in 1970.
A motion picture called "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was based roughly on her life. Gladys was embarassed by the movie's portrayal of herself.
In her twenties she attended an evangelistic service and dedicated her life to God. Despite being "unqualified" according to a mission organization, Gladys was determined to be a missionary to China. She spent her life savings on a railroad ticket to Yuncheng in the Shanxi province (October 1930).
She worked with an older missionary, Jeannie Lawson, to found The Inn of the Eighth Happiness. She was involved in caring for orphans, prison reform and worked as a "foot inspector."
Gladys became a citizen of China in 1936. The Japanese invaded in 1938 and Gladys rescued over 100 orphans, leading them safely over the mountains, despite being injured herself.
Gladys returned to England in 1948, and was denied re-entry to China when she tried to go back. Instead she went to Taiwan and founded an orphanage.
She died in Taiwan in 1970.
A motion picture called "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was based roughly on her life. Gladys was embarassed by the movie's portrayal of herself.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
July 7, 2012
I cannot say enough about this book! Simply phenominal. God's working in her life and the lives of the Chinese believers is so clear! It is an ABSOLUTE must read for anyone who loves our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ!
December 23, 2012
This book didn't quite tell enough. It's the autobiography of Aylward, a Christian missionary to China starting in the 1930s. While the pacing and narrative voice are fine, I kept wanting to read more. Her life is truly unique and I would not mind reading hundreds of detailed pages covering what the Russian winter was like with no heat or clothes, what trekking across the Chinese mountains for weeks with barefoot children was like on her body and mind, and especially the joy she must have felt when a prayer is at last finally answered as only God can do. While we get glimpses, she does not go into much detail. I never feel like I am there in China with her, cooking soup for the traders or hiding in a cave from the Japanese soldiers. I feel like she is giving a speech, bothering only to tell the highlights. Her story is definitely inspiring, although many of the conversion stories are almost unbelievable. Like her adventures, they are not detailed enough.
March 24, 2023
Very straightforward book with short and engaging chapters. She has so many crazy and wonderful stories of how God worked in China and how God provided for her. Also a testament to how God can use us even when we make perhaps unwise decisions and how he uses the weak to accomplish his purposes. So encouraged by the faith of the Chinese church in this book.
August 28, 2023
My husband and I read this book together and we loved it! It made us cry. It made us laugh in astonishment. What a magnificent testimony of the one true God, and a little missionary woman named Gladys Aylward who was faithful to His call. A short, easy, but powerful read. I highly recommend!
February 24, 2008
Another strong Christain woman. What an amazing story of dedication to the Great Commission. Really inspiring!
March 27, 2013
How much is 10 dollars?
It is the cost of a small salad and large ice tea in Deli store. It is one sixth the price of a converse shoes. It is two to three games in iPad. But, in Gladys Aylward's autobiography, The Little Woman, it is a journey from England to China.
Gladys Aylward is a missionary, well, even earlier, she is just a maid. She doesn't graduate from a Church school, she doesn't go to college, she even doesn't finish high school. But, she comes to China in 1930 to preach the Gospel in response to the Lord's call, alone, with 10 dollars. That is the time when Sino-Japanese War sways the nation, orphaned children starve to death by the roadside, and more importance, Chinese people haven't hear of Jesus Christ. She comes to give hopes, offer belief to thousands of wondering Chinese People.
This book is a great inspiration to all missionaries. "God helps me", said Gladys Aylward, "I am a Chinese."
It is the cost of a small salad and large ice tea in Deli store. It is one sixth the price of a converse shoes. It is two to three games in iPad. But, in Gladys Aylward's autobiography, The Little Woman, it is a journey from England to China.
Gladys Aylward is a missionary, well, even earlier, she is just a maid. She doesn't graduate from a Church school, she doesn't go to college, she even doesn't finish high school. But, she comes to China in 1930 to preach the Gospel in response to the Lord's call, alone, with 10 dollars. That is the time when Sino-Japanese War sways the nation, orphaned children starve to death by the roadside, and more importance, Chinese people haven't hear of Jesus Christ. She comes to give hopes, offer belief to thousands of wondering Chinese People.
This book is a great inspiration to all missionaries. "God helps me", said Gladys Aylward, "I am a Chinese."
September 23, 2023
I'm sure I read this as a teenager, but it was so good to read as an adult! Wow, what a convicting book!! This little lady had the boldness to take God at His word, and live in the light of His promises. She led so many thousands to Christ because she had the courage to follow where He led. Even when bombs were literally falling around, and when the enemy was marching in, she stayed strong and did not run.
A tremendous book for any age to read - while her story goes through war and hardship, it's never graphic.
A tremendous book for any age to read - while her story goes through war and hardship, it's never graphic.
February 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this autobiography. Amazing stories written very well. My only dislike, and I know I can't really count this towards my rating because it is real life, is the content. Not recommended for anyone under 15.
October 16, 2024
Read this for the seminary class I’m in and loved it. What an example of giving up everything in pursuit of the Lord and being completely obedient to where He is leading. It was convicting.
“My heart is full of praise that one so insignificant, uneducated and ordinary in every way could be used to His glory and for the blessing of His people in poor persecuted China.” - Gladys Aylward
“My heart is full of praise that one so insignificant, uneducated and ordinary in every way could be used to His glory and for the blessing of His people in poor persecuted China.” - Gladys Aylward
January 23, 2020
A friend recommended this to me and I'm so thankful I took her up on her recommendation. This book has encouraged my soul and I hope it will encourage the souls of the people that I recommend it to as well.
January 29, 2023
“My heart is full of praise that one so insignificant, uneducated and ordinary in every way could be used to His glory and for the blessing of His people in poor persecuted China.”
January 19, 2019
So good to hear in her own voice the incredible stories of what God has done in and with her life. So often I underestimate God and try to put him in a box. I'm so glad God is not limited by my imagination but is instead so full of love and grace and that he was able to do such amazing things through Gladys aylward.
December 15, 2021
Absolutely incredible story of God’s work through one woman! Read this and be encouraged and inspired and challenged to fully trust God’s provision and will!
February 10, 2010
I first heard about Gladys Aylward in Noelle Piper's book, "Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God". I as greatly intrigued by her life and wanted to read this book for some time. Luckily, the house we're staying out had it. :)
Gladys Aylward left, alone, for China in 1932. She had been denied by Missions Organization and knew nothing of the country except that there were millions of Chinese that had never heard the name of Jesus Christ. So, she took the Trans-Siberian Railroad into China, which was an adventure in itself considering Russia and Japan were caught up in a war at this time. Once finally in China, she spends a lifetime telling people of the glorious gospel of her Jesus. It's really incredible what this women went through. Most of the book she is dealing with awful situations and I keep thinking, "Ugh, only for the gospel would you go through all of this." She had so much faith and passion and China was literally changed for the better.
I think all Christians should read this book to see the sacrifice present in the lives of missionaries, and to catch a glimpse of that all consuming gospel and how it plays itself out in life.
Gladys Aylward left, alone, for China in 1932. She had been denied by Missions Organization and knew nothing of the country except that there were millions of Chinese that had never heard the name of Jesus Christ. So, she took the Trans-Siberian Railroad into China, which was an adventure in itself considering Russia and Japan were caught up in a war at this time. Once finally in China, she spends a lifetime telling people of the glorious gospel of her Jesus. It's really incredible what this women went through. Most of the book she is dealing with awful situations and I keep thinking, "Ugh, only for the gospel would you go through all of this." She had so much faith and passion and China was literally changed for the better.
I think all Christians should read this book to see the sacrifice present in the lives of missionaries, and to catch a glimpse of that all consuming gospel and how it plays itself out in life.
April 12, 2010
After watching the movie, "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness," starring Ingred Bergmann, I wanted to know more about Gladys Aylward, so I purchased a copy of this short biography. The movie, based on Aylward's work in China was uplifting, enlightening and inspirational. I wondered how true to her real story the movie was. And even though Hollywood added a touch of romance, most of what they portrayed about this amazing woman was true. The book Gladys Aylward has written about her experiences portrays more of the difficulties she faced, the hardships encountered and the great trust and faith she had in God. Both the movie and the book are excellent!
February 6, 2012
An amazing journey and an amazing woman.
Gladys went to China in the early 1900's to unbind women's feet.
She learns about a country in transition from the reign of emperors to the harsh changes under Mao.
Most importantly, she finds out about the lives of Chinese women, who, for centuries have been relegated to the place of a male possession, hidden in courts, altered - through foot binding - so that they fit the male perspective of wealth and beauty.
And then there is Gladys, alone, a westerner, having to learn a new language, the opposite of the women she helps. She really was a brave, pioneering type.
Definitely worth a read for those interested in women's lives.
Gladys went to China in the early 1900's to unbind women's feet.
She learns about a country in transition from the reign of emperors to the harsh changes under Mao.
Most importantly, she finds out about the lives of Chinese women, who, for centuries have been relegated to the place of a male possession, hidden in courts, altered - through foot binding - so that they fit the male perspective of wealth and beauty.
And then there is Gladys, alone, a westerner, having to learn a new language, the opposite of the women she helps. She really was a brave, pioneering type.
Definitely worth a read for those interested in women's lives.
January 31, 2018
Oh, how books like these encourage my heart! I kept thinking to myself while reading this, "I cannot believe this is a real story!" It seems all the adventures of a world are summed up in merely one life, and it's simply remarkable to realize how a good ol'fashioned dose of pure grit, hard work, obedience, and the simple call to faithful living, preaching, and proclaiming the love and sacrifice of Jesus had such a profound impact not only on the Chinese nation, but on the hearts of calloused English and American Christians as well. What an inspiring read!
December 25, 2015
This book is a must-read! It is not written in the best literary style; probably due to the fact that Gladys was reticent to share her story -- it seems people had to drag the details from her. Thankfully, somebody was able to capture a bit of this amazing woman's call of God and His leading in her life as she went to China as a missionary without anything by the way of support. There is an old Ingrid Bergman movie based on just one incident in her life, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.
February 1, 2016
I had seen The Inn of the Sixth Happiness many years ago and was very moved by Gladys Aylward's story. So I was excited to read her actual story when my book group chose it.
Gladys' story is nothing short of inspirational, as any story is of someone who has followed their bliss and fulfilled their life's calling. I'm glad she wrote it down to inspire others.
It's a small, easy read. I'm glad to add to my "read" shelf.
Gladys' story is nothing short of inspirational, as any story is of someone who has followed their bliss and fulfilled their life's calling. I'm glad she wrote it down to inspire others.
It's a small, easy read. I'm glad to add to my "read" shelf.
May 13, 2016
Super short, easy read, but such an amazing story. A girl decides she needs to do missionary work in China, and leaves everything she knows and has in London to make it happen. Talk about faith and perseverance! She gave her whole life to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Everyone could learn from her faith and determination and charity!
September 11, 2011
I am absolutely blown away by this woman and her faith. I cannot help but admire someone who was able to put so much faith in God and accomplish so much with so little. Her experiences are definitely worth a read and if you want a story that will uplift and inspire you then pick this up!
April 2, 2008
I cannot and do not want to shake the conviction that came with reading about Gladys' life.
July 4, 2014
I could not put this book down! There are very few people in this world who possess the bravery, fortitude, and love of Christ shown by Ms. Aylward. Her words will inspire you!
February 14, 2016
Gladys Aylward was an ordinary woman with an amazing God. Fantastic to read her story and the stories of those around her.
October 12, 2022
Great read!!! I would recommend it.
Loved the book! Inspiring story of a great woman with a strong faith in Jesus. Our Lord answers prayers if we just have faith.
Loved the book! Inspiring story of a great woman with a strong faith in Jesus. Our Lord answers prayers if we just have faith.
December 22, 2016
Incredible and inspiring.
February 4, 2018
What an inspiring life Gladys lived. She was a women with such dedication and obedience to the Lord in everything she did. She lived courageously!
May 24, 2020
What a wonderful little book regarding the Chinese missions work of Gladys Aylward, most fondly called Ai-weh-deh (“virtuous woman”) by the people of China. This book is remarkable because it clearly displays God’s work throughout the ministry of this woman. Gladys is faithful in her proclamation of the gospel and bold in declaring Christ even in troublesome times. When she finds herself in challenging situations it is very clear that the Lord is her strength and shield—a very present help in times of trouble (1 Pet 3:12-13). This book may read a bit choppy at certain moments (because the dialogue was translated from Chinese to English), but it is worth an afternoon, or an evening, of your time.
August 16, 2020
3/5, cu indulgenta. Povetea unei misionare crestine in China. Scrisa intr-un ton cu iz elitist, specific crestinilor. Ma asteptam la mai multe detalii legate de perceptia culturii chineze, dar autoarea s-a rezumat la a-i considera salbatici si nefericiti ca nu cunosc cuvantul lui dzeu. Plina de vedenii si voci dumnezeiesti *eye roll*. Era pe lista de citit, altfel nu m-as fi atins de asa ceva. Puteti da pas la asta.
September 26, 2021
Extraordinary biography of a truly extraordinary life.
Gladys reminds us of the power of prayer, dependence and faith and the power of God to do the impossible.
There are so many stories of the unlikely interactions of Gladys with individuals who are encountered at just the right time to help with furthering the gospel in remote areas of China.
Gladys' personal fortitude and faith are so inspiring, and also relatable as she honestly reveals both her strengths of faith as well as her own honest and human shortcomings.
The book is easy to read and reveals epic adventures of personal challenge and human sadness reminding us of the persecution of christians still be experienced throughout the world.
Gladys reminds us of the power of prayer, dependence and faith and the power of God to do the impossible.
There are so many stories of the unlikely interactions of Gladys with individuals who are encountered at just the right time to help with furthering the gospel in remote areas of China.
Gladys' personal fortitude and faith are so inspiring, and also relatable as she honestly reveals both her strengths of faith as well as her own honest and human shortcomings.
The book is easy to read and reveals epic adventures of personal challenge and human sadness reminding us of the persecution of christians still be experienced throughout the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews