The Small Woman – Book Review

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In 1930, a young woman named Gladys Aylward boarded a train in England bound for China. She carried her clothes and food in two suitcases. Due to a war, the journey ended in Russia. She slept out in the Siberian cold and was eventually smuggled to Japan, where she made her way to China.

Gladys was called to be a missionary. She learned Chinese and started an inn with an older missionary woman in a small north-central town called Yangcheng. She began feeding, housing, and telling Bible stories to mule caravaners. At first, the townspeople distrusted her and threw mud at her, but over time, she gained respect.

One day, the town’s Mandarin (the philosopher-leader) asked her to work for him as the local foot inspector. She traveled from village to village, overseeing the end of female foot-binding.

All of a sudden, a prison riot broke out: prisoners were being killed. The town’s leadership asked her to put it down. Extremely frightened, she walked into the prison and witnessed horrors: a man with an axe was chasing and hacking fellow prisoners. The man approached her; terrified, she demanded that he hand over the axe.

Gladys experienced many difficulties and adventures. She traveled all around the area, establishing Christian communities.

Her most significant test came when the Japanese invaded northern China, bombing and pillaging towns and villages. When her town was bombed, she became the leader, nurse, and caregiver to many. She lived in the mountains and caves, caring for refugees. However, it became clear that she had to leave, with prisoners and nearly 100 orphans who considered Gladys their mother.

Her southwestern journey to the province of Sian achieved legendary status and is the book’s climax.

The author of Gladys Aylward’s biography, Alan Burgess, said she “is one of the most remarkable women of our generation.” Her heroic life and accomplishments began with a prayer that God would use her.

The book was published in 1957, and the following year, a movie starring Ingrid Bergman debuted. I like the film, though there are some critical differences, and I highly recommend reading the book before watching it.

This book is worthwhile for teenagers and adults. Her life is a testament to the fact that one can thrive in the midst of difficulty and that hardship is the pathway to an adventurous and great life.