Gladys Aylward

Gladys Aylward (1902-1970) was a British-born Christian missionary who spent much of her life serving in China, becoming known for her work with children and for helping rescue orphans during wartime. Initially rejected by mission agencies due to limited education, Aylward used her savings as a parlormaid to fund her own journey to China in 1932. She settled in Yangcheng, Shanxi Province, where she assisted an elderly missionary and later operated a inn while spreading Christianity to muleteers and other travelers. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Aylward led 100 orphaned children on a dangerous journey across the mountains to safety, despite being wounded herself. She went on to establish orphanages and continued her missionary work, eventually becoming a Chinese citizen. Her life story inspired the 1958 film "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" starring Ingrid Bergman, though Aylward was reportedly unhappy with the Hollywood adaptation. Several biographies have been written about her life and work, including "The Small Woman" by Alan Burgess, published in 1957.

Readers express deep admiration for Aylward's personal courage and sacrificial service, particularly through first-hand biographical accounts. Book reviews frequently mention her determination to pursue missionary work despite institutional rejection. What readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of faith in action - Documentation of cultural adaptation in China - Details of the orphan rescue mission - Simple, straightforward writing style in her personal accounts What readers disliked: - Some biographies lean too heavily on religious messaging - Limited coverage of her later years - Questions about historical accuracy in certain dramatic scenes Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "The Small Woman" - 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: "Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman" - 4.7/5 (380+ reviews) Reader quote: "Her story shows what one person can accomplish through sheer persistence. The accounts of her work with Chinese children are particularly moving." - Goodreads reviewer Many readers note they prefer the original biographies over the Hollywood film adaptation.

Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman (1957) Autobiographical account of Aylward's missionary work in China, including her journey across Siberia and her efforts to help orphaned children during the Sino-Japanese War.

The Girl with the Missionary Heart (1960) Personal narrative focusing on Aylward's early life in London and her initial calling to missionary work in China.

Hudson Taylor wrote about his experiences as a missionary in China during the 1800s and founded the China Inland Mission. His works contain similar themes of faith-driven service in China and cultural adaptation that appear in Aylward's writings.

Amy Carmichael served as a missionary in India for 55 years and wrote about rescuing children from temple prostitution. Her books focus on practical mission work and overcoming cultural barriers, paralleling Aylward's accounts.

Elisabeth Elliot documented her missionary work among indigenous peoples in Ecuador after her husband's death. Her writing combines personal narrative with insights about cross-cultural ministry and perseverance through hardship.

Helen Roseveare worked as a medical missionary in the Congo and wrote about her experiences during civil war and revolution. Her books detail hands-on medical work and daily challenges of mission life in remote locations.

Jackie Pullinger wrote about her ministry work in Hong Kong's Walled City, focusing on drug addicts and gang members. Her accounts share similarities with Aylward's work in showing practical service and adaptation to Chinese culture.