Jarring

I'd always assumed that Chinese folks were obedient followers of the Party, denying the self for the benefit of all. (Maybe it's because they shine in everything they do--heck, just look at their Olympic opening ceremony for Pete's sake.) Anyway, I'd also heard that during the one child era, nothing was forced, exactly, but that people were strongly encouraged to keep things down to one kid, with some cash incentives thrown in to sweeten the deal. Not so bad, really, right? News flash, people, according to this book, those assumptions are way off the mark. Picture the same policy here in the land of We-Do-What-We-Want, except with the political muscle of Tiananmen Square, and you'd pretty much get it. This is fiction, but seems to be very much based in fact. The story explores all angles--families who are trying to sneak another baby out before getting caught, medical mishaps, and the unfortunate party patsies who have to enforce the rules. It's astounding that this was published, and that the author is still alive. The book moves along throughout, continually sneaking in an unexpected hook right when your guard is down. Spoiler: it really went off the rails during the "play" at the end. Was the editor on vacation? Maybe I'm wrong and you'll love that part. Overall, though, a thought-provoking eye-opener.