Ma Jian’s story definitely gave an absolutely different perspective on China’s “one child policy” than what you would expect. The narrative proceeded in a way that felt a bit like a roller-coaster ride, which could be perceived from both a positive and a negative side. It didn’t manage to captivate your attention completely but nevertheless there were still moments that were absolutely gripping, during which you wouldn’t put the book down under any circumstances. The style in general felt quite raw nevertheless, with the impression that it lacked to be a bit more polished in order to flow better.

If I had to name the biggest flaw of the storyline, it would be the characters which felt like they lacked depth and genuine emotions, making it difficult for the reader to relate to what was happening. It’s not really understandable how both the mother and the father that are the main characters of the story didn’t really have a relationship with feelings towards their daughter or it might also be the fact that it simply didn’t come across with the style it was written in.

All in all, it was an interesting read though. Child-limiting policies might sound like a good idea in our society with a shockingly explosive birth rate from a distant perspective, but here you actually get to find out the real stories of how people are affected by such governmental implications.

To sum it up, it was dark, it brought forward important issues, it was touching at times but throughout the entire time I just wished that it would have been written in a more captivating way.

★★★☆☆ (3/5)