One Child

In 1980, faced with a burgeoning population and its resultant economic pressures, China enacted a family-planning policy that would, with few exceptions, limit families to one child. Janet Song's clear, smoothly paced narration is well suited to this fascinating and informative account of the effects of the one-child edict (which in 2015 was changed to a two-child policy). She guides listeners through the factual, historical, and political underpinnings of the policy and how it has affected all aspects of Chinese society. In a gentler yet straightforward tone, she also delivers heartfelt accounts of how the policy has directly and indirectly affected individuals. All in all, Song's narration is an excellent complement to Fong's well-organized account. S.E.G. Winner of AdioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine