One Child: The Story of China's Most Radical Experiment by Mei Fong - Non Fiction - Paperback
Free 48-Hour Delivery
On orders over £35
Fast UK Dispatch
Orders shipped within 24 hours
Easy 30-Day Returns
Hassle-free returns on eligible items
Secure Checkout
Safe & encrypted payment options
Title:
One Child
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781780748450
Overview:
One Child is a gripping, human-centered investigation into the far-reaching consequences of China’s one-child policy. Written by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Mei Fong, the book draws on eight years of immersive reporting to illuminate how a national policy became a personal history for millions of families. It blends intimate portraits of parents, siblings, and grandparents with sharp, clear analysis of the policy’s economic, social, and demographic aftermath. Readers meet families navigating the pressure to provide for elderly relatives, communities wrestling with skewed gender balances, and villages where second children were discouraged or denied official recognition. As China’s economy evolves and policymakers rethink population plans, the book asks urgent questions about individual rights, state power, and the costs of rapid modernization. The narrative moves from the earthquake-ravaged plains of Sichuan to bustling urban centers, revealing the quiet, everyday costs of a policy that touched every aspect of life. It is a compelling, deeply informed account that connects personal choices to national transformation, inviting readers to reflect on how population policy shapes families and futures.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
Mei Fong’s One Child stands out in its combination of meticulous investigative reporting and empathetic storytelling. Rather than treating policy as abstract data, the author foregrounds real people—their hopes, disappointments, and resilience—who lived under a regime that put limits on reproduction at the heart of the nation’s social contract. The eight-year journey across rural towns and modern cities yields a multi-dimensional portrait of a society in transition. The prose is precise and accessible, translating complex demographic trends into tangible consequences: aging parents relying on a single child’s support, families negotiating the sudden end of the policy, and communities contending with a surplus of bachelors. This is reading that informs as it moves you emotionally, offering a clear lens on globalization, governance, and the human costs behind headline policy debates. The book’s global relevance makes it essential for anyone curious about modern China, demographic change, or the human stories behind statistics.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
This book is ideal for readers who crave intelligent, accessible non-fiction about modern China, demographics, and social policy. It suits students studying contemporary East Asia, policy enthusiasts seeking real-world implications of population control, and general readers who enjoy immersive reportage. It also makes a thoughtful gift for parents and families curious about how cultural expectations intersect with government rules, and for BookTok fans and lifelong learners who appreciate well-researched, narrative non-fiction that reads like a powerful story. If you’re looking for a substantive, timely look at how policy shapes everyday life—and what that means for the future—One Child fits the bill.
Key Highlights:
- Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist as author
- Eight years of in-depth field reporting across China
- Personal voices—families, parents, and grandparents—woven with policy analysis
- Clear exploration of the consequences of the one-child policy’s end
- Accessible, narrative non-fiction that reads like a global current
- Insightful connection between demographic trends and social change
- Compelling context for discussions on aging populations and gender balance
- Perfect for readers seeking rigorous, human-centered non-fiction about China
About the Author:
Mei Fong is a distinguished journalist whose reporting on China and global affairs has earned international recognition, including a Pulitzer Prize for her work on population policy and social change. In One Child, she channels years of frontline reporting into a tightly argued, vividly told account of how a government policy reshaped households, communities, and the country’s trajectory. Fong’s writing combines rigorous research with compassionate storytelling, giving readers a clear sense of the human stakes behind statistics. Her work illuminates the moral, economic, and social dimensions of demographic policy, making complex issues accessible without sacrificing nuance or depth. This book reflects not only her investigative craft but also a commitment to telling stories that matter in a rapidly changing world.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
One Child offers more than a history; it’s a revelatory examination of how policy intersects with family life, culture, and the future of a nation. Its steady, readable pace invites deep engagement without overwhelming the reader with jargon, making it ideal for both classroom discussions and independent reading. The book’s blend of intimate portraits and macro insights makes it a lasting reference on China’s past and its uncertain present, while its human stories stay with you long after the final page. Owning this edition means owning a thoughtfully researched, beautifully written account that will inform, move, and stimulate conversation for years to come.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
