Review Although China Doll is a work of fiction, some very real issues are addressed in the dynamic story, espacially regarding human rights and the one-child policy in China. It is a well researched and a page turner. It is the story of how life and death of children in China... Jewish Book World, Spring 2007Carner's storytelling shines a light on the complicated world of celebrity, government relations and human rights abuses. One of the many layers of China Doll is the psychological exploration of the bond between parent and child.... Although China Doll is a work of fiction, there are haunting truths throughout the pages -- all of which were carefully researched.NY Metro Parent Magazine Read more From the Publisher In addition to interviewing officers of the U.S. National Security Administration, State Department, CIA and Foreign Service, Ms. Carner’s research for CHINA DOLL included traveling in China and speaking with women—university professors, industry directors, aging peasants and budding entrepreneurs—about their customs and apprehensions. She learned how, generation after generation, due to either lingering starvation, the social experiment of the cultural revolution, or the current sacrifice under the one-child policy, they have been losing their baby girls through coercion, prejudice, neglect—and outright murder. Read more See all Editorial Reviews
S**L
Painstaking research; painful message
With China Doll, Talia Carner, late of Puppet Child, is once again advocating for children--this time, on a global stage. Literally. Her heroine Nola, a singer at the peak of her game, is sweeping through major Chinese cities on a goodwill tour with full entourage and spare-no-expense staging, when a shadowy figure thrusts a baby girl into her arms. Nola struggles to keep the child, battling the ghosts of her past and the very real and powerful spectres of her management and global politics.Like Puppet Child, this book had me thoroughly engrossed, turning pages into the wee hours of the night. Also, like Puppet Child, it opened a door into the institutionalized mistreatment of children--this time, in Chinese "dying rooms," where drugged orphans languish until they are no longer in need of the scant care on offer.Carner has done her homework here. Her research shapes and enhances the story, but her passion for justice brings it alive. This is accessible but important fiction that highlights both the simple ethics governing the life and death of children, and the political dance between China and the US that makes solutions to an archaic system of neglect so tragically, heartbreakingly complicated.In both her novels, Talia Carner speaks for the children. Let us hope that someone of influence is listening.Susan O'Neill, author, Don't Mean Nothing: Short Stories of Viet Nam
C**R
Talia writes with such amazing descriptions...
Excellent story, lovely engaging characters. Didn't want to put it down.
S**R
A great read especially for women
Loved this book The characters, the plot, the vivid images, the subject matter,the author's knowledge of women's emotions. I'm not a fiction reader, but this book grabbed and kept my attention all the way through. I recommend it highly!
K**T
Amazingly Close to Real
I worked in a Chinese orphanage for over four years and can tell you that reading this story put me back in the middle of all the emotions and outrage I dealt with on a daily basis. Many people think that negative stories about orphanages shouldn't be written, that they can't be that bad---but the truth is that some of them are that bad. The more that people open their eyes at what is really happening, the better chance at improving conditions we will have. Awareness is the key.
C**Y
China Babies
Tania Carner's book is well written and keeps the story moving. You can feel her characters as you read about them. The topic is interesting, somber and very sad. You want to follow the journey through to the end!
M**N
Fascinating Reading From The Get Go
It is one of those "can't put it down books". Thoroughly enjoy Talia Carner's writing. Can't wait for another book of hers to come out. I generally do my reading while I am working out at the gym. Needless to say when reading this book, I certainly worked out a lot!Marlene Votion
M**K
Five Stars
Excellent book. recommended
M**M
Ok for a quick read
It was unrealistic in many ways and predictable. The characters had little depth.
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