A review by greenej
Girls on the Line by Jennie Liu

3.0

This Young Adult novel tells a harrowing story of two female factory workers in China amidst the country's robust capitalism, exploitation of workers, and stringent controls on reproduction. During the one-child policy, unsanctioned child birth is penalized with heavy fines and lack of citizenship. The situation leads to illegal selling of unwanted babies. The novel explores the ways working-class women are caught between an unforgiving government, families, and employers. Human trafficking, of brides as well as babies, becomes a major theme. When one of two friends in the novel becomes involved with someone purported to be a human trafficker, and then pregnant by him, much suspense ensues. The story moves at a quick pace. Young Adult books are not my favorite genre, but it is great to see such a poignant novel exploring these themes.