adoption

The book "China's Lost Daughters" is part memoir part history lesson into the dynamics of American families adopting Chinese girls. Evans weaves her own adoption journey with the eco-socio-political environs of China. Her research is thorough, though I found first-hand snapshots of the society from the local Chinese lacking. Though she covered most aspects of the East-West adoption, there was no firsthand experiences from the mothers who gave up their daughters. Evans uses secondhand knowledge, from the workers at the orphanages and the Chinese adoption officials, and her imagination. The other aspect of the East-West adoption that is not addressed is the effect on the adopted girls who are only grade school age. The limitations of the book are due to its purpose as a public memoir for her daughter.

I do not give five star ratings lightly. This book is a gem. As other reviewers have mentioned, this book is part Chinese adoption "how to" and part travel diary. Both those sections are admirably done, but I treasure this book because Karen Evans presents a succinct summary of the causative factors of child abandonment in China.

I would strongly recommend that anyone who has adopted from China or may adopt in the future read this book, for the sake of your daughter. Ideally, adopted children should have some contact with their biological parents. This isn't possible for our Chinese daughters. They will almost definitely want to know why they were abandoned. Evan's book explains the subordinate position of women in Chinese society, the factors that drive the need of Chinese parents for a son, and the origins of the one-child policy and how it works (or doesn't work.)

In addition, _Lost Daughters of China_ will educate anyone with an interest in the status of women in the world.

Wow! Marvelously written. It is informative, thought provoking, insightful and stirring. Karin Evans has done a great service to all those who have or will adopt from China, their families and anyone interested in understanding or getting a glimpse of the situation in China that has led to these precious girls being abandoned and their hope for tomorrow.