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The Shanghai Free Taxi
- Journeys with the Hustlers and Rebels of the New China
- Narrated by: Frank Langfitt
- Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
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The Shanghai Free Taxi
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Summary
As any traveller knows, the best and most honest conversations take place during car rides. So when journalist Frank Langfitt wanted to learn more about the real China, he started driving a cab - and discovered a country amid seismic political and economic change.
The Chinese economic boom, with its impact on the environment, global trade and the tech industry, has been one of the most important stories of the 21st century. Yet few realise that the boom is largely over and that the new reality in China is unequal growth, political anxiety and a newly empowered strongman president.
In order to understand this new world, Frank Langfitt offered the citizens of Shanghai a simple deal: a conversation in exchange for a free taxi ride. Rides turned into follow-up interviews, shared meals and even a wedding invitation. In this adventurous book, we get to know an array of quirky yet representative characters like Beer Horse, the pushy dealer who sells Langfitt his used car; Rocky, a stylishly dressed migrant worker who loves John Denver music; and Xiao Chen, who moved his family to Hawaii to escape China's oppressive education system but was unable to get out of the country himself.
Unfolding over the course of several years, The Shanghai Free Taxi is a sensitive and eye-opening book about a rapidly changing country.
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What listeners say about The Shanghai Free Taxi
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- kevin s mcilveen
- 02-02-23
Open honest and intriguing
Well performed, interesting and thought provoking looking into the lives of everyday people in Shanghai.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Emanuele
- 30-04-22
Lots of bias, interesting concept, well executed
The book starts off as almost obnoxiously eurocentric and judgemental; I was surprised and pleased to see how towards the end, some more open minded opinions are given. Overall, the idea behind the book is great, and it's executed well. I wouldn't consider this to be a captivating read, but it was varied, vivid, and interesting enough.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ryan Aitken
- 10-11-19
One of the best books I’ve ever listened to.
So interesting, balanced and accurate. This book paints and honest and thoughtful story of people’s lives.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Julie L
- 11-02-20
Great voice. Great stories. Amazing idea.
This is an excellent listen. I found myself laughing and talking to no one about the different people who got into Frank’s car. If you prefer nonfiction that is accessible and entertaining, this is the book for you.
Julia
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- rikki
- 16-10-19
Nothing to see, move along
I have read many books about oppressed people so had high hope for this one but the people were not really rebels or hustlers just ordinary people doing ordinary stuff. the lack of free speech and uncensored internet/information leaves me with the same impression as when i was there 30 years ago, they say the communist party is great in public because if they don't something bad happens to them, its just they have a bit more money now.
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