The Shanghai Free Taxi

April 1, 2019
Langfitt, a former NPR China correspondent, offers an engaging exploration of China in a moment of economic growth and cultural upheaval. As a foreign journalist trying to understand the perspectives of ordinary people in a famously circumspect culture, Langfitt hit upon the idea of offering “free cab rides in exchange for conversation.” The result is a collection of fascinating journalistic narratives that introduce memorable individuals such as brothers Rocky and Ray, who traded farm work for law jobs in Shanghai; Fifi, an idealistic psychologist and former teacher who says that she feels safer and more free outside her country; Ashley, the daughter of Communist Party officials who seeks an American MBA and more intellectual diversity than she finds in China; and Chen, a pajama salesman and member of an underground Christian church who eventually moves to America in search of a less competitive, more tolerant culture. Langfitt also gauges his contacts’ reactions to the Brexit morass, the election of Donald Trump, and their attempts to navigate the parallel resurgence of popular nationalism and political authoritarianism in their own country. This engaging work is sure to interest those who have enjoyed Langfitt’s NPR reporting or who are curious about contemporary Chinese culture and politics.

NPR correspondent Frank Langfitt is the author/narrator of this splendid look at the lightning-fast changes taking place in contemporary China. Langfitt began a free taxi service in Shanghai to encourage people to share their views--in private--about their prospects, happiness, and government. Because of Langfitt's inviting personality, listeners will meet Beer, a wily used car salesman; Chen, who took Langfitt to his underground Christian church; and Crystal, who returned from the U.S. to search for her missing sister. Langfitt's understated yet intimate interviews with his passengers and captivating descriptions of the country and food take center stage. In addition to encountering real people, listeners will learn about a unique nation as they enjoy a first-rate jaunt around its territory. S.G.B. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine