{"title":"Patrick Saint-Paul","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the compelling works of Patrick Saint-Paul, a distinguished journalist and author celebrated for his incisive exploration of political and current affairs. Saint-Paul's writings provide insightful narratives that delve deep into the socio-political landscapes, offering readers an engaging lens through which to understand the complexities of our world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his notable works is \u003cem\u003eThe Rat People\u003c\/em\u003e, a gripping book that sheds light on hidden societies living beneath the bustling cities in China. With his characteristic journalistic flair, Saint-Paul unravels stories that often go unnoticed, bringing a unique perspective to these underground communities. His work is not only informative but also thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary issues and the nuanced realities of global life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a seasoned follower of political discourse or simply curious about lesser-known stories, Patrick Saint-Paul's books are sure to enrich your understanding and spark meaningful conversations about the world today.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-rat-people-by-patrick-saint-paul-9781551528038","title":"The Rat People","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a relatively short amount of time, China has become the second-largest economy in the world and is soon poised to overtake the US. In 1978, when China introduced its economic reforms, its GDP was $214 billion; in 2019, it is estimated to increase to $14 trillion. But the country's rapid growth was achieved on the backs and shoulders of its workforce, many of whom were peasant farmers turned into the \u003ci\u003emingong\u003c\/i\u003e, urban migrant workers, celebrated by Mao and credited with helping China achieve its economic miracle. Now, a million of them and their descendants live underground in Beijing under inhuman conditions, where there is no light or water and little sanitation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor Patrick Saint-Paul spent two years living among the 'rat people' (\u003ci\u003eshizu\u003c\/i\u003e) of Beijing, in a network of deep tunnels and 20,000 former bomb shelters built during the Cold War. The \u003ci\u003emingong\u003c\/i\u003e come to Beijing from all parts of the country, in search of jobs and a better life, but they are unable to afford their own homes on their meagre salaries. For them, China's dream of prosperity for all is a bitter fallacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Rat People\u003c\/i\u003e, Saint-Paul brings the individual stories of the shizu to life, creating a shocking cautionary tale about the lengths to which people will go in search of a better life, and the human cost paid in service to the modern economy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46850373124332,"sku":"9781551528038","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/11015783482740.jpg?v=1759084871"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/patrick-saint-paul.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}