Books
China’s Dilemma: Between Growth and Reform.
After 40 years driving a miraculous economic growth which lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty*, during the last few years China took a U-turn from from the policies of opening and reform it so successfully embraced since 1979.
Why?
Was it all part of a master plan by the Communist Party of China to first promote opening and integration with the rest of the world to secure greater national wealth and critical resources, only later to retreat from the global scene and seek full autonomy? Or did “something” happen along the way that forced the Party to pursue new development paradigms?
I lived in China for over 18 years, five of which I spent meticulously researching the topic and collecting over 5,000 photojournalistic images, including throughout the times of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns
“China’s Dilemma” features a rigorously researched essay, with striking evidence of how the larger narrative was mirrored in my personal experience throughout the two decades I lived and did business in the country—and with the country—, and a thoroughly curated selection from my photographic archive.
“China’s Dilemma” investigates a question that is not only the concern of historians, economists, and entrepreneurs, but is at the very core of the geopolitical world order of our times.
* ref. 1979-2021
For corporate purchase and large orders (10+ copies), please contact me here to inquire on applicable discount rates.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.91 based on 46 ratings on GoodReads
Selected reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Ferrara's nuanced understanding of China's socio-economic reforms, the dilemmas of the CCP, and the resultant socio-political fabric are articulated with an eloquence that only someone with his extensive on-ground experience could achieve.“
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This book presented a compelling examination of China's economic transformation, juxtaposing the dazzling advancements of the private sector against the backdrop of the CCP's existential crises.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Ferrara, having lived in China for nearly two decades, provides a unique insider perspective on the cultural and economic transitions that have shaped both China and the global landscape.”
Take a look inside:
Ongoing work
I am currently working on the following long-form projects that will make their way into books in the future.
If you have an interest in one of the subjects below, or care to suggest specific topics or people/places worth covering as part of one of these projects, you can contact me here, I would love to hear from you.
Tokyo9
A collection of images in nine separate “acts” shot through nine years of photographic work in the Oriental capital.
Deep Real
A collection of close-up portraits to celebrate the idea of capturing expressions of real people against the constant hype placed in our times on the subject of “deep fake”.
Original Stories
A collection of short bios of people who have lived remarkably original lives and helped keep the world connected.
In the Key of Music
Part documentary, part homage, on the origins, meaning, and miracle behind the practice and art of jazz improvisation
(coming soon)
(Titles may be subject to evolution through the years until the work is finally published.)