Real Fake

Delve into the intricate interplay of authenticity and social dynamics in "Real Fake," authored by Maria Francesca Piazzoni and published by Fordham University Press in 2018. This compelling paperback edition consists of 140 pages that examine Thames Town, a unique English-style village nestled in Songjiang New Town near Shanghai. Piazzoni investigates how residents navigate their perceptions of authenticity within this constructed environment, highlighting the complex relationship between social conditions and urban life. Through a blend of top-down and bottom-up dynamics, she reveals how both the social and physical landscapes are shaped by everyday practices. "Real Fake" is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, urban development, and identity in modern China and the United States. Don't miss this insightful exploration that challenges your understanding of what is real and what is fabricated in our cities!