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Forbidden Game: Golf and the Chinese Dream Paperback – July 15, 2014

by Dan Washburn (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 90 ratings
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Forbidden Game: Golf and the Chinese Dream
Forbidden Game: Golf and the Chinese Dream
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In October 2015, the Chinese Communist Party banned its 88 million members from excessive drinking, improper sexual relationships… and holding golf club memberships. But, with “the rich man’s game” about to appear in the Olympics for the first time in 112 years, they also began to spend unprecedented sums on their own national golf team.

Through the lives of three men intimately involved in China’s bizarre golf scene, Dan Washburn paints an arresting portrait of a country of contradictions. A villager named Wang sees his life transformed when a top-secret golf resort springs up next to his farm – despite the building of golf courses being illegal. Western executive Martin, whose firm manages the construction of golf courses, is always looking over his shoulder for Beijing’s “golf police”. And for security guard Zhou, making it as a professional golfer could be his way into China’s new middle class. Using the unique lens of The Forbidden Game, Washburn gleans rich insights into the politics and people of one of the most powerful and enigmatic nations on earth.
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  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Oneworld Publications
  4. Publication date
    July 15, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    5.3 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1851689486
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1851689484
  8. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
90 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and educational about golf in China. They describe it as a captivating story that recounts the tale of three unique individuals caught up in the whirlwind of modern China's golf. The writing style is well-written with great descriptions and incredible detail. The pacing is motivating and heartwarming, bringing focus to cultural, sociological, and political challenges facing China.

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Information valueReadabilityStorytellingWriting stylePacing
13 customers mention "Information value"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and educational about golf in China. They say it provides a detailed account of Chinese society and business, as well as an understanding of the complexity of politics in the nation and the struggle with change.

"...This is a book about golf, of course, but also about Chinese society and people, as they are tossed around by historical developments and break neck..." Read more

"Excellent read on the development of golf in China. A interesting story following a couple of individuals..." Read more

"Overall a very good read. The chinese politics are highlighted well and described as best as possible." Read more

"I really enjoyed how the author uses golf as a lens that brings focus to many cultural, sociological, and political challenges facing modern day..." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and excellent. They say it's the best read in a long time and the author is spot on.

"...in Shanghai, I can say with some authority that Dan Washburn's book is spot on...." Read more

"Overall a very good read. The chinese politics are highlighted well and described as best as possible." Read more

"This is a must-read! I found myself flying through the book -- both rooting for Zhou and marveling at doing business in China...." Read more

"Excellent. Though the premise is on golf in China, the book is truly about how work is done in China & how the Chinese think...." Read more

7 customers mention "Storytelling"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the story captivating and authentic. They say it provides great insight into the challenges of a society with 1.3 billion people face. The book is described as an entertaining read that provides a rare combination of non-fiction with journalistic content.

"Golf and the Chinese Dream is that rare combination of non-fiction that provides journalistic detailed account of China's society and illustrates it..." Read more

"...A interesting story following a couple of individuals..." Read more

"...The story provides readers with a deep appreciation for the many contradictions and challenges facing real people at all levels of society in modern..." Read more

"...There is so much more to China than meets the eye. It is a complex world and this will provide great insight into the challenges that a society with..." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing style"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style accurate and well-written. They appreciate the great descriptions of how golf has captured the Chinese imagination. The book provides detailed information that appeals to a wide variety of readers.

"...I particularly enjoyed the author's easy flowing writing style and his humble approach to character depiction...." Read more

"...The chinese politics are highlighted well and described as best as possible." Read more

"accurate and well written , Dan understands his situations in Thailand and China and writes to the point..." Read more

"...The Forbidden Game is well-written with incredible detail that appeals to a wide variety of sports lovers, economists...or just those ready for an..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book motivating and heartwarming. It uses golf as a lens to bring attention to cultural, sociological, and political challenges facing humanity. They also mention it's a good lesson about China.

"I really enjoyed how the author uses golf as a lens that brings focus to many cultural, sociological, and political challenges facing modern day..." Read more

"A great way to learn about professional sport, business, politics, humanity and human endeavour. A good lesson about China too." Read more

"motivating, factual and heartwarming ......" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Anonymous
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book on China that cares deeply about its unlikely golfing heroes
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Golf and the Chinese Dream is that rare combination of non-fiction that provides journalistic detailed account of China's society and illustrates it with real life heroes larger than golf. This is a book about golf, of course, but also about Chinese society and people, as they are tossed around by historical developments and break neck economic growth. I particularly enjoyed the author's easy flowing writing style and his humble approach to character depiction. There is no judgement or mockery of the country bumpkin who dreams of becoming a golfing professional, of the clueless American as he gets bullied to tears on his first golf construction assignment in Asia, or of the bricklayer rickshaw driver as he gets kicked out of his farmland. A sublte observer who seems to care deeply about his characters.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Rob Gregory
    4.0 out of 5 stars Golf- China-progression
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent read on the development of golf in China. A interesting story following a couple of individuals

    Ho provide a good understanding of the complexity of politics in that nation and the struggle with change.
    One person found this helpful
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  • S. Beck
    5.0 out of 5 stars I once had to duck down in a bunker when the "golf police" arrived at a certain course
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Speaking as someone with 20+ years on-the-ground China business experience, and as co-founder of the Gary Player Invitational in Shanghai, I can say with some authority that Dan Washburn's book is spot on. In it he recounts the tale of three unique individuals, caught up in the whirlwind of China's golf industry, with candor and empathy, having lived it with them. The story provides readers with a deep appreciation for the many contradictions and challenges facing real people at all levels of society in modern China. Honestly, I've never seen Dan hit a golf ball, but his book is a 350 yard drive.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • David Cotton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great details of golf in China and typical Chinese politics
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Overall a very good read. The chinese politics are highlighted well and described as best as possible.
    Helpful
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  • BG
    4.0 out of 5 stars Uses golf to provide insight into today's China
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed how the author uses golf as a lens that brings focus to many cultural, sociological, and political challenges facing modern day China. I have had the opportunity to do business in China and also to play golf in Kunming and I believe he is pretty spot on. There is so much more to China than meets the eye. It is a complex world and this will provide great insight into the challenges that a society with 1.3 billion people faces on many levels.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Cory D
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real insight
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The book is ostensibly about golf, but what it really explores is China and the lives of the individuals making their way there. As a long term China-resident I found the story to be captivating and one of the best looks at the reality of post-reform PRC. This is not just a book for golfers; it is a book for anyone with an interest in the region and a highly entertaining read.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • sore feet
    5.0 out of 5 stars motivating, factual and heartwarming ...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    accurate and well written , Dan understands his situations in Thailand and China and writes to the point
    with great understanding of cultural differences and exhibits solid technical knowledge of golf course construction.

    a fun book to play on audio , be sure to hit pause when he makes you chuckle at your own infirmities !
    One person found this helpful
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  • John Manjiro
    4.0 out of 5 stars How Chinese Business is Run
    Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    It really gives you insight into how business operates in China. Having done some business in China how true many of the points made in the book. Law is there but only superficially. Government whether locally or nationally is always involved. Lots of drinking and entertainment involved and without connection nothing is done. Some claim to have connection but finding the right person is difficult to find. Some are there just to have drinks and being entertained. Nerve racking to do business in China but when one finds the way, returns are high.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • leverne
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Great read
    Report
  • M. Sweeney
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating insight into Modern China
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book reveals more about the curious nature of modern China than the game of Golf. It is a fascinating insight into how the country is developing from (very recent) desperate poverty to becoming a more modern country. But in China, few things are as straightforward as they might seem.
    Report
  • SY
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not what meets the eye
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is much deeper than the title may imply. A lovely read that takes the reader on a journey through the rise of golf and its effect on three incredible real life characters. Thoroughly recommend!
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  • Alf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, not just all about golf!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic book, deep insight into the lives of different people associated with the golfing industry in China. You don't need to love golf to enjoy reading this book, as it covers a range of topics such as the development of China, inequalities and what buisness is like in the Middle Kingdom.
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  • T Monk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent.. Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent .. Good read
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