I Deliver Parcels in Beijing: A Journey Through Work and Reflections
I was drawn to I Deliver Parcels in Beijing by Hu Anyan, translated by Jack Hargreaves, not just because of its intriguing title but because I’ve always been fascinated by the untold stories that emerge from ordinary jobs. This collection of essays promised insights not just into the hustle and bustle of Beijing but into the very fabric of life and identity in a country constantly on the move. After reading it, I not only felt enriched but also found myself eager for a second read, a rarity in my reading journey.
At the heart of the book is Hu Anyan’s candid exploration of his varied odd jobs from the early 2000s leading up to the onset of COVID-19. He takes us through the maze of Beijing’s streets as a waiter, courier, and even an apprentice manga artist. Each job he recounts is colored with warmth and authenticity, allowing readers to feel the vibrancy of his experiences. What struck me most was how vivid and realistic his portrayals were; I genuinely felt as though I had entered each role alongside him. The only hiccup was my occasional disconnect with the geographically specific landmarks he referenced—Google yielded little help. But as with all good literature, my imagination became my guide.
Hu’s writing style is refreshingly honest and unpretentious. His ability to celebrate his successes while openly reflecting on his failures and missteps created a rare balance that kept me immersed in his narrative. It’s not often you encounter such a frank portrayal of life; the author doesn’t shy away from discussing ethical dilemmas and the challenges of facing burnout in various professions. Each essay serves almost as a philosophical inquiry into work, its purpose, and its toll. As a student who has never stepped into a workplace, these reflections resonated profoundly with me, highlighting my own gaps in understanding labor laws and the tooling conditions in my country, India.
One particularly striking aspect was the lens Hu casts on China’s self-sufficiency. While many people are quick to criticize global oversights, he gently reminds us that even before social media emerged, there were substantial resources available for individuals to navigate the working world. This realization left me intrigued—motivated to delve deeper into labor conditions in my own context and foster a broader understanding of the global labor landscape.
While the pacing in the latter half of the book felt uneven, it didn’t detract significantly from my experience. The myriad of characters Hu encounters—some who linger positively, others who inflict subtle wounds—adds layers of intrigue, compelling me to reflect on the nature of human connections within the workplace.
Ultimately, I found I Deliver Parcels in Beijing to be a captivating read that transcends the typical boundaries of both fiction and non-fiction. It’s a book I would highly recommend for those interested in human stories, labor discussions, or simply looking for a beautifully narrated journey. Hu Anyan invites us into a world that is both familiar and foreign, encouraging us to reflect on our own paths in life.
For anyone curious about the complexities of work and the lives behind the daily grind, this book is a poignant reminder of the stories waiting to be told, making it a worthy addition to any reading list. Thank you, Astra House and NetGalley, for the opportunity to dive into this incredible narrative.
Rating: 4.75/5
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