«I Deliver Parcels in Beijing»
Hu Anyan, a writer and former courier, shares his journey through various jobs in China, culminating in the publication of his bestselling memoir about parcel delivery. Hu, 46, has worked 19 different jobs in six cities, including selling bicycles, managing a clothing shop, baking, creating 3D architectural renderings, working night shifts at a logistics warehouse, and finally delivering packages.
His book, «I Deliver Parcels in Beijing», combines casual language with vivid anecdotes and touches of humor, portraying struggles with difficult managers, angry customers, and vast residential blocks.
Published in 2023, it quickly became a bestseller in China as it resonated with millions of couriers who face economic instability, limited social mobility, and job insecurity within the country’s e-commerce sector, where workers are often considered expendable.
Before the English translation by Jack Hargreaves launched, Hu spoke with Rest of World about his literary career, the future of courier work amid automation, and the lessons he hopes American readers take away from his story.
Writing Beginnings
Hu began writing around 2009, when he was operating a women’s clothing store in Nanjing, a challenging experience that inspired his storytelling.
“«I Deliver Parcels in Beijing» captures the voices of couriers and the harsh realities they face in China's booming e-commerce industry.”
His memoir highlights economic uncertainty, the struggle for social mobility, and the unfulfilling nature of many jobs, offering a rare and personal glimpse into lives often overlooked.
Summary: Hu Anyan’s memoir offers a vivid, humorous look at the hardships of China’s courier workers and broader labor struggles, now reaching U.S. readers in translation.