While television often glamorizes work as a path to social advancement, Chinese writer Hu Anyan’s memoir, *I Deliver Parcels in Beijing*, presents a starkly different narrative. Originally a viral lockdown blog post, the book chronicles Hu’s experiences in low-wage jobs, from courier to gas station attendant, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the gig economy’s harsh realities. Published in English, the memoir has sold nearly 2 million copies in China and secured translation rights in 20 countries, earning Hu recognition as one of China’s most remarkable literary talents by the *Financial Times*.
Hu’s intimate and witty storytelling, skillfully translated by Jack Hargreaves, delves into the grueling demands of gig work: sleepless nights, relentless shifts, and the dehumanizing pressures of platform capitalism. The book also sheds light on China’s internal migrants, a 300-million-strong workforce often denied social services in urban areas. Beyond its social commentary, *I Deliver Parcels in Beijing* captures the cultural nuances of contemporary China, from culinary traditions to rural life.
Hu’s memoir is more than a personal account; it’s a critique of late-stage capitalism and its impact on individual identity. As Hu navigates the bureaucratic maze of gig work, he reveals how the system reshapes personalities, fostering alienation and frustration. The book’s global resonance lies in its ability to humanize the often invisible labor force that powers modern economies, offering readers a poignant parallel to their own experiences in the digital age.