Chinese author Hu Anyan delivers a powerful portrait of modern working-class life in his memoir I Deliver Parcels in Beijing, a book that combines personal experience with a broader reflection on identity, labor, and social change in contemporary China.

Originally published in Chinese in 2023 and later translated into English by Jack Hargreaves, the memoir follows Anyan through 19 different jobs he held after leaving school. From sorting parcels in sweltering warehouses to working as a courier in Beijing, he recounts the physical exhaustion, financial insecurity, and emotional challenges faced by millions of migrant workers.

Rather than seeking sympathy, Anyan presents his experiences with honesty and restraint. He describes long shifts, difficult living conditions, and workplaces where employees often sacrificed comfort and personal wellbeing simply to earn a living. His story also highlights how China's rapid economic transformation has reshaped the lives of ordinary workers over the past several decades.

Beyond its critique of modern labor conditions, the memoir explores themes of family, identity, and resilience. Anyan reflects on how his upbringing influenced his views on work, relationships, and personal sacrifice, while also revealing moments of beauty and humanity that emerged even during the most difficult periods of his life.

The book ultimately traces his remarkable journey from low-paid gig work to becoming a full-time writer. His thoughtful observations and understated storytelling offer readers a rare and compelling perspective on contemporary Chinese society, making I Deliver Parcels in Beijing both a moving memoir and an insightful exploration of dignity in the face of hardship.