If you think Jules Verne only wrote about submarines and balloons, Les Tribulations d'un Chinois en Chine is a fantastic surprise. It’s a clever, fast-paced adventure with a huge heart.

The Story

Kin-Fo is a young Chinese millionaire who is bored to death by his own perfect, predictable life. In a moment of profound frustration, he makes a bizarre deal with his American philosopher-friend, William J. Bidulph. He pays Bidulph a fortune with one instruction: kill him in one month. Kin-Fo figures facing death might finally make him feel alive. But wouldn’t you know it, as soon as the contract is signed, a financial disaster strikes that gives him a real reason to fight. Now he desperately needs to find Bidulph and call off the hit, launching him on a frantic and dangerous journey across 19th-century China.

Why You Should Read It

This book is so much fun. It flips the classic adventure script—instead of running from a villain, our hero is running to find his would-be assassin! Beneath the chase, Verne explores a timeless question: what truly gives life meaning? Is it wealth, love, or simply the thrill of the struggle? Kin-Fo’s transformation from a passive observer of his own life into an active participant is genuinely satisfying to watch.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a good adventure with a smart, philosophical twist. If you enjoy stories where the biggest enemy is the hero’s own apathy, and where the journey changes the destination, you’ll adore this hidden gem. It’s a brisk, entertaining read that proves Verne’s genius wasn’t just in predicting technology, but in understanding the human spirit.