The Tribulations of a Chinese Gentleman

[Kara Ortiez]

aka The Tribulations of a Chinaman. Anyone read it? A Vernian adventure set in China in the late 1800s.

Kin-Fo, a "well to do" Chinese man living in Shang-Hai, is accused by his good friend Wang of not having had any discomforts in his life that would make him appreciate true happiness. When Kin-Fo, receives news that his fortune is lost, he arranges for an insurance policy to be taken out on his life that would cover his death, even by suicide; which he is planning on committing. When Kin-Fo can't bring himself to end his own life, he contracts Wang to do it, by even giving him a letter that will exonerate him of the deed. Wang disappears and then Kin-Fo feels much discomfort, especially when he is informed that his fortunes are not lost. He travels around China, hoping to avoid being murdered before the contract expires. His discomfort increases when a note from Wang arrives saying that he regrets not being able to fulfill the contract, so he has turned it over to his old friend Lao-Shen, a notorious character....

The novel was made into play and then subsequently a feature film sometime in the 1950s.

[Kara Ortiez]

I recently picked up a 90 year old edition with all the original illustrations. It's okay but it's not Verne's best work. Bit of a travelogue that may have been of greater appeal to those living in the late 1800s. Love the illustrations, but I didn't feel much tension as Kin-Fo raced to save his life... Journey, Around the World, and Sandorf were much better reads.

[Vernian]

THanks,

Verne
www.Vernian.com