Shenzhen: A Travelogue from China

Honestly? This book was offensive. I like the idea of a graphic novel travelogue and I really wanted to like this—but Chinese people are drawn as slant-eyed, wide-smiling caricatures. At one point, Guy literally expresses his bafflement about how "Chinese people can't draw slanty eyes, even though they *have* slanty eyes" (image attached). Shenzhen is depicted as some kind of nightmare and the locals are demure and submissive—it didn't seem like he tried at all to experience or see anything beyond his myopic western perspective. There was little investigation or research into the rich inner lives and complex dynamics within Shenzhen, which was honestly a fascinating place in the 90s—with its rapid industrialization abutting cultural traditions and recent political turmoil. The storytelling was bland and overwhelmingly one of a complacent, confused white man who has no interest in honest or authentic interaction with an 'exotic' place—because we need more stories like this right?

At some point, Guy compares himself to Tintin, which I guess is accurate if you're talking about neo-colonial attitudes and racial insensitivity. I can't believe this was published in 2006 and not 1896.

To his credit, the art is good—but the content is cheap.

Very disappointing, particularly compared to his great "PyongYang" and "Burma", and light years from his master piece "Jerusalem".

PS This is coming from a huge fan of his work.

If you've spent an extended period of time in China, or especially if you know the language, don't buy this book. You will be annoyed by the author's depictions of this "mystical land of intrigue and oriental mystery". Also, the parts where people speak Chinese use random characters instead of letting those in the know see what people are talking about. Bleh.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and it was very entertaining. As another reviewer stated this truly is the story of a stranger in a strange land. Delisle was in China for work and that was the focus of his activities, he was not there to travel or discover things about the country. It is interesting to see the reactions on both sides of when he did try to interact with the Chinese (I particularly like their response to how overtime is handled in the Canada). There is a sense of loneliness and depression that permeate the book as the author tries to set up a daily and weekly routine and find activities to break the boredom. This however is offset by his thoughts on his experiences and the anecdotal stories from his life that he intersperses with the China stories.

I like that he showed the people trying to be good "hosts" to a visitor to their country and entertain him to the best of their ability - what was funny was his slightly puzzled reaction to these efforts. The drawing were simple and clean but conveyed people's reactions well and clearly showed the context of the situations he was describing. I enjoyed this novel and have bought more of the books in his travel series to see what happened to him in Burma and North Korea

Shenzhen is the first of Delisle's travelogues I have read / seen. I can but marvel the way he has succeeded in conveying with just a few words and pictorials some of the feelings and observations that I too had during my stay in China 20+ years ago. The humour is subtle and brilliant. And I must admit, it is a relief to realise I wasn't the only one making diary notes about the toilets; I even took photos because I cannot draw. Cannot wait to see what lurks about in Jerusalem.

I'm a big fan of Delisle -- had read his "Jerusalem" (after a visit there) and found it to be informative, accurate and humorous. Going to China in the Fall (not Shenzhen, but...) so wanted to see his take on that area.
Again, informative and humorous. He has quite a gift for creating a story and impression with few pen/pencil strokes.

Shenzhen: A Travelogue from China is Guy Delisle's first graphic novel travel story from 2006 (translated by Helge Dascher). I had already read Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea and Burma Chronicles. When I compare Shenzhen to these, as well as to Delisle's fourth graphic novel travelogue which I will be reading in the coming weeks, I can see how he has evolved as an artist. Shenzhen seems as though it might have been drawn in charcoal or else a very blunt pencil. It is a very dark book. It looks as though one could get black streaks all over one's hands just by turning the pages. Perhaps the drawings were created this way on purpose, for Delisle states "China has the unfortunate reputation of being the filthiest country on earth". Delisle's later travelogues have a sharper line and also a dab of colour.

Delisle has been sent to Shenzhen to replace the outgoing director of an animation studio. The former director couldn't handle the Chinese way of doing (or not doing) things and left after eight months. While I can't compare Shenzhen to Pyongyang for its laugh content, I did get a funnier read out of it when compared to Burma Chronicles. It doesn't help Delisle in the least that he can barely communicate with the very people he is supposed to direct, and that his on-site translator is hardly any help. Once Delisle steps outside he is accosted by Chinese English students who are eager to practise yet can barely make themselves coherent. The only respite is a side trip to Hong Kong where English is everywhere.

The funniest part of Shenzhen was Delisle's attempt to teach his animators the correct way to draw pupils so that figures don't look cross-eyed. Alone in the studio, Delisle moans "Oh man! They've rubbed holes into some of the pages with all that erasing."

I lived in China for a year, and this book is insightful and on point. It's a must read if you've had any China moments.

Love the sense of humor. Not his best book, but definitely entertaining with a lot of truth!

Guy Delisle is a master storyteller. This book (and series) is highly recommended for all who like to travel or have been expats before