Rickshaw by She Lao (1979, Paperback)

This a great Chinese literature book in English translation. The story is about a man who works hard to own his own rickshaw, runs into trouble, loses his rickshaw, and has several series of ups and downs. The main character begins having no family and although breifly does, it ends in tradegy and the story ends with him giving up on life. The story gives a historical look into the past of how Beijing rickshaw business was an integral part of the lifes of many in the city from the low that ran them to the high that rode in them. This is a great historical fiction for all interested in Chinese culture and their rich history, especailly if you are planning on visiting soon.