Tribulations of a Chinaman in China by Jules Verne

TRIBULATIONS OF A CHINAMAN IN CHINA (Les Tribulations d'un Chinois en Chine) is a little-known work adventure novel by Jules Verne.  Set in 19th century China, the main character is an immensely wealthy but bored man (Kin-Fo) who has decided to take his own life after it seems his largest investment has gone sour.  After taking out a huge life insurance policy, Kin-Fo hires an old friend, Wang, to kill him.  He soon learns that his fortune is intact, and seeks to find Wang and end the entire affair.

Jules Gabriel Verne (1828-1905) was a French author who, along with British writer H. G. Wells, is considered to be one of the founders of the science fiction genre.  Verne wrote about space, air, and underwater  travel before navigable aircraft and practical submarines were invented, and before any means of space travel had been devised. He is the second most translated author of all time, only behind Agatha Christie.  A number of his books have been made in films several times.