The uproarious tale of a stubbornly idealistic Taiwanese animator who moves abroad for what she believes will be an elegant Parisian sojourn. The reality that awaits her is disillusioning to say the least, but Shrimp’s determination and taste for the absurd ultimately see her through.
After graduating from an animation institute, the driven and idealistic Shrimp furiously sends out résumés to overseas employers. Just as her hopes are about to fade, she receives an offer to intern at a French animation studio where she will have the opportunity to work with a well-known director.
Thus begins what Shrimp imagines will be a refined and elegant sojourn in Paris, but instead turns out to be a crash course in dealing with language barriers, culture shock, petty thievery, overwork, and co-worker rivalries. Despite bouts of disillusionment and doubt, the tenacious Shrimp remains determined to make the most of her overseas experiences, and bring her creative vision to life.
If you were looking for a graphic novel about living the overseas dream, this is not it. But don’t worry, Shrimp’s self-deprecating humor and taste for the absurd transform her cross-cultural calamities into an international adventure that is by turns inspiring, edifying, and laugh-out-loud funny.
