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512 reviews for:
The Monkey and the Monk: An Abridgment of The Journey to the West
Wu Ch'eng-En, Anthony C. Yu
3.91 AVERAGE
512 reviews for:
The Monkey and the Monk: An Abridgment of The Journey to the West
Wu Ch'eng-En, Anthony C. Yu
3.91 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is funny, witty, and allegorical. Somehow it survived a translation from Chinese to English, and the passing of 400 years (or something like 400 years, I'm not sure exactly when it was written). I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Chinese culture.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First, I'd like to point out that this translation by Arthur Waley is a real translation, not a re-telling, but it only covers ca. one quarter of the original Chinese novel. For example, the chapter retold in China's first animation film, 'Princess Iron Fan' (1941) is not included in this book.
But what a delightful book this is! 'Journey to the West' should be regarded as one of the best novels in world literature. It's certainly on par with the contemporary '[b:Don Quixote|3836|Don Quixote|Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546112331l/3836._SX50_.jpg|121842]'.
The novel is inspired by a real journey to India by Chinese monk Xuanzang (602-664) who went there to fetch some Buddhist scriptures. Indeed, this monk, referred to as Tripitaka in the novel, plays an important part in the tale, as does Buddhism, but 'Journey to the West' is hardly a religious work, even if it has allegorical qualities and an occasional wisdom here and there. On the contrary, this is a tale that boasts a level of adventure and humor hardly surpassed by any other literary work worldwide.
The main character of this book, at least in Waley's translation, is Sun, the Monkey King, often just called Monkey. In a highly entertaining prologue we learn about Monkey's original birth out of stone, his quest to become immortal and how he created havoc in the heavens. Hundreds of years later Monkey repents by joining Tripitaka on his journey, together with two other former rebels, a gluttony water dragon turned pig called 'Pigsy' and another demon called Sandy. This journey naturally forms the heart of the book, with the journey back being of a magical character and thus done with in a short chapter.
The journey to India lacks any realism, and is a fantastical, if strongly episodic tale, in which Tripitaka and his disciples have to overcome countless obstacles. In these entertaining adventures, Tripitaka surprisingly is portrayed as a rather whining character, often bursting out in tears and giving up too easily. His disciples on the other hand are some sort of superheroes, full of extra-human strengths and magical powers. Especially monkey has a number of fantastical tricks on his sleeve. Monkey also regularly seeks help from the heavens, especially from the Boddhisattva Kuan-Yin, who sent them on their quest in the first place. Despite Monkey's invincible character, he never becomes dull, because of his mischievous nature, his wit, his impatience, and his original views on both the events and on Tripitaka's wise words.
It's interesting to note that in the world of 'Journey to the West' all religions and their gods co-exist peacefully. Thus, apart from Buddha and several Boddhisattvas we also meet Laozi and other Taoists, as well as traditional Chinese and Indian deities, e.g. Yama, the Hindu god of death.
In all, 'Monkey' is a delightful read, highly recommended to all.
But what a delightful book this is! 'Journey to the West' should be regarded as one of the best novels in world literature. It's certainly on par with the contemporary '[b:Don Quixote|3836|Don Quixote|Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546112331l/3836._SX50_.jpg|121842]'.
The novel is inspired by a real journey to India by Chinese monk Xuanzang (602-664) who went there to fetch some Buddhist scriptures. Indeed, this monk, referred to as Tripitaka in the novel, plays an important part in the tale, as does Buddhism, but 'Journey to the West' is hardly a religious work, even if it has allegorical qualities and an occasional wisdom here and there. On the contrary, this is a tale that boasts a level of adventure and humor hardly surpassed by any other literary work worldwide.
The main character of this book, at least in Waley's translation, is Sun, the Monkey King, often just called Monkey. In a highly entertaining prologue we learn about Monkey's original birth out of stone, his quest to become immortal and how he created havoc in the heavens. Hundreds of years later Monkey repents by joining Tripitaka on his journey, together with two other former rebels, a gluttony water dragon turned pig called 'Pigsy' and another demon called Sandy. This journey naturally forms the heart of the book, with the journey back being of a magical character and thus done with in a short chapter.
The journey to India lacks any realism, and is a fantastical, if strongly episodic tale, in which Tripitaka and his disciples have to overcome countless obstacles. In these entertaining adventures, Tripitaka surprisingly is portrayed as a rather whining character, often bursting out in tears and giving up too easily. His disciples on the other hand are some sort of superheroes, full of extra-human strengths and magical powers. Especially monkey has a number of fantastical tricks on his sleeve. Monkey also regularly seeks help from the heavens, especially from the Boddhisattva Kuan-Yin, who sent them on their quest in the first place. Despite Monkey's invincible character, he never becomes dull, because of his mischievous nature, his wit, his impatience, and his original views on both the events and on Tripitaka's wise words.
It's interesting to note that in the world of 'Journey to the West' all religions and their gods co-exist peacefully. Thus, apart from Buddha and several Boddhisattvas we also meet Laozi and other Taoists, as well as traditional Chinese and Indian deities, e.g. Yama, the Hindu god of death.
In all, 'Monkey' is a delightful read, highly recommended to all.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
When the audiobook started, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it... but as I persevered, I slowly got invested in the lives of this mismatched band on a quest to find scriptures. Written in 1592 (!!!), these tales start growing on you and the comedy - whether through Monkey's quips or the satire on bureaucracy - is actually pretty good. Super glad I read this classic!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
just bc its an old chinese tale, doesn’t make it good