Take a photo of a barcode or cover
514 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
514 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
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars would be my true rating. It is easy to see why Monkey is such an enduringly popular book for over 500 years now. It is a lot of fun to read and extremely funny at times. It is profoundly Buddhist while also making dirty jokes and using crass humor regularly. It is really fascinating to read and there is really no other classic novel I think I can compare it to. This story is action, comedy, and a touch of profoundness blended together. Very glad I read it.
The only reason for my not perfect 5 star rating is that Sandy is an almost non-existent character. We have a lot of fun with Monkey, Pigsy, and even Tripitaka, but near none with Sandy. He may as well not be present for many of the episodes. It is a very strange choice.
The only reason for my not perfect 5 star rating is that Sandy is an almost non-existent character. We have a lot of fun with Monkey, Pigsy, and even Tripitaka, but near none with Sandy. He may as well not be present for many of the episodes. It is a very strange choice.
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Abortion, Pregnancy
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Slavery, Torture, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolute madness. Shout out to Wu Cheng'En for what is, to my knowledge, the first instance of mpreg in print.
Already wanting to read it again. My favorite book of the year!
Interesting given the context, enjoyable enough story and some good development of main character. I think I fall more on the harmless fun and political satire side of the fence rather than the higher-meaning religious journey one. Did get repetitive through the middle of the book, had to do some skim reading to keep going.
Honestly entertaining, had me chuckling out loud several times at the occasional sass and absurdity. Not at all what I imagined a Chinese classic would be like
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes