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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed the antics of Dear Monkey. It has been described as an Eastern Pilgrim's Progress that primarily teaches the tenets of Buddhism with some Taoism thrown in through the antics of Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy and their priest friend as they travel from China to India to pick up some sacred texts. There are a number of weird battles with demons, including one that was reminiscent of the insult sword fight in Monkey Island (from Monkey Island: You fight like a dairy farmer. How appropriate. You fight like a cow). In Monkey the insults went like this: I can see that you were not a priest to begin with said the monster. What makes you think that? said Pigsy. I can tell by your rake, said the monster. You must have worked in a vegetable garden and run off with the owner's muck rake.
The ending is very Wizard of Oz where everyone is rewarded according to his contribution to the cause. The book is full of advice for how to live a blessed life, some commonsensical, some bizarre.
The ending is very Wizard of Oz where everyone is rewarded according to his contribution to the cause. The book is full of advice for how to live a blessed life, some commonsensical, some bizarre.
Apparently, China is big on the power of Monkeys. This is a collection of myths surrounding a mischievous monkey named, Sun, and how he first wrecks havoc on Heaven, Hell, and Earth and then becomes a guardian to a monk on his quest to bring back the holy Buddhist scriptures.
It's interesting to see how Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism all played a role in the development of Chinese spirituality. The myths are full of people transforming into different sizes and animals and "Fighting 30 bouts" with evil demons. There seems to be a fascination with numbers, too: "in all they number 35 works and 15,144 books: (p.209) I found it very odd that they come up with so specific numbers for things. I mean why, 15,144 books, why not 15,000?
In any event, the book is a tad tough to read because not only is it translated from a very different culture, it's also such an old set of stories. I picked it up because I've been interested in learning about the history of buddhism, not just the spiritual tenants. While it was interesting, it failed to really capture my attention.
It's interesting to see how Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism all played a role in the development of Chinese spirituality. The myths are full of people transforming into different sizes and animals and "Fighting 30 bouts" with evil demons. There seems to be a fascination with numbers, too: "in all they number 35 works and 15,144 books: (p.209) I found it very odd that they come up with so specific numbers for things. I mean why, 15,144 books, why not 15,000?
In any event, the book is a tad tough to read because not only is it translated from a very different culture, it's also such an old set of stories. I picked it up because I've been interested in learning about the history of buddhism, not just the spiritual tenants. While it was interesting, it failed to really capture my attention.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a really fun read. It’s easy to pick up because the story follows a monster of the week format with the pilgrimage as the main overarching plot. It was a very interesting dive into Chinese culture and religion.
adventurous
fast-paced
I read this for alumni seminar this weekend. We have the four volume translation of Journey to the West which I have not read - its length having put me off. I intend to go back and read that at some point. This version is a 30 chapter translation - less than a third of the original. It was a lot of fun to read. If you have any interest in Chinese folktales or literature I can recommend it as an alternative to the much longer full translation. I’ve enjoyed Louis Cha in the past and can see, in Monkey, the source of some of what I liked so much in that later style.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Interesting insight in Chinese literacy. Really liked characters and storyline.
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