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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Funny satire but I got tired of slapstick after awhile and wanted them to get the pilgrimage over and done with.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A perfect book for those looking to get into the mythology around the Journey to the West. I was aware of the mythology before reading, but this interesting translation of the legend makes it easy to follow and helps highlight some of the modern stories that have developed from the myths. Even with a passing interest in the topic, this is a great addition to the library for those who enjoy mythology and historical storytelling. A very well-worn book on my shelf.
I’m glad I finally read this book. I feel in one wya or another, I already knew the story. I am happy that I have seen multiple references, so so adaptations, and derivative work from this books. But actually getting to read it has given me a more complete picture.
It is a fun read, which I don’t think is a feeling I normally associate with “must read” canonical books.
I truly think it can be a book widely shown and read.
It is a fun read, which I don’t think is a feeling I normally associate with “must read” canonical books.
I truly think it can be a book widely shown and read.
Una historia de aventura que luego de un rato se volvió simplemente Son Wukong salvando al resto porque eran tontos y se metían en problemas. Ahora imaginen 300 páginas de eso, pero acompañado con un personaje (el monje) que está ahí solo para hacer comentarios inútiles y estorbar, y llorar.
If judging a book by its cover was a felony, I'd be serving 327 life sentences. They'll never catch me though, I'm still at large! Earlier this year, I took my criminal ways to a bookstore called 'The Strand' in New York and was struck by the bright colors of the fantastic cover for 'Journey to the West.' I was intrigued just enough to crack it open and peer inside, and I found the most gorgeous map! This map combined with the good-looking cover was a one-two punch that nearly knocked me down.
This fresh translation by Julia Lovell has trimmed the ancient tale into a readable length and modernized the language, almost too much. The sharp translating really did bring this novel to comedic life, preserving all the laughs Ming Chinese enjoyed five hundred years ago. In fact, the translation often veered into anachronism all in the name of conserving the tone. For all her tricks, Lovell can't quite shake off the centuries from this old novel, but I doubt she was trying to. The airtight, sequential plots of our modern era are rarely found so far back. Instead we get episodic adventures that are often unconnected with the larger story. Ultimately, Lovell chose just the right episodes to include in this version to create a cohesive narrative.
This book had me audibly laughing multiple times, which is difficult to do for a book! Monkey is just so funny. I loved the bureaucratic mishaps from Hell to Heaven. The mythological world created (probably over thousands of years of Chinese cultures) was a joy to read about. I really love their mythology. It is the only mythos that can rival the Ancient Greek and Hindu mythologies.
I found the idea of 'harmony between the three faiths' to be a little laughable. The Taoists were continuously portrayed as evil and lousy. However, I find the idea interesting that even five hundred years ago Chinese society was in some way aiming for peace and harmony between the various faiths rather than the bull-headed conquer and convert.
This book may be old, but it is hilarious and exciting!
This fresh translation by Julia Lovell has trimmed the ancient tale into a readable length and modernized the language, almost too much. The sharp translating really did bring this novel to comedic life, preserving all the laughs Ming Chinese enjoyed five hundred years ago. In fact, the translation often veered into anachronism all in the name of conserving the tone. For all her tricks, Lovell can't quite shake off the centuries from this old novel, but I doubt she was trying to. The airtight, sequential plots of our modern era are rarely found so far back. Instead we get episodic adventures that are often unconnected with the larger story. Ultimately, Lovell chose just the right episodes to include in this version to create a cohesive narrative.
This book had me audibly laughing multiple times, which is difficult to do for a book! Monkey is just so funny. I loved the bureaucratic mishaps from Hell to Heaven. The mythological world created (probably over thousands of years of Chinese cultures) was a joy to read about. I really love their mythology. It is the only mythos that can rival the Ancient Greek and Hindu mythologies.
I found the idea of 'harmony between the three faiths' to be a little laughable. The Taoists were continuously portrayed as evil and lousy. However, I find the idea interesting that even five hundred years ago Chinese society was in some way aiming for peace and harmony between the various faiths rather than the bull-headed conquer and convert.
This book may be old, but it is hilarious and exciting!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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:
No
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really, really entertaining and funny. I'd love Pigsy and Monkey to be my spirit animal. Just such a blast to read
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes