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scrabb1e 's review for:
Monkey King: Journey to the West
by Wu Ch'eng-En
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
Themes or characters that resonated with me: I enjoyed the character of Monkey his antics were entertaining. He always had a weird solution to their calamities.
Emotions, thoughts, or memories it brought up in me: I read someone's comment that this is the Asian Lord of the Rings. This kind of makes sense (even though this book came first). The journey and various encounters along the way are comparable to the journey of the Fellowship, though it doesn't have the same sort of climactic ending. In both instances the characters receive help from kings, beasts, mystical supporters etc. And then return home at the end. Then like Frodo going to the undying lands, the four pilgrims and the horse are promoted and live in heaven.
Opinion about the author or writing style: This definitely felt like a sort of satire or comedy. Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy are all kind of absurd, especially Monkey and Pigsy. It almost feels like it's making a mockery of buddhism. They talk of being monks and disciples but act in a weird way. The seeming bureaucracy that existed in heaven. Monkey mostly from his always resorting to violence and trickery. He basically kills the 3 Taoists. Was there some kind of enmity between Buddhists and Taoists?
My ratings-
Writing Style: 85
Relatability: 80
Originality: 95
Personal impact: 85
Plot: 90
Emotions, thoughts, or memories it brought up in me: I read someone's comment that this is the Asian Lord of the Rings. This kind of makes sense (even though this book came first). The journey and various encounters along the way are comparable to the journey of the Fellowship, though it doesn't have the same sort of climactic ending. In both instances the characters receive help from kings, beasts, mystical supporters etc. And then return home at the end. Then like Frodo going to the undying lands, the four pilgrims and the horse are promoted and live in heaven.
Opinion about the author or writing style: This definitely felt like a sort of satire or comedy. Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy are all kind of absurd, especially Monkey and Pigsy. It almost feels like it's making a mockery of buddhism. They talk of being monks and disciples but act in a weird way. The seeming bureaucracy that existed in heaven. Monkey mostly from his always resorting to violence and trickery. He basically kills the 3 Taoists. Was there some kind of enmity between Buddhists and Taoists?
My ratings-
Writing Style: 85
Relatability: 80
Originality: 95
Personal impact: 85
Plot: 90