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A review by louandlife
Monkey: A Journey to the West by Wu Ch'eng-En
3.0
I'm glad that I chose to read this book whilst I've been busy with essay writing. It was the perfect book, because it was intriguing enough for me to want to read (and not DNF), but not gripping enough for me to put off studying. It was the perfect time for me to read this because with me being so busy with my essay, it meant that anything I could read for fun would be great. It meant that I really gave this book a chance, and I am glad that I did. This is one of my better liked classics. It sort of reminds me of a video game, where it has loads of little side quests that deviate from the main quest line, and I liked it. It helped me be able to put this book down and study. I also really liked Monkey as a character, not so much in the beginning, but after he accepts his role as Tripitaka's disciple. I didn't really like the other characters, but Monkey is the best character in this book.
In addition to the plot being a bit like a video game, there were times where the pages flew by. It was definitely a first for me for classics. Sometimes it felt like a chore to read this book, but I would say that I enjoyed this book 85% of the time. The ending was anti-climatic though, and a bit of a let down.
This book did remind me of [b:The Story of Hong Gildong|25810328|The Story of Hong Gildong|Unknown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445792183s/25810328.jpg|45666333] in some aspects. Maybe because it is also another Asian classic, written around the same time, and has a similar sort of nonsensical/fantasical feel. So if you liked this book, I would recommend that one if you wanted something similar.
Overall, I am glad to be able to say that I have read this book. I would recommend it if you are looking for classics to read that aren't Western in origin. I can't wait to watch the K-drama, Hwayugi, that is based upon this book, and I hope that it has a relatively happy ending like this book.
In addition to the plot being a bit like a video game, there were times where the pages flew by. It was definitely a first for me for classics. Sometimes it felt like a chore to read this book, but I would say that I enjoyed this book 85% of the time. The ending was anti-climatic though, and a bit of a let down.
This book did remind me of [b:The Story of Hong Gildong|25810328|The Story of Hong Gildong|Unknown|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445792183s/25810328.jpg|45666333] in some aspects. Maybe because it is also another Asian classic, written around the same time, and has a similar sort of nonsensical/fantasical feel. So if you liked this book, I would recommend that one if you wanted something similar.
Overall, I am glad to be able to say that I have read this book. I would recommend it if you are looking for classics to read that aren't Western in origin. I can't wait to watch the K-drama, Hwayugi, that is based upon this book, and I hope that it has a relatively happy ending like this book.