An adaptation of the 400-year-old Chinese classic, "Journey to the West," this is a simplified retelling suitable for children. While I personally found the story a bit strange, I suppose it is no more strange than any fairy tale seems to the first-time reader from a different cultural background. I do recommend it for those seeking to study Chinese culture. ( )

Having lived with and enjoyed Arthur Waley's translation for most of my life, beginning with the Readers' Union edition of the 1940's, it is impossible for me to look at it again with an unbiased eye. The monk Tripitaka was a historical figure who undertook the long and difficult journey from China to India and back in the 7th century AD to fetch Buddhist scriptures for the enlightenment of the Chinese people. Myths and legends grew up around this true story which was frequently used as the subject matter for plays in the Chinese theatre. Wu Ch'eng-en used this traditional material as the basis for his long and rambling novel written in the 16th century - in his introduction Waley describes it as being "of immense length" which he reduced to a manageable size by omitting many episodes but translating those which remained almost in full while omitting incidental passages in verse. His rather dry and donnish style makes the fantastic elements of the story more believable and the book can be read on several levels - as adventure story, witty allegory and handbook of esoteric religion, or all three at the same time. ( )

Packed with humour and delivered with naive charm, this is a masterful translation of a timeless folklore classic. The roguish but wise Monkey is a constant source of amusement and his audacity is at times genuinely laugh-out-loud hilarious.

Clocking in a little over 350 pages, the broad tale spans hundreds of years and moves along at a generous pace, never once rushed. Chock-full of monsters, epic battles, magic and shenanigans, each encounter along our heroes' journey is as delightful as the last.

A joy to read for both adults and children. Highly recommended. ( )

The Chronicles of Narnia of Eastern Religion

Combining the philosophy of Buddhism with a swashbuckling adventure story, Monkey (also known as Journey to the West) gives readers a little insight into Chinese history and culture. Depending on how one reads the book it can be a light tale of a short-tempered monkey with a big stick, or a deeper text describing an ethos that has only recently gained popularity in the West. ( )

http://tristram.squarespace.com/home/... ( )