The Monkey King

The protagonist of The Monkey King is this rather pathetic character who didn't seem worthy of rooting for at first. But he grows on you, and does redeem himself mostly. The author, Mo, has a very dry sense of humor, and does a good job of mocking the stupidity of both native Hong Kongians and the British Imperialists.
The language is pretty difficult as he uses a lot of British and Hong Kong colloquisms...

Like the Monkey King of Chinese legend, the protagonist Wallace is first introduced as being a free spirit but not really as successful as he thinks he is (or should be).

After being forced into marriage, his initial resistance gives way to first acceptance of his fate and ultimately, flourishing under his perceived yoke of responsibility - vis Sun Wukong in his journey towards buddhahood.