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Monkey: Folk Novel of China
The classic Chinese "Imagine a combination of picaresque novel, fairy tale, fabliau, Mickey Mouse, Davy Crockett, and Pilgrim's Progress" (The Nation).
Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth-century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogres, monsters, and fairies. This translation, by the distinguished scholar Arthur Waley, is the first accurate English version; it makes available to the Western reader a faithful reproduction of the spirit and meaning of the original.
"Mr. Waley has done a remarkable job with this translation." —Helena Kuo, The New York Times
"The irreverent spirit and exuberant vitality of it portraiture . . . make it an entertainment to which Mr. Waley's witty translation has obviously contributed not a little." —The Times (London)
"Told with immense gusto, and quite apart from its deeper meaning and wise proverbial sayings it is full of entertainment." —The Guardian
Probably the most popular book in the history of the Far East, this classic sixteenth-century novel is a combination of picaresque novel and folk epic that mixes satire, allegory, and history into a rollicking adventure. It is the story of the roguish Monkey and his encounters with major and minor spirits, gods, demigods, demons, ogres, monsters, and fairies. This translation, by the distinguished scholar Arthur Waley, is the first accurate English version; it makes available to the Western reader a faithful reproduction of the spirit and meaning of the original.
"Mr. Waley has done a remarkable job with this translation." —Helena Kuo, The New York Times
"The irreverent spirit and exuberant vitality of it portraiture . . . make it an entertainment to which Mr. Waley's witty translation has obviously contributed not a little." —The Times (London)
"Told with immense gusto, and quite apart from its deeper meaning and wise proverbial sayings it is full of entertainment." —The Guardian
- GenresFantasyFairy Tales
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 9, 2026
This was so fun to read! Very humorous and fantastical it felt almost fairytale-esque. I loved Monkey he was so arrogant but in a way that was totally endearing. A very underrated classic!!!
October 23, 2025
Monkey (or, Journey to the West) was honestly such a fun read. I would never have picked this up on my own, so I am truly grateful that Dr. Waha had us read it for class.
The adventures of Monkey, Piggy, Sandy, and Tripikata were honestly so fun and at points in the story I was laughing quite hard at the mischief they got into on their journey to India. It’s quite interesting to learn more about the eastern religions and their ideals of what “the good life” looks like through such an engaging story.
If you want to hear about how a hilarious monkey gains magical powers, defeats dragons, brings dead men to life, restores kingdoms, and eventually attains enlightenment, please read this book.
The adventures of Monkey, Piggy, Sandy, and Tripikata were honestly so fun and at points in the story I was laughing quite hard at the mischief they got into on their journey to India. It’s quite interesting to learn more about the eastern religions and their ideals of what “the good life” looks like through such an engaging story.
If you want to hear about how a hilarious monkey gains magical powers, defeats dragons, brings dead men to life, restores kingdoms, and eventually attains enlightenment, please read this book.
May 5, 2026
An entertaining read.
Monkey is a boisterous odyssey that blends blistering action with deep spiritual questions, as Sun Wukong's irrepressible wit and power puncture the pretensions of gods and mortals alike. The narrative fuses mythic spectacle with biting satire, inviting both laughter and contemplation. Though episodic in structure, the journey toward enlightenment grounds the book's more extravagant adventures, and the characters—especially Monkey, his loyal companions, and their patient mentors—reveal themes of loyalty, growth, and humility. Ultimately, the novel rewards perseverance and curiosity with a humane, transformative vision of faith and friendship.
Monkey is a boisterous odyssey that blends blistering action with deep spiritual questions, as Sun Wukong's irrepressible wit and power puncture the pretensions of gods and mortals alike. The narrative fuses mythic spectacle with biting satire, inviting both laughter and contemplation. Though episodic in structure, the journey toward enlightenment grounds the book's more extravagant adventures, and the characters—especially Monkey, his loyal companions, and their patient mentors—reveal themes of loyalty, growth, and humility. Ultimately, the novel rewards perseverance and curiosity with a humane, transformative vision of faith and friendship.
July 9, 2026
Long with a lot of repetitive stories, but interesting. I would not have made it through it had I not listened to it as an audiobook.
July 21, 2026
Epic book but you’re reading this it’s because you already may of had a taste of the story and wanted more
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews