One of the interesting things I learned reading this novel was that in ancient times, the Bodhisattva Kuan-yin was revered not just in China, but as far west as Rome, where she was known as Deus Ex Machina. Seriously, though, one of the things you have to do without in reading this novel is any dramatic tension whatsoever. You know that Tripitaka and his disciples will get out of every scrape they find themselves in, and if all else seems hopeless, Monkey will just jump on a cloud and ask Kuan-yin for help. That's not actually such a huge criticism, as this novel can't really be compared against modern literature, which operates according to a totally different set of rules, but I did find it meant I could only enjoy this book in small doses.

However, what did frustrate me was the lack of actual Buddhism in this story. I'm not sure if it's the abridgement, the translation or the original text, but apart from the character names, there's not much here that reflects Buddhist practices or values, at least according to my (limited) understanding. I felt as if with just a few tweaks the story could have been changed to be about a Catholic monk travelling east to India to fetch sacred scriptures, or very easily, a Hindu priest travelling north. I had hoped to find Tripitaka struggling with his demons and each aspect of his personality, represented by his disciples, helping him to overcome them. That is certainly how the classic dubbed TV show Monkey Magic was structured. Instead, Tripitaka bursts into tears every time he encounters adversity and waits for Monkey to sort things out.

I was also very frustrated by the way the main achievement of each adventure is to restore some hereditary ruler to the throne or give a landholder back his land. I didn't expect them to be spreading the word of socialism, but I would have liked it if the four pilgrims had occasionally helped out a peasant or servant.

Despite all that, Monkey's antics are pretty funny at times and the history of this story, as a 16th century novel based on the adventures of a 7th century monk, made it an enjoyable and engaging read. The edition I read would have benefited from giving each speaker a separate line, but the writing was otherwise engaging and accessible while still having an air of authenticity in representing the age and provenance of the original text. I am somewhat tempted to read an unabridged version. Not tomorrow, but maybe some time in the future, and I'm definitely going to find a good account of Hsuan Tsang's original journey. ( )

This audiobook jumped right in (no introduction about publisher, translator or narrator). Bits of the tale were a little confusing to me due to cultural and religious background (mine being 20th century Protestant America and the book being 16th century Buddhist China). However, once I adjusted to the style, the story fascinated me. Many of the chapters ended with something like "And if you don't know how Monkey (whatever), read the next chapter." And despite my plan to stop listening for the day, I would continue to the next chapter, and the next and the next...

Kenneth Williams does an excellent narration, though there were a few times when the British pronunciation of a word would throw me (exorcism for example). ( )

I'm not sure about this translation, wasn't a fan, however, I really enjoyed the story. It's a fun book with plenty of humor, adventure, and fantasy. Most people probably know the story already without realizing it because the story of the Monkey King has been retold numerous times, most notably Dragon Ball Z takes several ideas from this story. Besides the Monkey, I also enjoyed Pigsy and Sandy, s this has a unique cast of colorful characters.

I should also note this is an abridged version. I'm not sure I'll ever find or want to read the full version. As much as I like the story, if I'd ever read the full version it'd have to be a really good translation. ( )

"I first heard the story in the Japanese drama, Saiyuuki back in 2006, MONKEY MAJIK / Around The World theme song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afnj1...
The books is even better so far!"

Just loved the book, it's tone is perfect and Monkey is such a great character, while Pigsy supplies plenty of laughs. My favorite part of the book is the three Taoist deities, the trick that Tripitaka's three disciples play on them and how the competition between them turns out. ( )

This epic is the well-known throughout Korea, Japan, Vietnam and other east and southeast asian countries. ( )