Journey to the West (Chinese Edition)

Journey to the West is a mythological novel based on many centuries of popular tradition. It was probably put into its present form in the 1570s by Wu Cheng'en (1500-82). This lively fantasy relates the amazing adventures of the priest Sanzang as he traveled west in search of Buddhist sutras with his three disciples, the irreverent and capable Monkey, the greedy Pig, and the Friar Sand. The opening chapters recount the earlier exploits of the Monkey, culminating in his rebellion against Heaven. We then learn how Sanzang becomes a monk and is sent on his pilgrimage by the Tang emperor who escaped death with the help of an underworld official. The main story, the journey, takes the priest through all kinds of thrilling trials and tribulations, mainly at the hands of monsters and spirits who want to eat him. Only the courage and powers of his disciples, especially the Monkey, rescue him from death. The Monkey is the hero of this fantasy, and the reader will soon discover why he has long been loved in China. Will the pilgrims reach the Vulture Peak and obtain the scriptures? The answer will be revealved at the conclusion of the novel. The story is entertaining as the Monkey uses his magical powers. Each adventure is packed with exhilarating twists and down-to-earth humour.