Monkey King: Journey to the West(Penguin Classics) By Wu Cheng'En

Before the world was enchanted by The Lord of the Rings, China’s Monkey King, Sun Wukong, captivated audiences with his legendary adventures. This classic Chinese fantasy novel, celebrated as one of the Four Great Classical Novels, follows the shape-shifting trickster on his quest for eternal life. After being imprisoned by the Buddha for raiding Heaven’s Orchard of Immortal Peaches, Monkey King is released to protect the monk Tripitaka on a perilous fourteen-year journey to India. Alongside two other fallen immortals—a flying pig and a man-eating river-sand monster—Monkey King faces eighty-one trials, battling dragons, ogres, wizards, and more in this thrilling tale that has inspired countless adaptations, including the anime Dragon Ball and video games like League of Legends and Black Myth: Wukong.

Why You Should Read?

1. Timeless Adventure: Experience one of the most beloved and enduring tales in world literature, featuring a unique blend of fantasy, action, and humor.
2. Iconic Characters: Meet unforgettable characters like the mischievous Monkey King, the gluttonous flying pig, and the brooding river-sand monster, each bringing their own charm and quirks to the story.
3. Cultural Significance: Discover the rich cultural and spiritual themes embedded in this classic novel, which has influenced countless works across various media.
4. Epic Trials: Follow Monkey King through eighty-one thrilling trials, each filled with imaginative challenges and epic battles against mythical creatures.
5. Literary Masterpiece: Appreciate the artistry of one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, celebrated for its storytelling and its impact on global literature.