Hermanni M M من عند Islampur, Rajasthan 333024، الهند
Wow...as good as I had hoped. I realize that this is the super abreviated eddition, with only 30 of the original 100 chapters, but I think this was the perfect way to start reading this book. Like reading "The Once and Future King" before reading "Le Morte de'Arthur"...It doesn't give you the orignal story, but will help the reader understand the original sooooo much more. There is a great introduction and Arthur Waley does an amazing job of translating; making it a story even children could enjoy. For being a story writen over 500 years ago, I could easily imagine modern day Anime. The fights are amazing and overblown. Every character is super powerful, every villian more indistructable than the last. The book is also not without its humor. There is an on-going rivalry between Monkey and Pigsy, always trying to play tricks on one another during what would seem to be serious battles. Next, there is, of course, a strong undertone of Buddist morals throughout the adventure. I can't wait to tackle the full four volume version!