Rise of the Monkey King

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This book is the first in a 6-volume series inspired by the legendary character Sun Wukong, the Handsome Monkey King, a central figure in Chinese literature. His adventures, marked by bravery, folly, and a quest for immortality, have influenced countless works across various media. The original tale, "Journey to the West," is a 16th-century epic by Wu Cheng'en, celebrated as one of China's four great classical novels, akin to Homer's "The Odyssey" in the West. The story blends comic adventure, satire of bureaucracy, spiritual insight, and allegory, following a group of pilgrims on their journey toward enlightenment. This volume covers the first two chapters, detailing Sun Wukong's birth, rise to kingship among monkeys, pursuit of enlightenment, and defense of his home from a monster. The retelling aims to remain faithful to the original while being accessible for beginning Chinese learners at the HSK 3 level. New vocabulary is defined in footnotes, and compound words are chosen from existing HSK 3 characters. Each page features Chinese characters alongside pinyin, enhancing comprehension. An English version and glossary are included for reference. Additional study aids are available on the publisher's website, supporting readers of all proficiency levels.