Tripmaster Monkey
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
352
Novel • Fiction
California • 1960s
1989
Adult
18+ years
Tripmaster Monkey follows Wittman Ah Sing, a recent English graduate and aspiring playwright, navigating his Chinese-American identity amid 1960s San Francisco's counterculture. Combining postmodern techniques, the novel traces Wittman's transformation from poet to playwright who creates a mythological play to reconcile his cultural conflicts and critique societal prejudices. Triggers include depictions of racism and drug use.
Playful
Mysterious
Fantastical
Humorous
Contemplative
1,105 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Maxine Hong Kingston's Tripmaster Monkey is lauded for its vibrant prose and innovative blending of Chinese-American folklore with contemporary issues. Critics praise its bold narrative and cultural insights, though some find its experimental style and non-linear plot challenging. Overall, it is considered a significant work that pushes literary boundaries while offering rich thematic depth.
A reader who appreciates Tripmaster Monkey by Maxine Hong Kingston typically enjoys multicultural narratives and complex character studies. Fans of The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan or White Teeth by Zadie Smith will find Kingston's exploration of identity, Asian American experiences, and storytelling particularly compelling.
1,105 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
California • 1960s
1989
Adult
18+ years
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