Plot Summary

Tripmaster Monkey

Maxine Hong Kingston
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Tripmaster Monkey

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

Book Brief

Maxine Hong Kingston

Tripmaster Monkey

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1960s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.7

1,105 ratings

54%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tripmaster Monkey?

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.

3.7

1,105 ratings

54%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 1960s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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