Monkey King

Childhood memories pervade this impressive, multilayered debut novel, which chronicles a woman's struggle to define herself through her relationships with those around her. Sally Wang is a smart, successful, divorced New York art director who, at age 27, inexplicably tries to kill herself. Her subsequent stay in a mental hospital is narrated in sharp, ironic prose that slowly reveals an intensely disturbing secret in Sally's past. Although the Chinese folktale of a god called the ""monkey king"" who is supposed to guard the queen's garden but instead ""ends up gobbling all the peaches himself"" is integral to the plot, there are no weary, pseudo-symbolic passages here. Instead, the Asian-American experience is integrated within the character of a strong woman confronted with unspeakable memories that transcend all cultural differences. The ways her family deals with her revelations illustrate the complex relationships and hidden emotions that contribute to her state of mind. Chao's subtle, lyrical style coherently frames the puzzle of Sally's past and present lives. While she smoothly draws us onto the path of Sally's recovery, however, Chao stirs anticipation for a climax that never really happens. A seemingly unrelated catalyst moves the story to a swift conclusion that offers the tepid implication that serenity can be found in the mere act of survival. On the whole, however, Chao's vivid, intelligent voice and masterful detailing contribute to an engrossing work. $20,000 ad/promo; author tour; rights: ICM.. (Feb.)