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The Monkey’s Raincoat (1987) by Robert Crais is a ground-breaking mystery novel with an authentic plot. The title of the book is inspired by a haiku from the poetry of Matsuo Bashu, a Japanese samurai-turned-poet. Crais quotes the haiku in the novel’s beginning stating, “Winter downpour; Even the monkey needs a raincoat” (as qt. in Crais). Wintry weather is usually accompanied by heavy shower in the form of rainstorm storm. As far as Japanese haiku poetry is concerned, the term ‘monkey’ is used for representing a man or a man’s soul. It does not specify the gender. On the other hand, the term raincoat is used to represent something that is used by people for protecting themselves. The writer has named his novel “The Monkey’s Raincoat” by keeping two characters in his mind, Ellen Lang and Elvis Cole. Cole, a sharp and witty private detective, is the central character of the book. He is hired by Ellen Lang so that he could use his unique skills to help find her missing spouse and child. In this context, the author regards Ellen Lang as the ‘monkey’. As she goes through inexorable ups and downs throughout the book, the author refers to her experiences as a ‘storm’ for her. Therefore, Elvis Cole is her ‘raincoat’ as he makes endeavors for uncovering the mystery behind Ellen’s missing husband and son. In short, Elvis Cole is undoubtedly ‘the monkey’s raincoat’. Cole’s charismatic, composed, and bold personality makes the reader understand the reason how he proves himself as the raincoat for the bewildered ‘stormed’ lady. Robert Crais has unquestionably demonstrated a good sense of understanding and utilizing Japanese haiku by naming his book accordingly.
