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Finding the Way: A Novel of Lao Tzu
Rooted in history, inspired by legend. Renowned scholars Lao Tzu and Confucius are drawn into the deadly struggle between twin princes, who vie for their ailing father’s fragmenting empire.
“Finding the Way” is a political thriller wrapped in a philosophical bow tie.
In the sixth century B.C., the legendary philosopher Lao Tzu seeks redemption and an opportunity to spread his beliefs by joining the royal court, but is greeted by a vainglorious King, a mad Queen and a deadly struggle for power in progress between the twin princes. In one of them, the thoughtful but hesitant heir to the throne Prince Meng, he discovers a protégé. But Lao Tzu’s ideas of peace and natural order leave him ill-prepared for the intrigue of the palace and the noxious rivalry between Meng and his younger twin brother, the bold and decisive Prince Chao. Confucius arrives and allies with Chao, thus raising the stakes for control of the dynasty culminating in a venomous clash between Taoism and Confucianism. With the King ailing and war imminent, Lao Tzu is betrayed and accused of spying. The Master Philosopher must cast aside his naivete and idealism to fight for his life.
“Finding the Way” is a political thriller wrapped in a philosophical bow tie.
In the sixth century B.C., the legendary philosopher Lao Tzu seeks redemption and an opportunity to spread his beliefs by joining the royal court, but is greeted by a vainglorious King, a mad Queen and a deadly struggle for power in progress between the twin princes. In one of them, the thoughtful but hesitant heir to the throne Prince Meng, he discovers a protégé. But Lao Tzu’s ideas of peace and natural order leave him ill-prepared for the intrigue of the palace and the noxious rivalry between Meng and his younger twin brother, the bold and decisive Prince Chao. Confucius arrives and allies with Chao, thus raising the stakes for control of the dynasty culminating in a venomous clash between Taoism and Confucianism. With the King ailing and war imminent, Lao Tzu is betrayed and accused of spying. The Master Philosopher must cast aside his naivete and idealism to fight for his life.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2018
6 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Ng
4 books31 followersWayne Ng was born in Anishinaabe land in what is commonly known as downtown Toronto to Chinese immigrants who fed him a steady diet of bitter melon and kung fu movies. Ng is a social worker who lives to write, travel, eat, and play, preferably all at the same time.
He is an award-winning author and traveller who continues to push his boundaries from the Arctic to the Antarctic. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and goldfish.
Ng is the author of LETTERS FROM JOHNNY (winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novella and Ottawa Book Award finalist); JOHNNY DELIVERS (recommended by The Globe and Mail and CBC Books); and THE FAMILY CODE (Ottawa Book Award and Guernica Prize finalist).
Connect with Ng on social media and at waynengwrites.com
He is an award-winning author and traveller who continues to push his boundaries from the Arctic to the Antarctic. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and goldfish.
Ng is the author of LETTERS FROM JOHNNY (winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novella and Ottawa Book Award finalist); JOHNNY DELIVERS (recommended by The Globe and Mail and CBC Books); and THE FAMILY CODE (Ottawa Book Award and Guernica Prize finalist).
Connect with Ng on social media and at waynengwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 1, 2018
More often than not, I've found that a work of historical fiction sacrifices readability and depth of characters in favour of a more factual approach. This is definitely not the case with this novel. Somehow, Mr. Ng manages to paint a realistic picture of ancient Chinese culture and life, while at the same time imbuing his characters, particularly the main protagonists, as three-dimensional people, with whom we can both sympathize and identify. As I read this gripping narrative, I really cared about Lao Tzu - his hopes and aspirations, his problems and the agonizing decisions he was forced to make. Through him, we are exposed to many of the central concerns of humanity - identity, belonging, good vs. evil - and are inexorably drawn into his dilemmas because they mirror our own. While managing to accurately portray the vast scope of both time and history in China, it is the characters that truly move the narrative forward to its inexorable conclusion. Through vivid description and subtle details, we become aware of their secret selves and therefore we also become invested in their actions and fate. The twists and turns in both the characters' thoughts and actions and the events occurring around them are sometimes unnerving and disquieting, but this is what gives the novel a compassionate and clear vision of the chaos and confusion of life itself. Beneath the surface of seemingly disparate people, Mr. Ng invites us to see the unseen hopes and miseries common to us all if we have the patience and discernment to look and listen.
January 8, 2019
--From the Historical Novels Review, Editors' Choice:
"Ng’s novel is a superbly written tale, full of intrigue and drama and rich with cultural narrative. All of the main characters are vivid and multidimensional, and even the secondary characters are distinct and memorable.
The writing itself is lovely. There are so many turns of phrase throughout this novel that are simply pretty that I took quite a long time to read this, just because I spent a lot of time highlighting things as I read. The philosophical discussions embedded within are welcome food for thought, and I learned a lot about Taoism. It piqued my interest to learn more, which I think is the highest praise I can give to any book: that it inspired me to go learn something new because of it. Highly recommended."
--From Alette J. Willis, author of Dancing with Trees: Eco-tales from the British-Isles:
"Wayne Ng's compelling prose takes us into China's past to meet two of the world's greatest thinkers, Lao Tzu and Confucius, bringing their philosophies to life in this suspenseful historical novel."
--From Will Buckingham, author of The Descent of the Lyre:
"Wayne Ng's Finding The Way vividly reimagines the life and times of China's most mysterious philosopher, Lao Tzu. On the utmost fringes of the empire somewhere between history and myth, La Tzu relates the story of his life. Finding The Way is a must for fans of Chinese history and philosophy, and for lovers of a tale well-told."
--From Adam Williams, author of The Dragon's Tail:
"Wayne Ng's impressive first novel manages to encapsulate the dynamism of the founding era of Chinese philosophical thought with a vivid reconstruction of the brutal, declining years of China's ancient Zhou Dynasty, torn by vicious court politics, roaming armies, banditry and civil war. In this action-packed yet thoughtful thriller, narrated by a fictional Lao Tzu, Ng's deep sense of history and his profound understanding of ancient thought produces a riveting story. We witness the best of Taoist and Confucianist intentions and ideals. Yet they are doomed in the short term to fail when confronted by the raw reality of ambition and power. Nevertheless they remain the bedrock of Chinese civilization."
"Ng’s novel is a superbly written tale, full of intrigue and drama and rich with cultural narrative. All of the main characters are vivid and multidimensional, and even the secondary characters are distinct and memorable.
The writing itself is lovely. There are so many turns of phrase throughout this novel that are simply pretty that I took quite a long time to read this, just because I spent a lot of time highlighting things as I read. The philosophical discussions embedded within are welcome food for thought, and I learned a lot about Taoism. It piqued my interest to learn more, which I think is the highest praise I can give to any book: that it inspired me to go learn something new because of it. Highly recommended."
--From Alette J. Willis, author of Dancing with Trees: Eco-tales from the British-Isles:
"Wayne Ng's compelling prose takes us into China's past to meet two of the world's greatest thinkers, Lao Tzu and Confucius, bringing their philosophies to life in this suspenseful historical novel."
--From Will Buckingham, author of The Descent of the Lyre:
"Wayne Ng's Finding The Way vividly reimagines the life and times of China's most mysterious philosopher, Lao Tzu. On the utmost fringes of the empire somewhere between history and myth, La Tzu relates the story of his life. Finding The Way is a must for fans of Chinese history and philosophy, and for lovers of a tale well-told."
--From Adam Williams, author of The Dragon's Tail:
"Wayne Ng's impressive first novel manages to encapsulate the dynamism of the founding era of Chinese philosophical thought with a vivid reconstruction of the brutal, declining years of China's ancient Zhou Dynasty, torn by vicious court politics, roaming armies, banditry and civil war. In this action-packed yet thoughtful thriller, narrated by a fictional Lao Tzu, Ng's deep sense of history and his profound understanding of ancient thought produces a riveting story. We witness the best of Taoist and Confucianist intentions and ideals. Yet they are doomed in the short term to fail when confronted by the raw reality of ambition and power. Nevertheless they remain the bedrock of Chinese civilization."
Want to read
September 2, 2021Lao Tzu, the master of Taoism (e.g. naturalism) and Confucius, the master of Confucianism, locked in a battle of wits and court intrigue in ancient China!??? Cool, cool!
Added to my To-read list.
More to come.
Added to my To-read list.
More to come.
April 6, 2018
I too was fortunate to receive an advance copy of ‘Finding the Way’. It is rare that I give a 5-rating to a book but it is rarer that I have encountered the sense of enchantment and connectedness this novel raised in me.
From beginning to end Finding the Way exhibited the freshness and soulfulness of a first novel but the wisdom of an experienced writer. The novel is extremely well researched and the authenticity never waivers.
The novel is philosophically and spiritually challenging and leads one to a new understanding of Taoism. Much like gaining a deeper understanding of the Four Noble truths of Buddhism by reading about Siddhartha’s exposure to poverty and his realization of suffering, learning of Lao Tzu’s life and journey, however fictionalized the account may be, really helps to understand The Way, or Taoism. Little is known about Lao Tzu but Ng uses historical facts, accounts of wars and court life, geographical and agricultural descriptions of the period when he lived to extrapolate Lao Tzu’s life. Nothing rings false in this novel!
I loved the playfulness and adventure of the novel and how it was interspersed with spiritual depth. One is reminded of Grasshopper questioning his master in Kung Fu episodes.
I did a lot of highlighting on the ebook version I read and share with you below some of my favorite passages which are poetic and philosophical at the same time.
However, first I would like to thank and
congratulate the author, Wayne Ng for his innovative new novel.
Favorite passages (all direct quotes):
At school he had excelled in music, mathematics, rituals and writing, cultivating his mind as finely as wind sculpts pebbles smooth and round.
P.11
Captain, be content with what you have and who you are, and no one can despoil you. Then you shall forever be safe and secure. p. 13
With those words it was as though my world had suddenly found symmetry where nothing previously had seemed to fit together. p. 17
“It was easy,” he shrugged. “Why would I battle the impossible? No man is stronger than that river.”
I was an imbecile. He had of course known enough to have the river do his bidding. Instead of trying to conquer the river, he had followed its path. P. 26
I did not know my father for very long. But I know he did not aspire to greatness. He wished to merely live his life simply. That he was a great man mattered little to him, thus I saw him so all the more.” p.34
It discouraged me that others were drawn into complications when simplicity was all that was required. p.43
I am never alone, and neither are you.”
... wherever I walked, I had all that Nature had created around me. p.55
Those that grab at something, lose it. p.66
Your Highness, were I to desire to change the world, I could not succeed. The world is shaped by the Way; the self cannot shape it. Trying to change it, you damage it; trying to possess it, you lose it. p. 120
And one’s mind is the world’s mind. p. 153
We roamed among people blinded by too much color, deafened by too much music, whose palates were dulled by too many tastes, and whose hearts were torn asunder by too much desire. p. 256
“Sir, leadership is not the exertion of power and control alone. Rather it is the strategic use of enlightened thought and well- intentioned actions.” p. 265
From beginning to end Finding the Way exhibited the freshness and soulfulness of a first novel but the wisdom of an experienced writer. The novel is extremely well researched and the authenticity never waivers.
The novel is philosophically and spiritually challenging and leads one to a new understanding of Taoism. Much like gaining a deeper understanding of the Four Noble truths of Buddhism by reading about Siddhartha’s exposure to poverty and his realization of suffering, learning of Lao Tzu’s life and journey, however fictionalized the account may be, really helps to understand The Way, or Taoism. Little is known about Lao Tzu but Ng uses historical facts, accounts of wars and court life, geographical and agricultural descriptions of the period when he lived to extrapolate Lao Tzu’s life. Nothing rings false in this novel!
I loved the playfulness and adventure of the novel and how it was interspersed with spiritual depth. One is reminded of Grasshopper questioning his master in Kung Fu episodes.
I did a lot of highlighting on the ebook version I read and share with you below some of my favorite passages which are poetic and philosophical at the same time.
However, first I would like to thank and
congratulate the author, Wayne Ng for his innovative new novel.
Favorite passages (all direct quotes):
At school he had excelled in music, mathematics, rituals and writing, cultivating his mind as finely as wind sculpts pebbles smooth and round.
P.11
Captain, be content with what you have and who you are, and no one can despoil you. Then you shall forever be safe and secure. p. 13
With those words it was as though my world had suddenly found symmetry where nothing previously had seemed to fit together. p. 17
“It was easy,” he shrugged. “Why would I battle the impossible? No man is stronger than that river.”
I was an imbecile. He had of course known enough to have the river do his bidding. Instead of trying to conquer the river, he had followed its path. P. 26
I did not know my father for very long. But I know he did not aspire to greatness. He wished to merely live his life simply. That he was a great man mattered little to him, thus I saw him so all the more.” p.34
It discouraged me that others were drawn into complications when simplicity was all that was required. p.43
I am never alone, and neither are you.”
... wherever I walked, I had all that Nature had created around me. p.55
Those that grab at something, lose it. p.66
Your Highness, were I to desire to change the world, I could not succeed. The world is shaped by the Way; the self cannot shape it. Trying to change it, you damage it; trying to possess it, you lose it. p. 120
And one’s mind is the world’s mind. p. 153
We roamed among people blinded by too much color, deafened by too much music, whose palates were dulled by too many tastes, and whose hearts were torn asunder by too much desire. p. 256
“Sir, leadership is not the exertion of power and control alone. Rather it is the strategic use of enlightened thought and well- intentioned actions.” p. 265
October 25, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"...a superbly written tale, full of intrigue and drama and rich with cultural narrative. "
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"...a superbly written tale, full of intrigue and drama and rich with cultural narrative. "
June 26, 2018
Written mostly in flashback, Ng’s lyrical debut is the story of Lao Tzu’s vibrant and turbulent life. In the beginning of the novel, Lao Tzu is an old man who is captured in a military camp. Readers initially meet him as an old man riding into the camp on the back of a water buffalo. The captain of the camp is at first understandably untrusting, for spies take all manner of guises in his world. But he soon realizes that the old man is who he claims to be - the renowned scholar Lao Tzu - and he quickly commands for a scribe to come and record his tale os escape from the royal Zhou palace. Lao Tzu and the captain’s tales are closely linked, to the captain’s astonishment, proving to him that The Way has many wandering paths that diverge and intersect but all have a larger purpose in life.
Ng’s novel is a superbly written tale, full of intrigue and drama and rich with cultural narrative. All of the main characters are vivid and multidimensional, and even the secondary characters are distinct and memorable. I think some of the tertiary characters get a little lost, but even they are not just faceless beings in a crowd.
The writing itself is lovely. There are so many turns of phrase throughout this novel that are simply pretty that I took quite a long time to read this, just because I spent a lot of time highlighting things as I read. The philosophical discussions embedded within are welcome food for thought, and I learned a lot about Taoism through reading this. It piqued my interest to learn more, which I think is the highest praise I can give to any book, that it inspired me to go learn something new because of it. Highly recommended.
Ng’s novel is a superbly written tale, full of intrigue and drama and rich with cultural narrative. All of the main characters are vivid and multidimensional, and even the secondary characters are distinct and memorable. I think some of the tertiary characters get a little lost, but even they are not just faceless beings in a crowd.
The writing itself is lovely. There are so many turns of phrase throughout this novel that are simply pretty that I took quite a long time to read this, just because I spent a lot of time highlighting things as I read. The philosophical discussions embedded within are welcome food for thought, and I learned a lot about Taoism through reading this. It piqued my interest to learn more, which I think is the highest praise I can give to any book, that it inspired me to go learn something new because of it. Highly recommended.
April 9, 2018
I just finished reading Finding the Way: A Novel of Lao Tzu by Wayne Ng and loved it! I’m a big reader of historical fiction, and this ranks right up there with the best of them. The story was riveting all the way through with some great unexpected twists. I thoroughly enjoyed Ng’s writing style; he has some wonderful turns of phrase. The characters are so well developed I felt like I knew and understood them. This fast-paced novel, full of early philosophical ideas, took me to a fascinating Chinese era. My knowledge of Taoism, Confucianism, and the early history of China is very limited, but this novel has motivated me to find out more. I highly recommend this great read to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
December 17, 2018
While I'm not qualified to judge the accuracy of the author's presentation of Daoism and Confucianism, nothing in the book jarred my general understanding. And the storytelling is superb. Mostly it's a first person recall of events that works seamlessly and engages quickly. Lao Tzu and other main characters are well developed, and the "plot thickens" toward the climax with interesting shifts in loyalty and surprises. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
June 3, 2018
Ng effortlessly weaves philosophical tenets into a rich and dynamic political thriller.
Ng skillfully transports you to ancient China, bringing to life the legendary philosophers, Lao Tzu and Confucius. Contemplative and poignant, but definitely not boring, as Ng masterfully weaves ancient philosophy and Chinese history into a thoroughly engaging read.
Ng flushes out his characters into believable, multi-layered people in a world teetering on the edge, but also hungry for enlightenment. Lao Tzu retells his life in flashbacks where we see him evolve from a starry eyed youngster, who has witnessed tragedies, into a wizened sage who has created the Way, what we now call Taoism. Yet Lao Tzu transcends this classic trope, because he struggles to balance idealism with the real challenges of life beneath a naive, insecure, romantic core - which serves to endear and humanizes him.
He is too slow for the cutthroat world of the royal court, a stage where twists, turns, villains and heroes jump out unexpectedly, especially in the hyperdrive last quarter of the book. We learn that the Way allows us to find our natural path if we get in tune to all that is around us. For Lao Tzu, finding the right fork has become the journey of a lifetime. Ng’s ability to effortlessly weave philosophical tenets into a fast-moving, rich and dynamic political clash is remarkable. Although everything is tied together into a most satisfying conclusion - I am hungry for more.
Ng skillfully transports you to ancient China, bringing to life the legendary philosophers, Lao Tzu and Confucius. Contemplative and poignant, but definitely not boring, as Ng masterfully weaves ancient philosophy and Chinese history into a thoroughly engaging read.
Ng flushes out his characters into believable, multi-layered people in a world teetering on the edge, but also hungry for enlightenment. Lao Tzu retells his life in flashbacks where we see him evolve from a starry eyed youngster, who has witnessed tragedies, into a wizened sage who has created the Way, what we now call Taoism. Yet Lao Tzu transcends this classic trope, because he struggles to balance idealism with the real challenges of life beneath a naive, insecure, romantic core - which serves to endear and humanizes him.
He is too slow for the cutthroat world of the royal court, a stage where twists, turns, villains and heroes jump out unexpectedly, especially in the hyperdrive last quarter of the book. We learn that the Way allows us to find our natural path if we get in tune to all that is around us. For Lao Tzu, finding the right fork has become the journey of a lifetime. Ng’s ability to effortlessly weave philosophical tenets into a fast-moving, rich and dynamic political clash is remarkable. Although everything is tied together into a most satisfying conclusion - I am hungry for more.
May 5, 2018
When I read historical fiction. A good escape is a must. I want to learn something new about a place, and a different time and I want a good story with interesting people --
“Finding the Way” hits all of the boxes with the added bonus of an introduction to Taoism thrown in. But it is not a spiritual or philosophical lesson. Instead it’s a personal journey that we witness. Lao Tzu is the founder of the Way, what we now call Taoism. But how he developed it, and what his own story was, is the tale that is wonderfully told.
First person flashbacks are often risky. Done wrong we only get one dimension and we flounder in the lead character’s head. But Ng’s writing is sharp, intelligent and thoughtful. The main character Lao Tzu is wise but innocent. His philosophy of the Way talks about balance and harmony in very engaging way. One easily loses oneself in ancient China. The pacing moves, without being hurried. The plot is pretty straightforward, as is the structure. Each chapter deals with a different character or event in Lao Tzu’s life, in particular his time in the royal court. He unwittingly gets caught up in the deadly politics between rival princes and (spoiler alert) only survives through a unexpected hero. Then another wallop of a reveal comes at the end, tying everything together. This is a story that not only takes you away, but brings you back to your own world, with hope and possibilities.
“Finding the Way” hits all of the boxes with the added bonus of an introduction to Taoism thrown in. But it is not a spiritual or philosophical lesson. Instead it’s a personal journey that we witness. Lao Tzu is the founder of the Way, what we now call Taoism. But how he developed it, and what his own story was, is the tale that is wonderfully told.
First person flashbacks are often risky. Done wrong we only get one dimension and we flounder in the lead character’s head. But Ng’s writing is sharp, intelligent and thoughtful. The main character Lao Tzu is wise but innocent. His philosophy of the Way talks about balance and harmony in very engaging way. One easily loses oneself in ancient China. The pacing moves, without being hurried. The plot is pretty straightforward, as is the structure. Each chapter deals with a different character or event in Lao Tzu’s life, in particular his time in the royal court. He unwittingly gets caught up in the deadly politics between rival princes and (spoiler alert) only survives through a unexpected hero. Then another wallop of a reveal comes at the end, tying everything together. This is a story that not only takes you away, but brings you back to your own world, with hope and possibilities.
December 3, 2018
What a wonderful first novel! Ng is a talented writer who manages on getting his readers right into the minds of his historical characters. The plot moved at a great pace, and I couldn't put it down once I got into the last third. His writing takes a subject that may not have jumped off the shelves at me and turned it into a fantastic read!
November 24, 2018
“Your Highness may recall that we’ve spoken of how the best of men are like water. Water benefits all things, yet it in itself does not contend with others. It merely flows in places that others disdain, often with tragic consequences. At other times it nourishes all life. This is where it is in harmony with the Way.”
If you have ever been interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, to whom Taoist thought is attributed; Wayne Ng’s book Finding the Way: A Novel of Lao Tzu, is both pleasantly informative and beautifully written. I had read Wayne Dyer’s book Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao several years ago, and had felt compelled to learn more of the origins of the Tao, so was happy to discover this book. Blending fact with fiction Ng takes the reader through events in Lao Tzu’s life in 6th century BC China with a realistic feel for a cut-throat, tumultuous period that contrasts the very nature and idealistic beliefs of the ancient philosopher behind Taoism. Confucius was a contemporary of Lao Tzu and their streams of traditional Chinese thought are highlighted and contrasted as events of the time unfold. The journey is dramatic, intriguing, sad and eye-opening as Ng adds life to history.
I was invested in all the characters and realized later that the author is a social worker in real life which explains the depth and credibility of each of his characters.
The story mainly centres around two princes, Prince Meng and Prince Chao, during the Zhou dynasty in Chinese history and is artfully woven with Taoist wisdom. I read and reread parts of the book, pencil in hand, to underline these words of wisdom to revisit at a later time. The story has stayed with me and I feel the book has left me with a deeper understanding of the Eastern philosophy of The Way and a new found knowledge of Chinese history.
If you have ever been interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, to whom Taoist thought is attributed; Wayne Ng’s book Finding the Way: A Novel of Lao Tzu, is both pleasantly informative and beautifully written. I had read Wayne Dyer’s book Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao several years ago, and had felt compelled to learn more of the origins of the Tao, so was happy to discover this book. Blending fact with fiction Ng takes the reader through events in Lao Tzu’s life in 6th century BC China with a realistic feel for a cut-throat, tumultuous period that contrasts the very nature and idealistic beliefs of the ancient philosopher behind Taoism. Confucius was a contemporary of Lao Tzu and their streams of traditional Chinese thought are highlighted and contrasted as events of the time unfold. The journey is dramatic, intriguing, sad and eye-opening as Ng adds life to history.
I was invested in all the characters and realized later that the author is a social worker in real life which explains the depth and credibility of each of his characters.
The story mainly centres around two princes, Prince Meng and Prince Chao, during the Zhou dynasty in Chinese history and is artfully woven with Taoist wisdom. I read and reread parts of the book, pencil in hand, to underline these words of wisdom to revisit at a later time. The story has stayed with me and I feel the book has left me with a deeper understanding of the Eastern philosophy of The Way and a new found knowledge of Chinese history.
June 30, 2021
This is not a genre I normally read, but was very pleasantly surprise at how much I enjoyed it. The storyline and characters grabbed me right away and I couldn’t put it down wanting to know what happened next.
June 19, 2018
This book is quite a find. Author explores a period of history that has not been widely written about, partly because the written history has been sparse or destroyed through the different dynasties and rulers through the centuries. Regardless, the book is well researched with a deep sense of history, making it a very compelling story. The characters, Lao Tzu and the Royal Court, come to life with their attitudes and thinking in that period of history
June 19, 2018
I was unexpectedly and immediately drawn into the ancient world of China and the fascinating character of Lao Tzu and even Confucius. The author cleverly wove an intriguing plot, speculating the challenges of The Way combined with the harsh realities of human nature, conflict and war. Fans of historical fiction: this is a must-read!
August 9, 2018
“Finding the Way “ by Wayne Ng is beautifully written. Lao Tzu, the legendary philosopher from sixth century B.C., comes back to life on every page. Vivid descriptions bring you into the times, places and peoples of China. Wayne Ng takes you into Lao Tzu’s life journey, which is an inspiring and timeless path to finding the Way.
Books are friends and this book is an excellent friend.
Books are friends and this book is an excellent friend.
October 2, 2018
Lao Tzu is one of China's most famous philosophers, and while he left us his writings about Taoism there is little known about the man himself who lived in the 6th century BC during the Zhou Dynasty. That leaves plenty of room for artistic license to tell his origin story and what led up to his disillusioned ride out of China on the back of a water buffalo. For a novel told almost entirely from Lao Tzu's perspective, it avoids the greatest pitfall by never taking a didactic turn for all the wisdom being necessarily shared to understand Lao's motives and character. Lao Tzu (and later Confucius) convincingly speaks at times like the master philosopher he was. That's difficult enough to capture, but the more impressive authorial feat here is that, for all of his deep thoughts and devotion to unearthing a correct philosophy for life on earth, Lao is also shown to be a flawed human being who proves just as susceptible to worldly fears, motives and errors as anyone else.
This is Lao Tzu's story and so he is naturally its hero, humble though he is, which places Confucius as his opponent in a way that I wasn't expecting. Between the royal court intrigues, intellectual debates, and speculation about Chinese culture and lifestyle during this period at all levels of society, for such a relatively short novel (approximately 250 pages) it manages to pack a lot in without feeling rushed. There's a strong sense of place and time that I would have liked to see prolonged and expanded somehow, given the general lack of historical fiction using this setting. I would even have liked to know more about Taoism, rather than wishing for less. I don't foresee an obvious sequel, but I hope this author has more to share if he simultaneously keeps his stories this entertaining in the way that all good historical fiction does.
This is Lao Tzu's story and so he is naturally its hero, humble though he is, which places Confucius as his opponent in a way that I wasn't expecting. Between the royal court intrigues, intellectual debates, and speculation about Chinese culture and lifestyle during this period at all levels of society, for such a relatively short novel (approximately 250 pages) it manages to pack a lot in without feeling rushed. There's a strong sense of place and time that I would have liked to see prolonged and expanded somehow, given the general lack of historical fiction using this setting. I would even have liked to know more about Taoism, rather than wishing for less. I don't foresee an obvious sequel, but I hope this author has more to share if he simultaneously keeps his stories this entertaining in the way that all good historical fiction does.
August 16, 2019
“Finding the Way “ by Wayne Ng is a beautifully written book, that delves into the life Lao Tzu, the legendary philosopher from sixth century B.C. Ng provides a sagacious look into Confucianism and Taoism that is brilliantly executed. What a splendid talent he possesses to be able to bring history to life. If a book contained a little bit of magic, this book did with it's engrossing character development, it's careful Chinese historical enlightenment, and it's insightful philosophical lessons that linger long past the last page. It is worthy of a reread, and I look forward to any future works of Ng.
October 26, 2021
I really wanted to like this novel more and would give it a 3.5. I was initially a bit annoyed by the author's modern SJW, progressive interpretations of some of Lao Zi's teachings but then there must be at least 150 translations of the Dao De JIng into English and I have yet to find one that I am truly happy with, so I do understand that everyone including ancient commentators will bring their own frame of reference and interpretation into any text. The fictional story does get bogged down here and there, but flowed much better in the 2nd half. The reflections on nature and governance were stimulating. Overall, this was a worthwhile read.
November 17, 2020
The prose is somewhat stilted but in a way that seems entirely appropriate to project the milieu of ancient China. Ng extrapolates a fascinating story of the intersection of Lao Tzu and Confucius as they would be employed in the imperial court. The surprises, while mild, are well earned and satisfying. I'd mark it higher if an opinion on the human condition was a little clearer. It's a little ironic to read a story about philosophers and end up with only a patina of insight into their philosophy.
September 22, 2020
The author is thoughtful, articulate and eloquent. The story of Lao Tzu was new to me, and I love exotic stories. Confucius,who appears mid way through, I had studied briefly as a youth many decades ago. It illuminates, explores and contrasts the winning and losing, moral and immoral, effective and ineffective philosophies of life, by the way, as part of the flow of the action of the story. A very enjoyable and illuminating read. Bronwen Bloomfield
October 18, 2019
Finding The Way has deep, rich plot lines, twists, turns and surprises. Reading this historical novel provided me much information about the culture and time period. I thoroughly enjoyed this ambitious first novel by Wayne Ng. Finding The Way has left me wanting more from him.
October 9, 2021
I love books where I walk away with a new perspective or a better understanding of the world… and this is one of those books.
I learned a lot about Daoism and the legend of Lao Tzu. And it was fun to read, to boot!
I learned a lot about Daoism and the legend of Lao Tzu. And it was fun to read, to boot!
May 1, 2019
Disappointing
The concept for the book seemed good, but I didn't enjoy the writing style. I found the story inconsistent and slow-paced.
The concept for the book seemed good, but I didn't enjoy the writing style. I found the story inconsistent and slow-paced.
May 2, 2021
Fascinating look at a period of history I knew nothing about. Rich, funny characters. Great story. The bamboo scene has stayed with me for many years!
August 12, 2021
Wonderfully written, this book is a journey back in time, with vivid descriptions, solid character development and a brilliant plot with many twists.
May 1, 2025
the way of lao tsu, may not work for current environment !
August 22, 2019
3.5 stars
I came to Finding the Way expecting a fable but it's more of a palace intrigue drama. Having watched countless chinese palace dramas, the plot twists were fairly predictable.
The women in the story suffered from "women in refrigerator" syndrome, cast as manipulated by events and men, sidelined with no important roles other than to look pretty and suffer. Those who had control and power, possessed authority and personality and important thoughts, who made things happen were all men (the emperor, the 2 princes, the 2 warring philosophers and their students).
Now to the philosophy - Confucian thought is portrayed as order, hierarchy, everything in their proper place vs Taoism The Way as flowing, following the natural order of things, taking inspiration from and emphasizing on nature. From my understanding, Taoism is rigid in its own particular way, with set rituals and ceremonies, black and white ideas of good and evil.
There has been a lot of creative licence taken with Lao Tzu's life and events, it makes for lively reading. Lao Tzu seemed incredibly naive in his trusting of people.
I thought the build-up revelation at the end was rather unnecessary, kind of like in Angels and Demons where the modern day protagonist suddenly discovers she is a descendent of Jesus. This also commonly happens in palace dramas where the one of unknown parentage turns out to be of stunning ancestry and a gamechanger.
Addendum: the author only showcased bigwig names known to the western world: Confucius, Sun Tsu, Lao Tzu but I would have appreciated more philosophers, ministers, poets (like Li Bai) of that time period to flesh out the story more.
I came to Finding the Way expecting a fable but it's more of a palace intrigue drama. Having watched countless chinese palace dramas, the plot twists were fairly predictable.
The women in the story suffered from "women in refrigerator" syndrome, cast as manipulated by events and men, sidelined with no important roles other than to look pretty and suffer. Those who had control and power, possessed authority and personality and important thoughts, who made things happen were all men (the emperor, the 2 princes, the 2 warring philosophers and their students).
Now to the philosophy - Confucian thought is portrayed as order, hierarchy, everything in their proper place vs Taoism The Way as flowing, following the natural order of things, taking inspiration from and emphasizing on nature. From my understanding, Taoism is rigid in its own particular way, with set rituals and ceremonies, black and white ideas of good and evil.
There has been a lot of creative licence taken with Lao Tzu's life and events, it makes for lively reading. Lao Tzu seemed incredibly naive in his trusting of people.
I thought the build-up revelation at the end was rather unnecessary, kind of like in Angels and Demons where the modern day protagonist suddenly discovers she is a descendent of Jesus. This also commonly happens in palace dramas where the one of unknown parentage turns out to be of stunning ancestry and a gamechanger.
Addendum: the author only showcased bigwig names known to the western world: Confucius, Sun Tsu, Lao Tzu but I would have appreciated more philosophers, ministers, poets (like Li Bai) of that time period to flesh out the story more.
September 5, 2020
I read this last year but felt like writing a review for this book. My gosh is this the most engrossing and captivating historical fiction book I have ever read. It’s packed with (obviously) real events that are so wild and fantastical in nature it doesn’t feel like I’m reading a recap of some man’s life.
Like most of my 5 star reviews, I recommend you read this if you’ve ever been curious of the wild history timeline of China,about Taoism (as this book is about Lao Tzu, Philosopher and founder of Taoism), or about anything philosophical. I promise you will have a satisfying and educational read!
Like most of my 5 star reviews, I recommend you read this if you’ve ever been curious of the wild history timeline of China,about Taoism (as this book is about Lao Tzu, Philosopher and founder of Taoism), or about anything philosophical. I promise you will have a satisfying and educational read!
March 23, 2019
Recommended!
Between the exciting story lies a deeper philosophical meaning but it never feels preachy. And it creates a great balance in the story which makes you keep reading untill there are no more pages to read.
Set and setting is created beautifully and you feel like your walking the way together with Lao Tzu.
The story keeps you on edge and I’m sad this isn’t a multiwork series. (that can be made into a netflix original).
I’m glad I discovered this gem and was able to meet the author and will keep an eye on future works.
Between the exciting story lies a deeper philosophical meaning but it never feels preachy. And it creates a great balance in the story which makes you keep reading untill there are no more pages to read.
Set and setting is created beautifully and you feel like your walking the way together with Lao Tzu.
The story keeps you on edge and I’m sad this isn’t a multiwork series. (that can be made into a netflix original).
I’m glad I discovered this gem and was able to meet the author and will keep an eye on future works.
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