The Ten Thousand Things
Wang Meng is an unambitious bureaucrat in fourteenth-century China. Fed up with the petty quarrels of government service, he has retreated to his country estate to paint, much to the dismay of his cantankerous wife. Looking for peace and even insignificance, Wang soon finds that his life’s adventure is just beginning. As the Mongols’ rule over China is challenged by several uprisings, Wang is caught up in the overtures of competing generals, the vengeful attacks of bandits, and even the love of a charismatic woman warrior. Through it all, he seeks the company of other artists, both to plumb the mysteries of great painting and to help each other navigate the perilous waters of political loyalty. This is mostly a quiet novel, but a rich one. As one general ascends to power and the Ming dynasty is born, Wang seeks to act honorably and rationally in times of prosperity and disaster, in states of loneliness and companionship, with parents, wife, and servants alike. Readers will feel lucky to watch his journey and share his thoughts. --Lynn Weber