The word “Tao” is defined as the eternal principle of the
universe that transcends reality and is the source of being, non-being, and
change. This is the fictional core of
the short stories contained within Stephen McDonough’s work titled Tao of Life and Death: A Tale.
Divided into 5 “chapters” referred to as books, and written
as 13 passages within the books as told by 4 narrators, McDonough
interestingly categorizes his prose into this structure. The storyline of the characters is set in the
ancient days of China, with the spiritual development of forces of good and evil combating for life’s rewards. The
characters are: Gnarled Pine, a Taoist
Hermit; Happy Willow, a boy scholar; Quiet Buffalo, a Taoist Master; along
with the author. Most notably is the
beautiful original cover artwork by the author showing extraordinary skill in
emulating the Chinese style and characters. This appreciation for a culture is very complimentary, as is his respect
for the fundamental historical presence of forces within their spiritual
environment.
Stephen McDonough’s writings follow imagery in the form of
Asian-Inspired literature, thus it is a bit “foreign” to the mindset of young
readers within the culture of the United States. This results in two of my conclusions, one
good and one bad. First, as criticism,
the rhymes and use of words seem discombobulated and rough. However as a compliment, if the reader has an
open mind and allows for the imagery to emerge, he or she will be exposed to a
different form of lifestyle, new supernatural forces and characters, and
cultural icons unlike those of English literature. Many of the verses needed to be re-read by me
to gain an understanding of the intent of the author. This may prove to be too frustrating for some of the audience in which I feel would be most attracted to this book, hence becoming
an inherent flaw for market acceptance.
All in all the artwork, storytelling of ancient imaginary
characters and use of symbols do prove to awaken the reader to different and
novel cultural aspects of the world’s history, religions and spiritual
beliefs. As the timeline for the stories
goes back beyond the beginning of the Christian Calendar of now being 2010
years, it shows the world before “today,” and brings to light the continuity of
civilizations before our culture with their idiosyncrasies, gods, beliefs, and
epic confrontations. What Tao of Life and Death: A Tale shows is
the continuance of good versus evil, and how wisdom is cherished by all.
Buy this book at Amazon.com
