Windhorse Warrior is historical fiction about the Chinese Communist occupation of Tibet in the 1950s. Based in Kham, a province on the eastern part of the Tibetan plateau, it is the story of an idealistic Chinese communist from Shanghai who volunteers to take ‘the revolution’ to Tibet. The main character, Chuang Wei Ming, soon differs with the Chinese Communist Party’s policies as they begin unrolling reforms unsuited to the cultural and economic situation of the people living on the plateau. Chuang proposes alternative reforms based on Tibetan spiritual ideals which the local people fully support. It is an inspiring read, even if you are not interested in Tibet, because it offers insights into a way of life that restores the balance and beauty we all know is possible.
Windhorse Warrior, RC Friedericks’ first novel, is published by Niyogi Books, India. Hardcover and e-book (Kindle) versions are available from Amazon.com. You can also buy hardcover copies from Book Depository (free shipping worldwide), Books-A-Million, and Powell’s. Or you can order directly from the author via email – rfriedericks@mac.com
An interview about the novel with Prakruti Maniar of the Purple Pencil Project, a website about Indian Literature, was done on October 24, 2020 via Zoom on behalf of Niyogi Books, India. Click here to go to YouTube on a new tab or watch the embedded video below:
What readers have said about Windhorse Warrior:
Windhorse Warrior is a remarkable combination of romance, adventure, politics, suspense and spirituality, all of which converge and collide in the rarified atmosphere of Tibet during the 1950s. While this is a historical novel, the themes and message of the book convey a contemporary resonance, even as it recounts the ancient legends and lore of King Gesar. Friedericks spins a mesmerizing tale that is as expansive as the trans-Himalayan plateau and as intriguingly subtle as the symbols printed on a Buddhist prayer flag. – Stephen Alter, author of Wild Himalaya
“…a tale that gripped me firmly in the magic of the oral tradition. I am amazed at this glimpse of a world so exotic to us. I enjoyed the rugged dirt and rock hard outcroppings of reality as contrasted by the ethereal traditions and mysteries of an ancient yet ongoing civilization.” – Richard Jesse Watson, author and illustrator.
“Windhorse Warrior deserves a large audience of readers who are interested in Tibet and the intersection of politics and spirituality. I enjoyed the story which actually has three parallel story lines: one that is political — the introduction of Chinese communism to Tibet and the Tibetan resistance to communism’s perversions; another that is religious — developing a spiritual, Buddhist dimension to the communist ideology; and thirdly, the love story of Dechen and Chuang. All three stories are compelling, but I am particularly impressed by the way Friedericks has used the Gesar legend to make it the center piece that holds all three story lines together.” – Hendrik Taatgen, social anthropologist.
Windhorse Warrior elegantly combines the elements of a Himalayan adventure story, the history of Chinese Communism in Tibet, metaphysical and cultural Buddhism, and a highly unusual romance. It is set during the forced transition of Tibetan society from a traditional theocratic state ruled by powerful families to collectivization by the Chinese Communist Party and occupation by the People’s Revolutionary Army. Beginning in 1947, the dramatic historical events are told by the narrator, Chuang Wei Ming, as he is transformed from an idealistic Party devotee into a Buddhist and hailed as the manifestation of the legendary 11th century King Gesar, who brought justice and happiness to the Tibetan people.
Friedericks does a masterful job of portraying Wei Ming’s gradual change of mind and heart. Ming understands the Party’s thinking and objectives. He also develops a deep understanding of traditional Tibetan ways and respect for his Tibetan friends and associates. They, in turn, awaken to the need for some of those traditional ways to change. As a result, together, they achieve great success in creating a new collective society.
One of the most compelling elements in this story is the role of two strong Tibetan women who bridge the old and new with intelligence and passion and are the catalysts for Wei Ming’s transformation. Dechen and Yangchen also play essential roles in bringing about the transformation of the Tibetan way of life.
I came away not only entertained but also educated and inspired about a part of the world I’ve long been fascinated by. Friedericks’ deep knowledge of and affinity with the Tibetan people and Buddhism is evident throughout.
Although I looked for a deeper treatment of the flaws in traditional Tibetan society and had to suspend disbelief during some of the more metaphysical passages, it was impossible not to be swept up in the dramatic and uplifting message of the story. The Golden Way is a lesson for all times, especially our own. – Claire Beery
I found Windhorse Warrior a thoroughly engaging read. When and if I put it down, I could not wait to pick it up again. I found my heart gripped as I empathized with the main characters. I wept with Chuang’s broken heart. Later in the book I saw Chuang’s heart gradually begin to open up again.
Windhorse Warrior provides insight into Tibetan reaction to the Chinese take-over of their country. Sent to propagate Chinese interests in Tibet, Chuang sought to understand Tibetan culture so he could more effectively serve the Chinese purpose in Tibet. In the process, Chuang found himself drawn in by Tibetan culture. In remaining faithful to his mission, he often confronted Chinese heavy-handed methods. In the face of numerous pressures, conflict, and Chinese intransigence Chuang increasingly identified with the Tibetans.
In Windhorse Warrior we can look into Tibetan minds and souls. Friedericks clearly articulates Tibetan society and spirituality. He provides an insider’s perspective on the early conflict between Chinese aims and Tibetan culture. At some points compromise seemed possible, but lust for power was too much to preserve culture. I feel that I have gained much more empathy for Tibetans.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! – David Andrianoff
A truly inspirational book. R C Friedericks delivers a superb story full of excitement, deep spiritual insight, and hope. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and believe it is a “must read”. At a superficial level the story is action packed, full of twists and turns and is a real page turner, but it also goes much deeper. RC Friedericks takes the reader on a journey of transition from the physical materialistic world into the inner world of spiritual transcendence and purpose. The writing is accessible at many levels. I highly recommend this book! – David R.
An important book to read slowly. A novel from 1950’s Tibetan culture clashing with early Chinese communism that resonates with classical spirituality and speaks so directly to the fears and challenges of modern cultures in America and around the world. Please read. A helpful hint is knowing that an index of characters is in the back and needs to be referenced often. – D Elliott