A review by okekna
The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A beautiful read. I didn't think I would be so absorbed, given the relatively slow pace that the book goes at, but the writing is beautiful and moving. The main characters - son and mother - are flawed, but you feel so much for them, and I found myself rooting really hard for them to find their happiness. The writing's ability to make me love the characters this way was what hooked me and kept me reading to the end.

I loved the conceit of the Book itself being the narrator, speaking not only to the reader but to the protagonist as well. A few times,
the boy would react negatively to what the Book was sharing, but the Book itself would treat him with such grace and wisdom that I felt moved.
I can find myself reading the book again, at least to flip through and find those words of wisdom that I wish I had noted down the first time.

The mother was also really fascinating. In less adept hands, her hoarding might make me feel frustrated. Instead, I just really felt for her, and consistently rooted for her. Her love and dedication to her son was, I think, what made her so endearing.

I really loved the ending too.
I was incredibly moved at how the boy finally moved to defend his mother. I never blamed him for not doing so in the beginning - that's how well the author makes you sympathise with them - but it was still rewarding to see him take that literal step forward.
The ending was not a magic wand of 'no more problems' (which I'm glad for!), but injected a lot of hope and progress that felt fair and earned.

I will say that I skimmed through some parts (like when the boy
was in that special library room going through a breakdown of sorts - I read this a while back
). But I will say that that is mostly more due to my eagerness to see what happens next.