A review by dylankakoulli
A Tale for the Time Being, by Ruth Ozeki
2.0
Oh dear.
I really don’t seem to be having much luck (or as much luck as I would’ve liked) with Miss Ruth Ozeki recently :/
Is this is a classic case of, “it’s not you it’s me”? Mainly as people seem to seriously LOVE this book. Or, (and I will preface this by saying, this is by no means a “bad” book) am I about to rightfully object its (imo) overrated status.
To put it Simply, ATFTTB follows a duel timeline of two women. First, a young Japanese girl -Nao, as she navigates and narrates -with the help of a diary, her life after moving from America to Japan. Sharing her numerous thoughts, feelings, reflections and struggles, as well some pretty dark and difficult experiences when it comes to not only her life, but the current state of the family’s wellbeing too. Then secondly, and much further across the pond (well ocean and possibly time?) we have an older, struggling American writer named Ruth. Who one day discovers Nao’s journal -washed up inside a hello kitty lunchbox on the shore (cause that happens…), and how this seemingly incidental moment, calls into question not only Ruth’s understanding and connection to time, history, people and place, but explores the constantly evolving relationship that exists between a reader and a writer -that of both Nao and Ruth, and then I guess the relationship between us, Nao and Ruth.
Anyway, as I said, this is not necessarily a bad book. The writing (well audio) is simple and easy to follow. However I found the subject matter and characters themselves, left little to be desired.
I also found the depiction and attitude towards mental health -particularly suicide, extremely juvenile and problematic. Almost downplaying its severity -not cool Ruth.
Now, I have taken the time to read through various other “negative” reviews (though we are definitely in the minority people). Many of which saying the books main “downfall” was Ruth’s story. However, I think Nao is also equally to blame. Frankly I found her far too infuriating and naive to ever truly sympathise with (also I’m sorry, but what was with wholly unnecessarily and overly detailed comments, when it came to hers and others sexual encounters and fetishisation. Oh, and don’t even get me started on her “panties” chatter! I mean, come on?!)
Ok, negatives aside for a hot sec though. Mainly as I’m sure you all wondering, “well Dylan, what DID make you keep reading (listening) to this book?!” Well folks, listening is the “key” here (or hear!), for I think I enjoyed the author's wonderfully vivid narration, WAAAAAY more than I did the actual story itself.
2.5 stars (audio easily 5)
I really don’t seem to be having much luck (or as much luck as I would’ve liked) with Miss Ruth Ozeki recently :/
Is this is a classic case of, “it’s not you it’s me”? Mainly as people seem to seriously LOVE this book. Or, (and I will preface this by saying, this is by no means a “bad” book) am I about to rightfully object its (imo) overrated status.
To put it Simply, ATFTTB follows a duel timeline of two women. First, a young Japanese girl -Nao, as she navigates and narrates -with the help of a diary, her life after moving from America to Japan. Sharing her numerous thoughts, feelings, reflections and struggles, as well some pretty dark and difficult experiences when it comes to not only her life, but the current state of the family’s wellbeing too. Then secondly, and much further across the pond (well ocean and possibly time?) we have an older, struggling American writer named Ruth. Who one day discovers Nao’s journal -washed up inside a hello kitty lunchbox on the shore (cause that happens…), and how this seemingly incidental moment, calls into question not only Ruth’s understanding and connection to time, history, people and place, but explores the constantly evolving relationship that exists between a reader and a writer -that of both Nao and Ruth, and then I guess the relationship between us, Nao and Ruth.
Anyway, as I said, this is not necessarily a bad book. The writing (well audio) is simple and easy to follow. However I found the subject matter and characters themselves, left little to be desired.
I also found the depiction and attitude towards mental health -particularly suicide, extremely juvenile and problematic. Almost downplaying its severity -not cool Ruth.
Now, I have taken the time to read through various other “negative” reviews (though we are definitely in the minority people). Many of which saying the books main “downfall” was Ruth’s story. However, I think Nao is also equally to blame. Frankly I found her far too infuriating and naive to ever truly sympathise with (also I’m sorry, but what was with wholly unnecessarily and overly detailed comments, when it came to hers and others sexual encounters and fetishisation. Oh, and don’t even get me started on her “panties” chatter! I mean, come on?!)
Ok, negatives aside for a hot sec though. Mainly as I’m sure you all wondering, “well Dylan, what DID make you keep reading (listening) to this book?!” Well folks, listening is the “key” here (or hear!), for I think I enjoyed the author's wonderfully vivid narration, WAAAAAY more than I did the actual story itself.
2.5 stars (audio easily 5)