A review by sp1derfairy
The Book of Form and Emptiness, by Ruth Ozeki
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
This book was so lovely I highly enjoyed my second reading of an Ozeki book. I loved how she referenced herself and A Tale for the Time Being in subtle ways inside of the book. I can definitely see the influence of her environmental concerns and activism within this book. It is masterfully done. I also adored the characters and Annabelle reminded me of hoarding fears I have about myself that I wish to avoid. I became very personally invested in Annabelle’s journey. Each character is well-crafted and I felt so much love for each and every one of them. They each provided different insight of the world and we can see these perspectives shaping Benny’s impressionable world as well. Benny was also an unreliable narrator at times, and I enjoyed reading through his perspective, even when it was painful.
Due to the slow pace, I did struggle to finish the book, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable. This book gave me a different perspective on the books I read and the objects I surround myself with and it’s nice to think back on it and look at things through a different lense. The spirits of my objects is something I’ve considered less as I’ve grown, and this book made me consider it again. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Benny navigate the world and the different ideas and philosophies each of his companions ascribed to. We get a first hand look into how susceptible he is to not thinking through different ideas, as we once were (and still can be). I think this connects to how the Book describes how each book leaves a different impression and story on each person.
One thing that did make me uncomfortable was the Aleph’s sort of reciprocation towards Benny.
Spoiler
I really enjoyed the brief snipbits we got of Cory’s perspective in particular. Her rationality served as a calming palette cleanser and it was relieving to read through her observations. For such a brief character, she was definitely one of my favorites.Due to the slow pace, I did struggle to finish the book, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable. This book gave me a different perspective on the books I read and the objects I surround myself with and it’s nice to think back on it and look at things through a different lense. The spirits of my objects is something I’ve considered less as I’ve grown, and this book made me consider it again. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Benny navigate the world and the different ideas and philosophies each of his companions ascribed to. We get a first hand look into how susceptible he is to not thinking through different ideas, as we once were (and still can be). I think this connects to how the Book describes how each book leaves a different impression and story on each person.
Spoiler
I could even say that Benny is a blank slate throughout until the end where he stands up (literally and metaphorically) to take initiative in his life and what he wishes to do.One thing that did make me uncomfortable was the Aleph’s sort of reciprocation towards Benny.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism