Reviews

I appreciated how meta this book was at times and how it leaned into it, but I definitely struggled with it at some points. The idea of it was great, and Annabelle and Benny were solid characters, but at times it felt like things were just kind of meandering. I liked how Ozeki moved back and forth through plots to create the story - this seems to be a theme for her and is frankly something she does well. I also loved how Ozeki pulled events from the real world into the book. I think that added a lot in terms of grounding a magical realism book in reality. This was a fun read, but a bit too long for me at times.

Content Warnings

flippyphippy's review against another edition

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1.0

I normally prefer to read books where I either admire the characters, or where I see similarities to myself in them. This book had neither, and I found most of the characters irritating. Overall, I would not recommend this book.

tessrc's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a dark, interesting, complex book. Benny Oh can hear voices - but at first, not just any voices; the voices of objects around him. They have stories, feelings, and pasts that they share with him. For much of the book, it's not entirely clear whether this is happening in real life or whether Benny is actually losing touch with reality. I think Ozeki went too slowly for most of the story, and found certain parts to be completely baffling, but she also approaches real moments of greatness when she steps into The Book's voice and when she embodies Annabelle, Benny's hoarder mom. This is one to read.

wuraoye's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

katie_arce's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

3.75

amarachireads's review against another edition

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4.5

80%: ok this is sad but not that sad. I’m not gonna cry or anything.
97%: oh fuck…OH FUCK THEY GOT ME

pmrichard1's review against another edition

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4.0

Quite different to anything I’ve read and really enjoyed. The writing is excellent and all of the different perspectives really help build the story. Also thought the big underlying themes were very well done. At times sad but a lovely ending!

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