birdbrainbooks 's review for:

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
4.0
challenging dark reflective sad 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
This is the most challenging read I’ve had in a while! I definitely understand why it was Man Booker finalist. The writing is artful, strong, and unique. I tend not to love dual storylines/timelines which held true here—I don’t like getting settled into one storyline only to be pulled out and back into the other. I also tended to be much more engaged with Nao’s storyline set in Japan than Ruth’s storyline, although I did very much enjoy the sense of place in both and the side characters in Ruth’s. Definite trigger warnings throughout for suicide/suicidal thoughts and bullying, among other things. I’m not sure if I would continue reading more from this author—she is a fantastic talent but perhaps more literary and experimental for my personal taste. But I’m really glad I finished it and felt challenged in a new way.
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