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

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The beginning and ending were really engaging but the middle really dragged and I almost set it down. Way too long, especially for a book about stuff and material accumulation. The last plot twist 
with the riots
 felt unnecessary. 

But when it's good, it's really good. All the characters are complex; just when you think they are on a neat redemption arc, they mess it up and keep you guessing. I love how she writes herself into her books. Some really beautiful musings on grief, coping and memory!
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