A review by outernetbex
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-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

5.0

it’s always really hard for me to put into words how i feel about books after i read them. the situations in these books are so specific to the characters, and yet somehow the messages and sentiments that the author is able to convey feel so universal. i think it’s a beautifully written piece, that somehow touches on so many different aspects of the human experience. like others have said, the last chapter or so was kind of strange/out of place, but i don’t think it really takes away from the rest of the novel. so compelling and memorable. i have a feeling i’ll be thinking about it for a long time. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual harassment, Vomit, Trafficking, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Bullying

Moderate: Sexual violence, Death of parent, Death, and Body horror

Minor: Torture

this book has a lot of trigger warnings, but i personally don’t think that they are handled well and not written for glorification or gratification. it’s just the nature of writing about dark themes.