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

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.