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A review by unknown_reader
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.5
3.5/5
I’m confused but…in a good way I guess. I can confidently say that this novel’s intended message reached to me despite the kind of open ending (not really) and some unanswered questions (though I have a LOT of theories).
Let me first get the complaints out of the way before I say the good…
Now, the first thing first and the real reason I reduced the stars is the writing…it’s not bad but I bet that I could have reduced this novel by more than 1/4th and it still wouldn’t have affected the book at all. In fact, I did…I skimmed and skipped a lot and still wasn’t left behind.
Next, is the false expectations this story leaves…ok this might be just me but at the beginning of the story.. I thought it was about her great-grandma and the main mystery of what happened to her. Both which we will be provided. Plus I thought Ruth was connected somehow, she was but not in the way I was expecting. Basically lot of questions which we thought we’ll get answer to.. we didn’t
At last…is the long, descriptive and sometimes unnecessary storytelling which often stray away from the main point. At lot of times, I was left frustrated with how Nao just kept describing every single detail. Though, to her defense…she’s writing a journal and that’s what how you write one.
Unfortunately, not what I wanted to read.
Now for the good…
First of all, the novel does an excellent job of connecting with the characters. I cared about Nao and Ruth…I cared about their thoughts and what is gonna happen to them. I was genuinely distressed for them at times and also touched and emotional for them.
And that’s what kept me going (despite how LONG this novel is)
Next is the use of dual POV. It’s genius. At one point, we’re going forward with nao and seeing her experiences while feeling like she’s directly talking to us. And at other side, we’re with Ruth…connected with someone completely random and otherwise insignificant. We’re solving mystery of nao with her, concerned about what actually happen to her.
At last, the way everything just come together at the end leaving us with the message the novel intended. While we’re also left pondering over the unanswered questions and making conclusions of our own.
I do have one theory… I think the last pages of nao’s diary are actually still empty and filled by Ruth itself who couldn’t bear the thought of nao’s dying. Maybe she wrote the conclusion herself just like how her husband told her. Therefore, nao is in fact dead.
And that’s it. I won’t recommend it to anyone unless they’re able to bear through a very very slow paced novel with overly descriptive writing.
However, if you’re interesting in the concept of living and what it means to people…then maybe try it ?
I’m confused but…in a good way I guess. I can confidently say that this novel’s intended message reached to me despite the kind of open ending (not really) and some unanswered questions (though I have a LOT of theories).
Let me first get the complaints out of the way before I say the good…
Now, the first thing first and the real reason I reduced the stars is the writing…it’s not bad but I bet that I could have reduced this novel by more than 1/4th and it still wouldn’t have affected the book at all. In fact, I did…I skimmed and skipped a lot and still wasn’t left behind.
Next, is the false expectations this story leaves…ok this might be just me but at the beginning of the story..
At last…is the long, descriptive and sometimes unnecessary storytelling which often stray away from the main point. At lot of times, I was left frustrated with how Nao just kept describing every single detail. Though, to her defense…she’s writing a journal and that’s what how you write one.
Unfortunately, not what I wanted to read.
Now for the good…
First of all, the novel does an excellent job of connecting with the characters. I cared about Nao and Ruth…I cared about their thoughts and what is gonna happen to them. I was genuinely distressed for them at times and also touched and emotional for them.
And that’s what kept me going (despite how LONG this novel is)
Next is the use of dual POV. It’s genius. At one point, we’re going forward with nao and seeing her experiences while feeling like she’s directly talking to us. And at other side, we’re with Ruth…connected with someone completely random and otherwise insignificant. We’re solving mystery of nao with her, concerned about what actually happen to her.
At last, the way everything just come together at the end leaving us with the message the novel intended. While we’re also left pondering over the unanswered questions and making conclusions of our own.
I do have one theory…
And that’s it. I won’t recommend it to anyone unless they’re able to bear through a very very slow paced novel with overly descriptive writing.
However, if you’re interesting in the concept of living and what it means to people…then maybe try it ?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault and Violence
Minor: War