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

emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

4.5

A mysterious, allusive and curious read. My first Ozeki novel which I read bits and pieces of over two years! This book can feel quite dense in its intellect and logic, but equally poetic and trusting of you as a reader, a witness. It’s filled with generous and insightful reflections into time, memory, history, and possibility. My faves. Ozeki guides us along this curious metaphysical journey through the lens of Zen Buddhism, quantum mechanics and real global life events - it’s a fascinating meld of what’s real and what’s imagined, what has happened and what has been dreamed. Is the character of Ruth, Ruth the author, or Ruth imagined. Who knows! It’s curious and quietly disorientating, but the stories and characters keep us curious to find out just a bit more, even if you fear your intrusive eye will interrupt and change the very story itself. And also the richness of sitting between cultures and generations felt really poignant. Lots to continue ponder, as time and possibility loops in and upon itself, at least for the time being. In this time. In this now.