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

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

While the prose of this book is highly accessible for readers, the characterisations of the book is caricaturistic, affecting the book's effectiveness in delivering its core plot about trauma of grief and the struggles of mental conditions. The incorporation of the element of Zen Buddhism also smacks of cheap orientalism which does little to add any substantial philosophical element to the book.