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

emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.

TL;DR REVIEW:

The Book of Form and Emptiness has what I love in literary fiction: a lot of heart and a touch of (possible) magic. I thought this was imaginative and moving and achingly human.

For you if: You like emotional but also playful litfic that isn’t too cerebral.

FULL REVIEW:

“Every person is trapped in their own particular bubble of delusion, and it’s every person’s task in life to break free. Books can help. We can make the past into the present, take you back in time and help you remember. We can show you things, shift your realities and widen your world, but the work of waking up is up to you.”


As of this writing, The Book of Form and Emptiness is currently shortlisted for the 2022 Women’s Prize for Fiction. I’ve heard such great things about Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale for the Time Being, but it’s still on my TBR, so this was my first book of hers. I can totally see why people love her writing. This book is filled with so much heart.

The story is about a preteen boy named Benny and his mom, Annabelle. It starts just after Benny’s father’s sudden and tragic death. Seeking joy, hope for future plans, and control, Annabelle tends toward hoarding. Meanwhile, Benny begins to hear inanimate objects speaking to him, including “his book,” which also narrates the book we are literally reading. As each of them attempt to navigate their grief and mental health struggles, we readers cheer for them, cry for them, and come to love them deeply.

I liked this book a lot, although I did find the pace a bit slow and Annabelle a bit frustrating, which kept me from 100% loving it. Still, the premise and construction is so imaginative and playful, and the story itself is deeply heartfelt and emotional. I also lovedddd the secondary characters and the voice of the book.

All in all, a solid Women’s Prize nominee that I’m sure will resonate with so many!
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