The Book of Form and Emptiness
(Author) Ruth OzekiAfter the tragic death of his father, fourteen-year-old Benny Oh begins to hear voices. The voices belong to the things in his house and sound variously pleasant, angry or sad. Then his mother develops a hoarding problem, and the voices grow more clamorous. When ignoring them doesn't work, Benny seeks refuge in the silence of a large public library. There he meets a mesmerising street artist with a smug pet ferret; a homeless philosopher-poet who encourages him to find his own voice amongst the many; and his very own Book, who narrates Benny's life and teaches him to listen to the things that truly matter.Blending unforgettable characters with everything from jazz to climate change to our attachment to material possessions, this is classic Ruth Ozeki - bold, humane and heartbreaking.
Ruth Ozeki
Ruth Ozeki is a Japanese-American author known for her works that blend elements of fiction, memoir, and philosophy. Her most notable works include "A Tale for the Time Being" and "My Year of Meats," both of which explore themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage. Ozeki's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose, intricate storytelling, and deep exploration of complex issues. She has made significant contributions to literature by challenging traditional narrative structures and pushing boundaries in genre and form. "A Tale for the Time Being" is considered Ozeki's most famous work, winning numerous awards and critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and profound reflections on the human experience.