DigeeBooks

“No one writes like Ruth Ozeki—a triumph.” —Matt Haig, New York Times bestselling author of The Midnight Library “Inventive, vivid, and propelled by a sense of wonder.” —TIME “If you’ve lost your way with fiction over the last year or two, let The Book of Form and Emptiness light your way home.” —David Mitchell, Booker Prize-finalist author of Cloud Atlas A boy who hears the voices of objects all around him; a mother drowning in her possessions; and a Book that might hold the secret to saving them both—the brilliantly inventive new novel from the Booker Prize-finalist Ruth OzekiOne year after the death of his beloved musician father, thirteen-year-old Benny Oh begins to hear voices. The voices belong to the things in his house—a sneaker, a broken Christmas ornament, a piece of wilted lettuce. Although Benny doesn't understand what these things are saying, he can sense their emotional tone; some are pleasant, a gentle hum or coo, but others are snide, angry and full of pain. When his mother, Annabelle, develops a hoarding problem, the voices grow more clamorous.   At first, Benny tries to ignore them, but soon the voices follow him outside the house, onto the street and at school, driving him at last to seek refuge in the silence of a large public library, where objects are well-behaved and know to speak in whispers. There, Benny discovers a strange new world. He falls in love with a mesmerizing street artist with a smug pet ferret, who uses the library as her performance space. He meets a homeless philosopher-poet, who encourages him to ask important questions and find his own voice amongst the many.   And he meets his very own Book—a talking thing—who narrates Benny’s life and teaches him to listen to the things that truly matter.   With its blend of sympathetic characters, riveting plot, and vibrant engagement with everything from jazz, to climate change, to our attachment to material possessions, The Book of Form and Emptiness is classic Ruth Ozeki—bold, wise, poignant, playful, humane and heartbreaking.

Dive into the Enigmatic World of "The Book of Form and Emptiness" by Ruth Ozeki: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Meaning-Making

Step into the captivating world of "The Book of Form and Emptiness," a profound novel by Ruth Ozeki that weaves together philosophy, spirituality, and the complexities of human existence. This literary masterpiece follows the journey of Benny Oh, a young boy growing up in California, as he grapples with grief, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels incomprehensible.

Exploring the Void and the Profound

Benny's life is turned upside down when his father dies by suicide, leaving him reeling from loss and struggling to make sense of the emptiness he feels. As he tries to navigate his grief, Benny finds solace in books, music, and the enigmatic Book of Form and Emptiness, a mysterious manuscript that seems to offer glimpses into the nature of reality.

Characters That Resonate with Depth

Ozeki deftly portrays a cast of unforgettable characters, each with their own unique struggles and perspectives. From Benny's eccentric grandmother to his quirky friends, each character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for purpose.

A Tapestry of Symbolism and Metaphors

"The Book of Form and Emptiness" is a masterclass in symbolism and metaphor. Ozeki weaves together elements of Zen Buddhism, quantum physics, and pop culture, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that invites readers to contemplate the interconnectedness of all things.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

As Benny embarks on his quest for understanding, he encounters a series of challenges and revelations that push him to confront his inner demons and embrace the beauty of imperfection. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-discovery.

A Novel That Stays with You

"The Book of Form and Emptiness" is not just a novel; it's an experience that lingers long after you finish reading it. Ozeki's poignant storytelling and profound insights into the human condition will resonate with readers on a deep level, leaving them with a sense of awe and wonder.