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Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction“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 AtlasA 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 Profound and Poignant World of "The Book of Form and Emptiness" by Ruth Ozeki

A Journey Through Loss, Grief, and the Unseen Realm

"The Book of Form and Emptiness" by Ruth Ozeki is a literary masterpiece that unravels a captivating tale of loss, grief, and the unseen realm. Penned with exquisite prose and profound insights, this novel embarks on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and healing.

Benny Oh, the Unconventional Protagonist

At the heart of the narrative lies Benny Oh, an unconventional protagonist grappling with the devastating loss of his father. As Benny navigates the complexities of grief, he finds solace in the unexpected friendship with an enigmatic homeless man named Mr. Shimada and a mysterious book titled "The Book of Form and Emptiness." This enigmatic volume, filled with ancient teachings and koans, becomes a guiding light for Benny as he delves into the depths of his own grief and the interconnectedness of all things.

A Tapestry of Relationships and Perspectives

Through Benny's introspective journey, Ozeki skillfully weaves together a tapestry of relationships and perspectives. From the quirky and insightful Annabelle to the enigmatic Mr. Shimada, each character brings a unique dimension to the story, enriching the narrative with diverse viewpoints and experiences. As Benny interacts with these individuals, he gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of life, death, and the nature of existence.

Exploring the Interconnectedness of Life

"The Book of Form and Emptiness" delves into the profound interconnectedness of life, blurring the boundaries between the seen and unseen worlds. Benny's encounters with spirits and ghostly apparitions challenge traditional notions of reality, inviting readers to contemplate the vastness of the universe and the unseen forces that shape our existence. Ozeki's masterful storytelling invites readers to question their own perceptions and consider the possibility of realms beyond our ordinary understanding.

A Story of Healing and Transformation

As Benny's journey progresses, he embarks on a path of healing and transformation. Through his exploration of grief, loss, and the nature of existence, Benny gradually finds solace and acceptance. With each step forward, he learns to embrace the emptiness that follows loss, transforming it into a source of strength and resilience. "The Book of Form and Emptiness" is an unforgettable literary experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.