I’ve discovered so many brilliant books from the Women’s Prize for Fiction women shortlists. I loved the winner of the previous two awards, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell in 2020, and Piranesi by Susanna Clark in 2021.
I therefore knew I had to read the 2022 winner, The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki.
The Book of Form and Emptiness was published in 2021.
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Plot
After the sudden tragic death of his father, teenager Benny Oh starts to hear voices. Inanimate objects start to speak to him, everything from a teapot to a pair of scissors.
Benny’s mother Annabelle is also struggling to cope after the death of her husband. She developed a hoarding problem, which only exacerbates Benny’s difficulties as the voices in his head become more clamorous.
Benny starts to seek refuge in the silence of a large public library. The library has always been a place of solace for him and he starts to spend more and more time there. At the library, Benny befriends a street artist with a pet ferret, a homeless poet and his very own Book.
Book narrates Benny’s life and teaches him to listen to the things that really matter.
The Book of Form and Emptiness Book Review
I really enjoyed this book. It was so different to anything I’ve read before.
The characters were strong and Annabelle held a special place in my heart. Her struggle with the death of her husband while trying to be there for Benny was really moving. It highlighted the complicated relationship between mother and son and perfectly showed Annabelle’s guilt and love for Benny.
I found Ruth Ozeki tackled the tricky subject of depression and grief with real sensitivity and compassion. The subject of mental health in general, including Annabelle’s hoarding and Benny’s voices, was done without any judgement and made such complicated subjects really relatable.
I loved how Book was a character in its own right, talking about Benny’s life but also its own experience as a book. It was so cleverly done. The changes of perspective, from Benny, Annabelle and Book, allowed the reader a greater understanding of the characters.
It was so heartbreaking in places, but it was also witty and heartwarming in others. It was full of compassion and hope, even in the darkest moments.
I loved how important the library was to the story. It perfectly showed how solace can be found in books, both in reading and writing.
It was a multilayered story and I think each reader will get something different out of it. For me, it was a captivating story, imaginative and warm and really left a lasting impression.
Another worthy winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction.
Has Ruth Ozeki written any other novels?
Ruth Ozeki has also written:
- My Year of Meats
- All Over Creation
- A Tale for the Time Being
What should I read after The Book of Form and Emptiness?
If you enjoyed The Book of Form and Emptiness I’d recommend reading more winners of the Women’s Prize for Fiction such as Piranesi by Suzanna Clarke and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.