A Tale for the Time Being - Ruth Ozeki

 

This is my second Ruth Ozeki book this year and both of them have been Canongate Books readalongs . And I am much the richer for the experiences. This is a quite extraordinary novel steeped in Zen and quantum philosophy and expanded within the delicate, expansive prose that is the hallmark of Ruth Ozeki’s writing. An exploration of time – of pasts and presents. Two of the protagonists in the novel, Ruth and Oliver, made me wonder whether there was an autobiographical slant to the story. Did the author come into possession of a Japanese teenager’s diary? Or is it a way of emphasising the writer’s personal stance on writing and time? It’s a fascinating device, for sure.

It is a deep novel that touches on some fundamental aspects of contemporary life yet also encompasses timeless, enduring truths and philosophies. There are abundant footnotes to explain the Japanese words and there are several informative appendices dealing with some of the ideologies covered in the book. It’s a multilayered narrative with letters, diaries and straightforward first person storytelling. It’s rich, evocative and profoundly thought-provoking.

Nao’s story delivered through her conversational diary will tug at your heart, she endures so much. And Ruth takes her role as anonymous confidante to the ultimate. There are some unforgettable characters –  104-year-old Jiko , so wise, so influential. Nao, herself, and her father whose true integrity is only revealed towards the end of the story all weave their way into Ruth‘s life on Vancouver Island. 

Both Ruth’s story and Nao’s seem to punctuate each other, almost as if they are coexistent. There is a sense of magic running through the story, inexplainable occurrences that imply a strange karmic connection between both writers - Ruth and Nao. 

Like many works of substance it is futile to try and pin it down,  for thoughts keep presenting themselves long after the book is closed and a review is written! But surely that is the mark of an extremely good book?

 

My thanks to Canongate Books for a gifted copy and the opportunity to be part of the readalong.