A Journey Through November Reads

Book Club Book

A Tale for the Time Being

Ruth Ozeki

A Tale for the Time Being is a novel of striking ambition. It blends themes of time, identity, and cross-cultural connection. Ozeki’s premise—Nao’s diary washing ashore in Canada—draws Ruth into the mystery of the girl’s life. This inventive concept is initially enchanting. Nao’s voice is sharp, insightful, and often profoundly moving. Her reflections on bullying, displacement, and Zen philosophy form the novel’s emotional core. Scenes involving her great-grandmother, Jiko, are particularly tender and memorable.

However, the novel’s execution is uneven. Nao’s storyline often feels shaped to satisfy Western expectations. It relies heavily on familiar stereotypes of modern Japanese society. This tendency toward melodrama undermines the authenticity of her narrative. Ruth’s chapters, by contrast, are comparatively subdued. Their slower pace frequently interrupts the momentum of Nao’s more compelling voice.

The novel’s final act further strains coherence. Sudden turns into quantum physics, extensive footnotes, magical realist episodes, and an overlong dream sequence create jarring tonal shifts. These elements clash with the earlier realism. They feel more like didactic intrusions than organic extensions of the story, diluting its emotional impact.

Despite its flaws, the novel offers thoughtful commentary on xenophobia, war, environmental crisis, and compassion. Its ideas are resonant, even when its narrative choices falter. Ultimately, this is a work of great imagination and occasional brilliance. However, its structural and stylistic excesses prevent it from fully realising its potential.

Thrillers

This engaging workplace novel follows Jolene Smith, an Iranian Canadian administrative assistant. Her habit of venting in invisible email text backfires, landing her in sensitivity training. When an IT glitch gives her unexpected access to her coworkers’ emails, she becomes entangled in their secrets and office politics. This prompts her to confront her own past and personal struggles.

Told through Jolene’s wry first-person voice alongside email and DM transcripts, the story blends humour with heartfelt exploration of trauma, mental health, and identity. Jolene is flawed but compelling. The supporting cast is richly drawn, capturing both the absurdities and the quiet hardships of office life. Smart, empathetic, and surprisingly moving, this is a thoughtful and entertaining read.

Recommendations for December

As we approach December, I am excited to continue my reading journey. If you’ve read any of these books or have recommendations you think I should pick up next, I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Here’s to a December filled with even more great stories! I am getting a bookvent for December!

Lucy xx