Ruth Ozeki: Buddhist Writer and Priest Wins Women's Award for Fiction
Written byTimes Magazine
American-Canadian writer, director, and Zen Buddhist priest Ruth Jozeki won this year's Women's Fiction Award.
The judges described their novel The Book of Form and Void as "a celebration of the power of books."
Her fourth novel tells the story of a teenager who finds solace in reading after his father's death.
She was crowned the winner of £30,000 at a ceremony in London, beating out nominees including Elif Shafak, Meg Mason, and Louise Erdrich.
Master Storyteller
Presiding Judge and Fellow Mary Ann Sieghart said the "Great Year of Fiction" books were marked by "sparkling writing, warmth, wit, humor and touch."
He said: "A tribute to the power of books and reading, it tackles the big issues of life and death and is fun to read. Ruth Ozeki is a thoroughly original and expert storyteller."
This victory may come as a surprise.
During jury discussions, I wanted to be a fly on the wall and know exactly why they chose this ambitious novel with great ideas over several other shortlisted books, including Meg Mason's bestsellers Sorrow and Bliss.
But The Book of Form and Void is a worthy winner, and the award will help raise the profile of a talented writer.
Teenager Benny O is the hero. His father, a jazz clarinetist, was hit by a truck full of chickens, and before long, Benny started hearing voices. Plates, moldy cheese, and scissors appeal to him. At the same time, Annabel's mother processes her grief by making a mess and pretending Benny is just a child.
In addition, there is a framing device. Several chapters narrated in the Book, acting as characters in their own right, lay down the essence and meaning of the story. Interestingly, Louise Erdrich's novel The Verdict, which is mainly set in a small independent bookstore in Minneapolis, is also a kind of love letter to reading.
I admit that I was more interested in the relationship between Benny and Annabel and less involved in the Book's story.
With over 500 pages, The Book of Form and Void is a great novel full of ideas and characters. However, I hope I don't take it too seriously. He also has a lot of wit and humor.
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