あるときや
ことのはもちり
おちばなか

For the time being,
Words scatter . . .
Are they fallen leaves?

What a wonderful book to slowly read while travelling through Japan for two weeks. A Tale for the Time Being is a mesmerising story about Ruth and Nao, connected by words, time and the mysterious way the universe works.

I enjoyed the way Ozeki littered the text with Japanese with footnotes and references for some of the terms and phrases, alongside explanations of the Buddhist rituals at Jiko’s temple. She was able to offer explanation where it was needed and added value, with much of Nao’s experience of growing up American/Japanese in Japan being extremely linked to Japanese culture and societal norms.

I was especially thrilled to be reading about Nao’s journey and experience of staying at the temple near Sendai, whilst I happened to be staying in Sendai - which was not planned at all!

I will admit that whilst I loved some of the whimsy and fantasy that is woven in, especially towards the end of the novel, I’m not sure it was really needed to round out the story - but I’ll leave that there so as not to post any spoilers.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read for me and another 5 Star rating for 2019.