Helpful Score: 7
It's not often that a book moves me the way this one did. After devouring most of it yesterday, even staying up late in the night, I finally finished it this morning, with tears streaming down my face.
This is a beautifully written novel (written by Ms. Ogawa in Japanese and translated by Stephen Snyder). It's a simple story of a woman who is the housekeeper for a mathematical genius - one who survived a tragic accident almost 20 years before leaving him with a short-term memory that lasts only 80 minutes. Each day, she must re-introduce herself when she comes to work. The Professor lives with notes clipped to his clothes, reminders to help him live. When he meets her son, he insists that she bring him with her every day. Nicknamed Root, the son and the Professor develop a fascinating relationship, sharing a love of math and baseball.
I could go on and on describing this book, its loveliness, and its love in every single page. Instead I will just say, please please read this book.
This is a beautifully written novel (written by Ms. Ogawa in Japanese and translated by Stephen Snyder). It's a simple story of a woman who is the housekeeper for a mathematical genius - one who survived a tragic accident almost 20 years before leaving him with a short-term memory that lasts only 80 minutes. Each day, she must re-introduce herself when she comes to work. The Professor lives with notes clipped to his clothes, reminders to help him live. When he meets her son, he insists that she bring him with her every day. Nicknamed Root, the son and the Professor develop a fascinating relationship, sharing a love of math and baseball.
I could go on and on describing this book, its loveliness, and its love in every single page. Instead I will just say, please please read this book.
Helpful Score: 4
A single mother is assigned work as a housekeeper for an aging mathematics professor. Although once brilliant, the professor's mind lives permanently in the past as his short term memory only lasts 80 minutes. However, through mathematics the professor is able to forge a strong and lasting emotional bond with the housekeeper and her ten year old son.
It is difficult to describe the premise of The Housekeeper and the Professor in a way that will do it justice. The slim volume can be read in one sitting, but will stay with the reader long after its conclusion.
It is difficult to describe the premise of The Housekeeper and the Professor in a way that will do it justice. The slim volume can be read in one sitting, but will stay with the reader long after its conclusion.
Helpful Score: 2
This is an absolutely wonderful book on so many levels! It was the March selection for a book club of which I am a member. The discussion was terrific, with readers finding connections to their fear of math as a child, to autism, to Alzheimer's, to the definition of family, to family secrets. This book will be remembered and cherished by all who read it.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was an unexpected treat. Although short, it's 180 pages,it was wonderful and original. It made me ponder many things such as how would I live my life if I had only 80 minutes of short term memory? If I only live in the present, could I form a bond with anyone? So beauitfully written, the prose is gorgeous but spare. The mathematical elements add another enjoyable layer to the story. You will keep thinking about this story long after you have turned the last page. Very highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 1
This was such a beautiful little book, written with a very gentle touch. As an English major, I was completely bumfuddled by all the math allusions, but none of that bothered my interest in the story. The 3 main characters will stay with you for a long time after this book, and that is always a sign of a good read to me.
