Poignant and thoughtful

I went into this book wary, knowing that maths isn't my strong suit at all and if the book required it to be, I would struggle. I needn't have worried too much. Yes, mathematical concepts are discussed in some detail during a few sections, but they are always an allegory for something else which is easy enough to pick up on.

So yes, in actual fact I loved this book and was profoundly moved by it. It has something of an unusual structure, the reason for which is elucidated in notes from both the author and the translator at the end. The themes of mathematics, classic music and literature are cleverly woven in. Rakel is an eccentric character, no doubt about that, with a certain naivety and an awkwardness in engaging with the world. But she also has so many endearing traits and is clearly a very capable person - I couldn't help but smile when she took her shoes off and stood on a chair to solve a maths problem because "this one is going to need the whole board".

The reflections made between her life and that of Sofia Kovalevskaya are Rakel's process of forming her own view of the world, and the continual reference to the space in between dark and light, major and minor, love and loneliness makes for a uniquely poignant timbre. (Timbre being a word appropriately used often in this English translation.)

I found the language beautiful and the ideas presented touching and relatable. There was a stretch about 70% in where I felt the book began to wander and I thought perhaps it might get a little dull after a very engaging first two-thirds, but it got back on track after Rakel meets David and I finished the book satisfied.

This won't be a book for everyone. Personally, I loved it.

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