The Housekeeper and the Professor
by Yoko Ogawa
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Book Reviews of The Housekeeper and the Professor
Book Review: Fantastic Gift for a Favorite Math Teacher
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a quick read with a rich message that will appeal to any math professor, especially one who is a baseball fan. Ms. Ogawa's knowledge of mathematical formulas helps bring the character of the professor alive. It is also a interesting look at modern Japanese culture and at human relationships that can develop through interactions with handicapped persons. The bond that develops between the professor and "Root", the housekeeper's son, is a touching rendition of a strong teacher/student relationship. So, this short inspiring story is a great read that should appeal to educators, baseball fans, mathematicians and anyone who likes reading about people and their relationships with others.Book Review: Not for the Math Challenged
Summary: 2 Stars
Did the mathematics add to the story? Since I am not fascinated with mathematical equations, prime numbers and theories I found large chunks of this book boring. The characters had the potential to be interesting but turned out to be rather predictable. Here is a struggling single mother housekeeper who works overtime for no extra money, shops for items for the professor and never complains. While she is compassionate toward the professor I could have a really good discussion about her parenting skills. The sorrow and despair that surrounds the main characters was palpable and this book left me questioning what I missed since it had so many great reviews.Book Review: A good read
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed reading this short novel because of it's beautiful use of language to tell a seemingly simple story. The use of mathematics was really neat. The characters were well-developed, and it was a joy to read. The relationships of the housekeeper, the professor, and her son changed in unexpected ways over time.
My only disappointment was that the story did not seem to have a climax, and I closed the book wondering, "So what?" This may be one of those cultural differences, or maybe I read too many of the same type of book.
Overall, reading the book was enjoyable, but I felt a twinge of disappointment at the end.
Book Review: Book about relationships and what makes them real - NOT ABOUT MATH!
Summary: 5 Stars
I could not put this book down and I have to say I detest math. The problems and explanations the professor presents are a quite eloquent way to draw parallels to the things happening between the people. It's definitely a character study and not "action packed" - so if you like lots of thrills and twists, you probably won't take to it as well, though there are a few twists... if you like stories about unlikely friendships that make you think, you will probably really enjoy it. I came to really care about the characters and could really feel them caring about each other. I read it in just a couple of sittings. Highly recommend.Book Review: Like Japanese painting and math itself, sparse but exquisitely elegant
Summary: 5 Stars
This won't be long, but I wanted to make my review vote count for one of the absolute best books I've ever read. Simply delightful. It reminds me of exquisite Japanese painting - an elegant, simple story with a few perfectly drawn, lyrical characters drawing you into a simple, sweet little story. I read a brief review of it in the Times Book Review and ordered it. What a lovely surprise! Short, so sweet, completely innovative. I cared for all of the characters and couldn't put it down. I delighted in the math and I'm not a math person. Yea for a happy, inspiring book. Wish there were more like this.