“The Housekeeper and the Professor” by Yoko Ogawa explores a delicate interaction between math and human interactions. Ogawa weaves an unique narrative between her characters, the housekeeper, her son, Root, and the professor that transcends time and memory.
The professor, a brilliant mathematician with a memory that lasts 80 minutes. He is a symbol of time in its fragility. Memories are the evidence of time and with limited memory capacity, the professor challenges that reality of existing with the power of math.
The housekeeper, a pragmatic and kind woman, serves as the bridge connecting the professor and the outside word. Being around the Professor, the housekeeper is integrated into the mathematical lens in which the Professor views the world which in turn, better helps her understand herself, her son, Root and the world.
Root, the housekeeper’s son, serves as a symbol of the future within the limited capacity of Professor’s 80-minute window. The 11-year-old child embodies innocence, curiosity, and an outlet for Professor’s innate protectiveness.
This book revolves around the theme of mathematics as the universal language where humans are attracted to the beauty in complexities. Ogawa seamlessly integrates math concepts in such a way that audiences with and without mathematical knowledge can enjoy the book. Her pacing of the narrative is deliberate which allows the readers to savor each delicate moment as the characters are experiencing them. “The Housekeeper and the Professor” is a literary gem intertwining math, memory, and affection