The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano
- Fiction -
reviewed by Amanda
purchased from the publisher
Links
Author’s Website : www.paologiordano.it
Amazon : hardback / paperback / eBook
Add To Your GoodReads TBR list
This book in 6 words:
Finishing this leaves me contemplative, reaching.
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
A friend of mine posted this about The Solitude of Prime Numbers on Facebook: “Couldn’t sleep so woke up at 4:30am to finish reading The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano. I just want to hold it in my hands for the rest of the day.” After reading that, I decided to add the book to my TBR list. After reading the book, I find myself experiencing a similar type of reaction. I just want to stare at the cover, contemplating its hopeful irony. I can’t put a finger on what it is about the story that grabbed me, but it did. It’s not a happy story. But it’s a human story. Somehow, that is more important than a happy ending.
Brief Summary
A bestselling international literary sensation about whether a “prime number” can ever truly connect with someone else A prime number can only be divided by itself or by one-it never truly fits with another. Alice and Mattia, both “primes,” are misfits who seem destined to be alone. Haunted by childhood tragedies that mark their lives, they cannot reach out to anyone else. When Alice and Mattia meet as teenagers, they recognize in each other a kindred, damaged spirit.But the mathematically gifted Mattia accepts a research position that takes him thousands of miles away, and the two are forced to separate. Then a chance occurrence reunites them and forces a lifetime of concealed emotion to the surface.
Like Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- Time, this is a stunning meditation on loneliness, love, and the weight of childhood experience that is set to become a universal classic.
(via Amazon.com)
Plot/Pacing/Writing Style
The story is broken up both by different years spanning from 1983 to 2007, and by the stories of the two main characters. This was flawlessly maintained, and the jumps in time, as well as characters seemed to be natural, as if underscoring how their lives were intertwined. I read this book in one day; although it wasn’t in a single sitting, I could have easily done it that way. Both the plot and writing style are fantastic.
Characters
“In his first year at university, Mattia had learned that, among prime numbers, there are some that are even more special. Mathematicians call them twin primes: pairs of prime numbers that are close to each other, almost neighbors, but between them there is always an even number that prevents them from truly touching.” On the front cover of the book, there is a picture of two peas, next to each other, in a pod. I think this is the dichotomy that most draws me to this book. Both of these things, taken together, seem to contradict each other. Except they don’t. Mattia and Alice are both prime numbers; they are like peas in a pod. They are twin primes. I wanted to love Mattia and help Alice; I took these characters into my heart. They weren’t perfect – far from it – but that is why they work.
Recommendations
If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you think and meditate on life, intimacy and loneliness, this one will do it. It’s not happy, but it is memorable.
You read the most interesting books! It sounds like it is a fantastic read though very thought provoking! I like characters that are flawed, I think it makes them more real and interesting.
Great Pick!
Love the cover, love the title. I love a creative read that will make me think. This has been on my wishlist for some time; I’ll have to move it up a few notches.
Felicia, thanks.
I used to be stuck in the romance genre, but since I’ve branched out, I’ve read a lot of really cool books I probably wouldn’t have touched otherwise. I also really like characters that are so obviously flawed, but still find a way to cope with life.
Mrs. DeRaps, hope you like it!
Since I made a TBR list at GoodReads I’ll have to add this, sounds very interesting!
“I just want to hold it in my hands for the rest of the day.”
Amanda!
I have to agree with you! When you read a quote like that, it is an instant drawl! WOW!
I think human stories are very powerful and therapeutic. And the feelings that are developed because of loneliness are very tough to overcome and it is something that is often not address enough in fictional literature, or if it is, it is not address seriously or significantly.
Although Math has always stumped me, I enjoy finding literature gems that are smart and stimulating. I am excited to read this book based on your review.
Before I order this book, (momentarily forgets about her vow to stick to BBB) I’m wondering if it something that I should own as a hardback (some books are so great you need them as a hardback, yanno) or just get an e-book.
Please offer your .02.
Thanks!
Missie, I bought this in hardback because I went through the publisher (I had a gift certificate of sorts) and it appeared to be the only format they were selling. I’m not one to buy books, period, so I may not be the best one to answer the question of what format you should get it in. All I will say is that the cover provided some fascination when compared to the plot line, and is integrally involved in my love for the book itself.
Oh Wow Amanda,
I started reading this book late last night. I thought, I will just read one chapter before bed, gotta get up for work tomorrow. OMG! I couldn’t put it down! I’m hopelessly in love with Mattia. My heart totally bleeds for him.
I read until I passed out and then I dreamed the story. This morning I woke up in a panic for some reason. Probably had to do with the fact I was late for work. LOL
Thanks for the recommendation. I may have never heard of this book if not for your review.
@ Missie : Now I wish I hadn’t taken it back to the library…