Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Mathematician's Shiva summary
Stuart Rojstaczer
Brief summary
The Mathematician's Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer is a captivating novel that delves into the world of mathematics and the legacy of a renowned mathematician. It explores family dynamics, intellectual pursuits, and the quest for truth.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Mathematician's Shiva
Summary of key ideas
Family and Legacy
In The Mathematician's Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer, we meet Alexander 'Sasha' Karnokovitch, a professor of mathematics in the United States. The story begins with the death of his mother, Rachela, a world-renowned mathematician who fled Poland during World War II. As per Jewish tradition, a week-long mourning period or shiva is held, and mathematicians from around the world descend on the small town in Madison, Wisconsin to pay their respects, and possibly find a solution to Rachela's last mathematical conundrum.
Throughout the shiva, we are introduced to the eccentric and diverse group of mathematicians who have gathered to honor Rachela. This group includes her former colleagues, students, and rivals. As the days progress, Sasha begins to understand the impact his mother had on the world of mathematics, and the extent to which her work has influenced his own life and career.
Flashbacks and Mathematical Mysteries
Interwoven with the present-day events are flashbacks that take us through Rachela's life. We learn about her early years in Poland, her escape from the Nazis, and her journey to the United States. Along the way, we witness her groundbreaking work in mathematics, her struggles as a female mathematician in a male-dominated field, and her complex relationships with her colleagues and students.
As the shiva progresses, the mathematicians become increasingly obsessed with Rachela's final, unsolved mathematical problem. They search her house for clues, dissect her old notebooks, and even interrogate her pet parrot, Tuki. The mystery surrounding the problem, and its potential solution, becomes a central focus of the novel, mirroring the enigmatic nature of Rachela herself.
Personal Reflections and Growth
Amidst the mathematical fervor, Sasha reflects on his own relationship with his mother. He grapples with his conflicting feelings of admiration, resentment, and love for the woman who was both a mathematical genius and a distant, sometimes neglectful parent. As the shiva progresses, Sasha comes to terms with his mother's flaws and begins to appreciate the impact of her legacy on his own life.
Simultaneously, the visiting mathematicians also undergo personal transformations. As they delve deeper into Rachela's work, they confront their own fears, insecurities, and unfulfilled ambitions. The shiva becomes a space for them to confront their relationships with mathematics, success, and mortality.
The Mathematician's Final Act
As the shiva draws to a close, the mathematicians gather for a final, poignant act of remembrance. They release Tuki, Rachela's parrot, into the sky, symbolizing their acknowledgment of Rachela's passing and the release of her unsolved problem into the world. In this act, they honor Rachela's legacy and the enduring spirit of inquiry and exploration that defines mathematics.
In conclusion, The Mathematician's Shiva is a rich, multi-layered novel that explores the intersection of mathematics, family, and legacy. Through the lens of a unique shiva, the book delves into the lives of complex characters, the mysteries of mathematics, and the enduring impact of a remarkable woman. It offers a poignant and humorous reflection on the human pursuit of knowledge and the complicated relationships that shape our lives.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Mathematician's Shiva about?
The Mathematician's Shiva by Stuart Rojstaczer is a novel that delves into the world of mathematics and family. When a renowned mathematician passes away, her son invites her colleagues and students to sit shiva, a Jewish mourning ritual. As they gather to honor her memory, old secrets and rivalries resurface, and the true legacy of this brilliant woman is revealed.
The Mathematician's Shiva Review
The Mathematician's Shiva (2014) delves into the world of mathematics, family relationships, and the legacy of a renowned mathematician. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores the complexities of family dynamics in academia, showcasing both the obstacles and joys that come with intellectual pursuits.
- Interweaves cultural heritage and scientific passion, providing a rich tapestry of traditions and intellectual curiosity.
- With its blend of humor and heartbreak, the book immerses readers in a unique and poignant exploration of legacy and love.
Who should read The Mathematician's Shiva?
Math enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the world of theoretical mathematics
Readers who appreciate family sagas and multi-generational stories
Those interested in the intersection of science, culture, and personal identity
Categories with The Mathematician's Shiva
Book summaries like The Mathematician's Shiva
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Mathematician's Shiva FAQs
What is the main message of The Mathematician's Shiva?
The main message of The Mathematician's Shiva is the legacy and brilliance of a legendary mathematician.
How long does it take to read The Mathematician's Shiva?
Reading The Mathematician's Shiva takes some hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of that time.
Is The Mathematician's Shiva a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Mathematician's Shiva is worth reading for its insightful portrayal of family, genius, and tradition.
Who is the author of The Mathematician's Shiva?
The author of The Mathematician's Shiva is Stuart Rojstaczer.
What to read after The Mathematician's Shiva?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Mathematician's Shiva, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh