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The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything

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And the maths? As with all devices of this nature, it isn’t there for mathematical purposes, it’s there because of what it says about us, our world and how we think and feel about ‘stuff’. Which is probably what maths is about anyway. PDF / EPUB File Name: The_Theory_of_Not_Quite_Everything_-_Kara_Gnodde.pdf, The_Theory_of_Not_Quite_Everything_-_Kara_Gnodde.epub Use plain and simple language. Start by saying the person has died. This leaves no room for doubt. Don’t use euphemisms—like “passed on,” or “they’re in a better place now.” “Lost” is particularly unhelpful—just imagine. But Gnodde makes it insightfully and empathetically clear that nothing we do is ever that simple, and much of The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything explores how hard it can be to get to an envisioned happy-ever-after, assuming it’s possible to get there at all.

A beautiful, warm-hearted and poignant story about two siblings, Art and Mimi, who, bound by their parents’ tragic deaths, find themselves living together with their outlook aligned on not quite everything. The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything” is poignant, relevant and knows how to tug at all the right heartstrings. Mimi and Art are siblings who have had only each other to lean on and look out for since the death of their parents, but Art’s intelligence and quirky neurodivergent mind have made it difficult for Mimi to live her own life. Their bond is unique, but will touch a chord with anyone who has been affected by loss, or who has a complicated but powerful sibling relationship. She’d tell you: don’t procrastinate. The person will already know something is wrong from your demeanour, from the fact that you’re calling or visiting at all. We send countless signals without knowing. Their body will be preparing for an emergency. As Art's mistrust of Frank grows, so do Mimi's feelings, and the siblings' relationship is tested to breaking point. Something about Frank doesn't quite add up, and only Art can see it . . .

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review. After a nasty spat between the siblings that involves a pepper grinder and a broken wrist, Mimi goes away to break the tension. It’s during Mimi’s short absence that Art is hit by Frank’s car and ends up in an induced coma, with a severe brain injury. Frank swears it was an accident. Can Mimi believe him? Will she lose her brother? And if he survives, will Art lose his maths? A story of two siblings, a brother and sister, who look out for one another and have only got each other after the untimely demise of both their parents.

Art thinks people are incapable of making sensible decisions, especially when it comes to love. That’s what algorithms are for. This was so moving, by the end and the final facts coming to light I was sobbing just a little bit. But a beautiful resolution and a very affecting story, would recommend. Not enough maths to put anyone off who's not a fan, but it was well integrated into the plot. They take up so much space in her hallway she has to inch around them to lead the way down the hallway to the kitchen, where she can ask the question she thinks she knows the answer to. Is he dead? She pushes the mail on the floor with her foot as if to tidy up. She sees his name on an envelope. She pulls her sweater down to straighten herself out and smudges imagined mascara residue from beneath her eyes, attending to some abstract decorum required for these moments, just before everything falls apart.With a level of mystery you find yourself playing detective and trying to slot all the pieces of the jigsaw together. The days surrounding Art and Mimi’s separation were intriguing. But then Mimi meets Frank, another mathematician, who is also a romantic, spontaneous stargazer - definitely not algorithm –approved, and Art mistrusts him: something about Frank doesn't quite add up. As Mimi's feelings grow, the siblings' relationship is tested to breaking point... It is a very touching read too. It is a well-observed, beautifully and intelligently written novel, and everything is handled with great sensitivity. It is set within the context of a complex family situation, and it looks deeply into sibling relationships and family dynamics, as well as exploring themes of love, grief and loss. There are some dark points in the story and some readers may need to take care for triggers including suicide, death, brain injury and sexually predatorial behaviour, but, the overall effect is positive with its message that you have to come to terms with the past before you can move forward, and it is ultimately and overwhelmingly an uplifting and positive read. It’s a lot to take in,’ says Ernest, looking at his watch. ‘phew, it’s past nine. Supper will be here soon.’ Silence settles between them.

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything by Kara Gnodde is a tender, intelligent and uplifting novel about brothers and sisters, true love in all its forms, and how life is more than just a numbers game . . . Artie,” she says. She wills his body for a sign. But his arms lie flaccid; no hand signals, no blinks. He isn’t going to flash his eyes open or tap out a hello with his index finger.

Maybe I shouldn't write a review straight after finishing a book, as a couple of glistening tears are still drying under my eyes. But I didn't expect to be as moved as I was when I begun this. I thought I was getting more of a Rosie Project comedy. It’s impossible to prepare someone for the news of a loved one’s death. But there are rules for such moments, and Mimi has seen them in action before. Mimi has always taken care of her brother Art, without often thinking about herself. Art reminded me of Sheldon Cooper in a sense. He is fiercely loyal to those he loves, but does not always see the full picture when he doesn't have all the facts. Is there in fact any way that one way can rule over the other, or do they blend together in such a way that separating one from the other is next to impossible?

The best time to read a book depends on your personal schedule and preferences. Here are some suggestions: Art and Mimi Brotherton are siblings and housemates. Since their parents tragically died they have been there for each other. Art is a mathematical genius - probably on the spectrum - and Mimi has devoted herself to looking after him. He shines academically whilst she hides her light under the domestic bushel. Art and Mimi have a sibling bond that screams loyalty. Bound together through a tragedy you see their faults and the strength they give each other. Anyone who has a sibling will understand how complex those familial relations can be. It was interesting to see them develop together and separately. Those who like quirky family stories will really enjoy this. The blurb references ‘Eleanor Oliphant’. The writing isn’t quite as nuanced, but it is still good. It does flip perspectives a fair bit between the two main characters. But it didn’t take me too long to get used to it. Now in their thirties, Mimi braves opening up and saying she wants to look for love. Art agrees - if she in turn will agree to follow a mathematical formula for finding someone suitable. As we can all guess, love and formulae are not likely to go hand in hand, and Mimi meets Frank outside of her brother's agreed schedule, setting and sums.Small ish,” corrects PC Payne. “He’s badly hurt.” The driver of the car stopped, Mimi learns, and is very shaken up. Art’s unconscious—he caught the side or the wing mirror, they’re not sure which, and hit his head. He leaped out in front of the car, apparently, with no warning. Gnodde commented: “In The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything, the siblings are involved in a love triangle of sorts – with maths as its beating heart. Art tries to convince his beloved sister that the world can be navigated with rationality, anchored in numbers. But the bonds of family and the calculations of the heart can be determined to follow a logic of their own. It was immediately clear that Mantle was the right home for Mimi and Art: they were so enthusiastic about the off-beat, complicated siblings, and we agreed on the balance between family drama, love and the riff on maths. The editorial process has been a joy – the whole Mantle team is fantastic.” Mantle has pre-empted The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything, an “extraordinary” novel by Kara Gnodde, to be published as its lead début fiction title for 2023. Debut author Kara Gnodde delivers an emotional, quirky and creative plot with “ The Rosie Project” and “ The Maid” vibes, with characters that are just as likable and honest.

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