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iddylu's review against another edition
3.0
I really, really liked the first two-thirds of this book, but something about the end fell a bit flat to me - it felt rushed and a little disjointed compared to the rest.
kaimilo1's review against another edition
4.0
The protagonist is largely driven by his affection for order- especially through the lens of mathematics. Mentioned in the authors note, Gödel, Ester, Bach was a leading influence on the strutting of the novel, and the oscillations of repeated conflict can be easily understood in these highly structured forms.
I would consider the book a 3.5, but the resolution was quite satisfying to me- which sang reminiscently to some of my favorite works of Bach. While sometimes slow, the structure is beautifully done.
I would consider the book a 3.5, but the resolution was quite satisfying to me- which sang reminiscently to some of my favorite works of Bach. While sometimes slow, the structure is beautifully done.
megatsunami's review against another edition
4.0
This book started out by going in some unexpected/ unpredictable directions. As it went on, there were some cliched elements, and also I felt like the character was a little overly savant (like, in one moment he doesn't really understand other people's emotions, and in the next chapter he's developing a whole plan of action based on a sophisticated analysis of other people's body language). Still, I really enjoyed the action and I liked the twist at the end.
Spoiler
I didn't really think the ending where he stays with Yeong-ae was super realistic. She doesn't seem like someone who will stay with you, Gilmo! Don't trust her!marshaskrypuch's review against another edition
5.0
A very unusual novel about a young North Korean math savant who is found beside the murdered body of an unidentified man in New York.
The boy is taken to the hospital for treatment but also must be interrogated by police, but because of his difficulties in relating to people, this is a challenge. He does pour out his story bit by bit to another person, who, like him, speaks the language of numbers and symbols and in this way, the reader learns what happened to him.
In some ways the character reminds me of Forrest Gump. The boy is brilliant and easy to be taken advantage of, but what an uplifting story it is to follow his journey from a prison camp in North Korea all the way to the Statue of Liberty. He is such a true and trusting friend to the few who can relate to him. Many try to take advantage of his gift along the way and that in itself puts him into amazing circumstances.
Beautifully written, nuanced characters, great research. LOVE love this novel.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of a fair review.
The boy is taken to the hospital for treatment but also must be interrogated by police, but because of his difficulties in relating to people, this is a challenge. He does pour out his story bit by bit to another person, who, like him, speaks the language of numbers and symbols and in this way, the reader learns what happened to him.
In some ways the character reminds me of Forrest Gump. The boy is brilliant and easy to be taken advantage of, but what an uplifting story it is to follow his journey from a prison camp in North Korea all the way to the Statue of Liberty. He is such a true and trusting friend to the few who can relate to him. Many try to take advantage of his gift along the way and that in itself puts him into amazing circumstances.
Beautifully written, nuanced characters, great research. LOVE love this novel.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of a fair review.
nuhafariha's review against another edition
4.0
A truly improbable story, though as the plucky narrator would try to prove with some math theorem not impossible at all. Told in a poetic manner, mixing science and math amid a war torn, capitalist backdrop. Last 50 pages tried to wrap things up too quickly.
thenthememoriesfade's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I picked up this book a while ago but put it down because of classes and the fact that the book wasn’t what I expected. I thought it would be a murder mystery where the main character Gil-mo would help the police solve the crime with his knowledge of math.
The book is actually about Gil-mo’s past, how he defected from North Korea, and his journey to America. Therefore the book goes back and forth between the past and the present time.
Overall, I enjoyed the book especially since the author did some research about the experiences of North Korean defectors. But all the math things, I couldn’t understand a single thing for the life of me.
The book is actually about Gil-mo’s past, how he defected from North Korea, and his journey to America. Therefore the book goes back and forth between the past and the present time.
Overall, I enjoyed the book especially since the author did some research about the experiences of North Korean defectors. But all the math things, I couldn’t understand a single thing for the life of me.
felix07's review against another edition
5.0
it got its own folder
this was such a beautiful book, and i feel like i know so much more
this was such a beautiful book, and i feel like i know so much more
aridoubra's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was an adventure spanning countries and continents. Following Gilmo, we see life through the eyes of a young mathematician who is so kind and resolute in finding Young Ae.
h_reads's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0