Scan barcode
A review by hthuwal
Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
An excellent collation of Western philosophy, beautifully packaged in a semi-epistolary metaphysical mystery novel.
The book begins with Sophie receiving two notes in the mailbox, each posing a question: “Who are you?” and “Where does the world come from?” This prompts Sophie (and the reader) to embark on a philosophical journey with a mysterious correspondent, covering thinkers from Socrates to Sartre. Meanwhile, strange, mysterious, and seemingly impossible events unfold around Sophie. She tries to use the philosophies she’s learning to explain these strange occurrences but the truth turns out to be stranger than she could imagine.
The book begins with Sophie receiving two notes in the mailbox, each posing a question: “Who are you?” and “Where does the world come from?” This prompts Sophie (and the reader) to embark on a philosophical journey with a mysterious correspondent, covering thinkers from Socrates to Sartre. Meanwhile, strange, mysterious, and seemingly impossible events unfold around Sophie. She tries to use the philosophies she’s learning to explain these strange occurrences but the truth turns out to be stranger than she could imagine.