A story of family and love where we get a glimpse into what it might be like living with a neurodivergent person who we love more than anything.
Feature image credit: Pan Macmillan Australia
Kara Gnodde was born in Johannesburg and graduated from the University of Cape Town. She has lived in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but now lives in London with her family. After hearing a discussion on the radio about a maths problem that could change the world, she used this as a basis for her debut novel The Theory Of (Not Quite) Everything.
Siblings Mimi and Art have lost their parents in a terrible tragedy and are navigating a world without them. Neurodivergent Art is a mathematical genius who, as well as working at a university, is obsessed with trying to prove that p=N — something that could change the world as we know it.
Mimi has a new job working as an assistant Foley artist with her best friend Rey and spends the rest of her time looking after Art. This is almost a fulltime occupation in itself as he is very needy. He has difficulty functioning in the world without his sister’s guidance and she adores him. But, something is missing in her life. She needs a man to love and who will love her. But what would happen to Art? The premise is a lot like the storyline in the film Love Actually where Sarah (played by Laura Linney) is in love with her co-worker Karl but is torn between finding happiness and looking after her brother. Mimi has the same struggles. Art tries to help by writing a dating algorithm because he believes you need to take the emotion out of choosing a partner, but true love often occurs when you least expect it.
The Theory Of (Not Quite) Everything constantly changes timelines as it swaps between the present, the protagonists’ childhood, and the time they lost their parents. Each time we move back we discover a little bit more information about why they are the way that they are and what motivates their decisions. And it seems that everyone has their secrets. It is mostly told through the eyes of both Art and Mimi, which helps us to connect with both siblings. Each chapter is quite short, which encourages the reader to read “just one more chapter”.
This is a story of love and family. At what point do we put our own needs first and how long should we carry guilt? Maths is also at the core of this story, but those readers who have a love/hate relationship with the subject need not fear as it is the background to the main story of the siblings. It also looks at the broader themes of trust, friendship, and loneliness.
The Theory Of (Not Quite) Everything did start slow, but definitely picked up after halfway. As the characters in the book uncover more secrets, we become more invested in the outcome and their overall happiness. This was overall an enjoyable read.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Pan Macmillan Australia
Released: February 2023
RRP: $34.99
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