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nadia_b's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
holmstead's review against another edition
2.0
If you like math, A LOT, and like it compared to love while a woman figures out who she should love, give it a try. Lol
cassiewbee's review
5.0
4.75/5
The brilliance of this novel really sneaks up on you.
The first half felt disjointed and I wasn’t really sure where it was going, but the last half really packed a punch. I also appreciated the first half more when viewed from the end, because it encapsulated the essence of the main character perfectly. The closer to the end I got, the less jumbled the story felt and, assuming it was deliberate, this was a brilliant way to structure the novel, because as the main character starts to gain perspective on her life and loves, so does the story become clearer for the reader.
By the end of the story I had a deep appreciation for the characters, which at first just seemed shallow and unlikable. They were thoroughly imperfect and very human characters.
This story is an ode to love - in all its messy, hypnotic, obsessive, real and perfect forms.
The brilliance of this novel really sneaks up on you.
The first half felt disjointed and I wasn’t really sure where it was going, but the last half really packed a punch. I also appreciated the first half more when viewed from the end, because it encapsulated the essence of the main character perfectly. The closer to the end I got, the less jumbled the story felt and, assuming it was deliberate, this was a brilliant way to structure the novel, because as the main character starts to gain perspective on her life and loves, so does the story become clearer for the reader.
By the end of the story I had a deep appreciation for the characters, which at first just seemed shallow and unlikable. They were thoroughly imperfect and very human characters.
This story is an ode to love - in all its messy, hypnotic, obsessive, real and perfect forms.
sonia_reppe's review
5.0
I knew I was going to love this book by the second paragraph:
I know quotes are not allowed before the release date unless checked with the publisher, but those sentences are so perfect, no way will they edit or change that. Also, the last sentence at the very end!
This book might be my favorite of 2019. Right now it ties with City of Girls. They have equally good stories; COG has more colorful characters, whereas this book has a perfect, profound ending. There are not many perfect endings. This is very rare.
Katya's mother was a math expert; in her last year of life she wrote down philosophical notes framed with mathematical truths that Katya uses to provide context for looking at her own life. This 1st-person POV immigrant/mother-daughter/coming-of-age story spans Katya's childhood, marriage, immigration to New York, early career, reluctant motherhood and love affairs up until her mother's end of life, which correlates with some other endings in Katya's life.
SO GOOD!!
I did eat caviar in a romantic setting once. With a very rich Russian man who I agreed to marry even though I was still married to Len and still in love with B.
I know quotes are not allowed before the release date unless checked with the publisher, but those sentences are so perfect, no way will they edit or change that. Also, the last sentence at the very end!
This book might be my favorite of 2019. Right now it ties with City of Girls. They have equally good stories; COG has more colorful characters, whereas this book has a perfect, profound ending. There are not many perfect endings. This is very rare.
Katya's mother was a math expert; in her last year of life she wrote down philosophical notes framed with mathematical truths that Katya uses to provide context for looking at her own life. This 1st-person POV immigrant/mother-daughter/coming-of-age story spans Katya's childhood, marriage, immigration to New York, early career, reluctant motherhood and love affairs up until her mother's end of life, which correlates with some other endings in Katya's life.
SO GOOD!!
rjcarte3's review
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lori_reads_everything's review
5.0
I loved this book, and yet somehow am struggling to find a way to explain and review it.
Divide Me By Zero is a novel that reads like a memoir. Katya is a Russian immigrant who is struggling with her mother's terminal cancer, while also trying to sort out the relationships with the men in her life. Her mother, who writes math textbooks, is determined to write one more book before she goes - a project that Katya takes on for her mother in the end.
This story is a testament to the complexity of love, the struggles of motherhood, and the heartbreaking reality of caring for a terminally ill parent. The authenticity with which it shows love and grief, while maintaining a dark sense of humor was so real it was hard to believe I was reading fiction. Amazing.
Divide Me By Zero is a novel that reads like a memoir. Katya is a Russian immigrant who is struggling with her mother's terminal cancer, while also trying to sort out the relationships with the men in her life. Her mother, who writes math textbooks, is determined to write one more book before she goes - a project that Katya takes on for her mother in the end.
This story is a testament to the complexity of love, the struggles of motherhood, and the heartbreaking reality of caring for a terminally ill parent. The authenticity with which it shows love and grief, while maintaining a dark sense of humor was so real it was hard to believe I was reading fiction. Amazing.
fiafour's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sjrb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
My grandfather read this book shortly after his wife, my grandmother, passed away. It was (and is) really difficult for him to reconcile his feelings, his grief, loss, and rage. He told me this book put all of that complex feeling into words. As he read this, he saw his own story reflected back. There was such a strong emotional truth to this book for him, and it helped him a lot. Truly, he talked about this book for an hour and a half. I cannot speak to the book well (I read it almost a year ago), but if you’re looking for an elderly widower’s opinion, this book has my grandpa’s stamp of approval.
robforteath's review
3.0
The writing is good and witty, and the characters are nicely done.
Unfortunately, about 80% of the plot is mediocre, just a meandering tale of romantic relationships that isn't particularly fresh or captivating. The book redeems itself somewhat in the final chapters; it's just too bad that you have to read through the rest of it to get there.
Unfortunately, about 80% of the plot is mediocre, just a meandering tale of romantic relationships that isn't particularly fresh or captivating. The book redeems itself somewhat in the final chapters; it's just too bad that you have to read through the rest of it to get there.