A book about math and memory - 201 words

The Housekeeper and the Professor (2003), by Yoko Ogawa, tells a story about a housekeeper. She is hired to care for a smart mathematician. His memory only lasts 80 minutes because of an accident. Every day, he forgets and rediscovers the world and people around him. But he creates special connections through his love of numbers. The narrator shows patience, empathy and never gives up. When facing the Professor's problems,she builds a relationship based on acceptance and understanding. Her son, who the Professor calls Root, joins them. The woman becomes the emotional support, creating human connection every day even though he forgets. Ogawa explores the beauty of temporary moments and small things. The novel asks what remains when memory fades: humanity, kindness and shared feelings. Math becomes a common language showing the hidden beauty of the world. The relationship between these three characters celebrates the human ability to create meaning and warmth.

Yoko Ogawa

Cette nouvelle illustre la mémorisation en pair via cette extrait : “Dès que je voyais des nombres premiers, je pensais au professeur. Les chiffres se dissimulaient n'importe où dans la vie quotidienne. Sur un ticket de supermarché, une plaque de porte, un horaire d'autobus, une date limite de consommation d'un paquet de jambon, une note de Root à un contrôle... Tout en restant fidèles à leur rôle officiel, ils protégeaient bravement leur signification d'origine dissimulée derrière.”