Love at First Calculation

Love at First Calculation

A Book Review on G. Suri and H. Singh Bal's. "A Certain Ambiguity"

It has been a long time since I have actually read a novel. This book struck me in two ways: (1) the cover says its a mathematical novel, and (2) I have never read or seen a mathematical novel. Why? Maybe because it never picked my interest before. When we see or hear the word 'Math'. usually, the first things that come to mind are numbers, calculators, formulas, reference books, etc. So, it got me thinking, how could mathematics be incorporated in a novel and now that I have a chance to read such new genre (for me), I figured let's do it.

The book started with a flashback of our protagonist, Ravi Kapoor, when he was still with his grandfather,Vijay Sahni, who introduced him to the beauty of Mathematics. At a young age, his grandfather, who he calls 'Bauji', gave him a mathematical problem for him to try to solve on a calculator which eventually led him to discover his fascination with hidden patterns in solving as well as in the environment. Working with the given problem insinuated a desire for him to know more about the mathematical world that when his grandfather died, he did not stay mourning over their family's loss. Instead, he went into Bauji's room and listened to his songs for quite a time. It is important to note that in the single instance that Bauji gave Ravi a mathematical problem, Ravi discovered what he wanted and pursued his dream, further exemplified by his roommate when he was admitted to Stanford.

Ravi majored in economics in Stanford. He made friends with his course professor, Nico, who specializes in the field as his grandfather. Not long after that, the story splits into two directions: Nico's lecture involving infinity and its remarkable role in Mathematics and Ravi's discovery of his grandfather's philosophical discoveries of the truth in nature while he was in prison.

We now understand that, basically, Mathematics is built from philosophies of great minds. This novel contains a wide discussion of the theorems and philosophies in the subject. I felt like reading a diary. Ravi eventually pursued a mathematical career and got married. There were ups and downs while reading the book for me. But one thing is for sure: the authors have successfully incorporated Mathematics and its concepts in a novel. A Certain Ambiguity is certainly a very informative read.