The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa

Description

“The Housekeeper and the Professor” is a novel written by Japanese author Yoko Ogawa. Originally published in 2003 in Japan, the novel has since been translated into English and has gained international recognition for its touching and unique storyline.

The story revolves around the relationship between a brilliant but amnesiac mathematician, referred to as “the Professor,” and his housekeeper. Due to a traumatic brain injury, the Professor’s memory is limited to just eighty minutes. His short-term memory is reset daily, and he can no longer retain new memories. However, he retains his mathematical genius and a deep love for numbers.

The housekeeper, whose name we never learn and is referred to as “the Housekeeper,” is tasked with caring for the Professor. Over time, she discovers a deep connection with him, particularly through his love of mathematics. The Professor teaches her about numbers and shares mathematical puzzles and concepts with her. As their friendship grows, they form a unique and heartwarming bond.

Yoko Ogawa’s novel is known for its exploration of memory, mathematics, and the beauty of human connections. It weaves a touching and gentle narrative, highlighting the way mathematics can be a universal language that transcends memory loss. “The Housekeeper and the Professor” is a story of love, friendship, and the enduring impact of the human spirit, making it a poignant and memorable work in contemporary literature.