I’d like to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for approving me for an ARC of this book.

➕ If you are looking for a quirky read then look no further. From Art’s obsession with maths and logic to Mimi’s need to find her own life, this book has a refreshing take on a well-told trope. Whilst a lot of the mathematics did go over my head I enjoyed the different equations that Art came up with. His way of navigating life was unusual but gave this story a different edge.

🏊🏻 With a level of mystery you find yourself playing detective and trying to slot all the pieces of the jigsaw together. The days surrounding Art and Mimi’s separation were intriguing.

🧮 Art and Mimi have a sibling bond that screams loyalty. Bound together through a tragedy you see their faults and the strength they give each other. Anyone who has a sibling will understand how complex those familial relations can be. It was interesting to see them develop together and separately.

🔊 I found myself not trusting anyone in the story and changed my mind about the characters quite a few times. Let’s just say that nothing is as it seems but all the reveals were well-timed and executed brilliantly.

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything by Kara Gnodde is an exquisitely intelligent exploration of mathematics, family and the nature of love in its many forms, particularly the complex nature of sibling relationships and what might possibly transpire when this most significant of relationships knocks up hard against that of romantic love. I listened to this on audio, beautifully narrated by Pippa Bennett-Warner, 10 hours and 17 minutes long, and features an on the spectrum, maths professor and genius Art Brotherton, and his sister, Naomi 'Mimi', who might be perceived as 'less clever', the two live together. It is Art, with his anxieties, tendency to be right, and fascinating perspective of the world seen through the lens of mathematics and logic, that holds the centre of family attention with his driven focus on solving a critical maths problem that is deemed impossible.

Being siblings is not the only thing that binds the siblings tightly together, their family moved from South Africa, ensuring they felt like outsiders in the UK, with their bond strengthened with the tragic loss of their parents. Now in her 30s, Mimi is feeling lonely, and nudged by her best friend, Rey, feels the time has come for her to move on, and find love before it is all too late. Art offers to help her in her quest through the use of algorithms to ensure that Mimi makes the most sensible choice. Mimi agrees, things with Art begin to disintegrate when Mimi meets Frank, a mathematician she meets at an award ceremony and falls in love with, a meeting fraught with deception. Art becomes convinced that Frank cannot be trusted and sets out to prove it, only for it to result in anguish, and with Mimi and Ernest, Art's loyal assistant, turning detective.

In a narrative that shifts seamlessly from the past and the present, I have to admit it took me a little while to become fully invested, so I would strongly urge readers to persevere, in fact the novel becomes fast paced later on as the tension and suspense mounts. This is a joyous read, littered with truth reveal bombs and misunderstandings, as Art and Mimi begin to realise that little was as it appeared to be, even the messy and delightful Frank has his secrets, as does Rey too. I have no doubt that aspects of Art and Mimi's sibling relationship will resonate with many, such as the love and the biting mix of violence and rage. Central to their relationship and the novel are their different approaches to the world, Art through his head, Mimi through her heart. An offbeat, glorious, and tender read, at the end the audio has the author talking about her book and how it came about. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

3.5 stars

I think I liked this more having listened to it on audio.
The characters seemed more real to me, Art especially.
His quirks stood out more.
It seems the book hits a mix of styles, it's funny at times, sad at others.
Family drama and romantic story.
Maybe it's just about relationships.
Romantic, friendship and sibling.
It's enjoyable whichever one it's talking about.