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An Elegant Solution
For young Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But it is also a family torn by jealousy and distrust. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe, especially the greatest prize: the Chair of Mathematics at the University of Basel, which Johann holds and his sons want. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Uncle Jacob twenty years ago, Leonhard soon realizes there's more at stake than even a prominent appointment. Surrounded by the most brilliant--and cunning--minds of his generation, Leonhard is forced to see how dangerous his world is. His studies in mathematics have always been entwined with his thoughts on theology, and now, caught in a deadly battle of wills, he'll need both his genius and his faith to survive.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Uncle Jacob twenty years ago, Leonhard soon realizes there's more at stake than even a prominent appointment. Surrounded by the most brilliant--and cunning--minds of his generation, Leonhard is forced to see how dangerous his world is. His studies in mathematics have always been entwined with his thoughts on theology, and now, caught in a deadly battle of wills, he'll need both his genius and his faith to survive.
432 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2013
26 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Paul Robertson
69 books38 followersPaul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and the author of The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 9, 2013
This is a difficult review to write because it took me longer than I anticipated to even get into this book. The writing is...different. It is enjoyable yet extremely frustrating at the same time. It is a book that I could not simply curl up with my cup of coffee and zip through. Well, perhaps I could but I would have missed so much. Reviews from Bethany House are to be completed within one month of receiving the book. I received this book in late October, early November. With the holidays, I've been preoccupied, but even so, this book has taken more of an effort to finish.
Now that that's out of the way, here's my thoughts.
It reminds me of an 'old' book. The time period is the mid 1700s. The place is Basel, and Robertson does well to describe the city. Leonhard Euler and the Bernoulli's are all real people that I think Robertson has done much research on to be able to give a basic likeness to his characters. Of course, this is a work of fiction, so he's taken liberties, I'm sure.
Twists, turns, suspense, great descriptives, and good character development are all in this book. But mostly what has stayed with me is the writing style.
"Every kettle only holds its own measure and no more. Someday they'll reach that and overflow."And then late, as I laid my head on my pillow, thinking about the day and my Master's family, I could hear an overflowing. Not a kettle, but a river. Not the Rhine, but something else, something rising and disturbed. I heard it murmuring, and felt its pull, and was pulled by it to sleep. (pg 17)
Another is the separation -or is it absolute inclusion?- of reality with the past and symbolism. Not just of general symbolism, of secular nature, but references to God and things from the Bible. Here is a bit of that:
The ceiling was higher inside than the roof outside, so far above the stones of the floor that the air inside the church was pulled thin by it...The pillars reached down to the stone floor and pulled upward on it, so the whole church was supported and lifted by its highest steeple. The floor grasped the crypt and the crypt was bedded in the rock and soil of the earth, which meant Basel, and the whole planet, was held up by the church and the church by the heavens...It was important of Basel that it was caught like this, held taut between earth and heaven like a knot between ropes. It was part of each but was not either. One day the city might be pulled fully to one side, and what a sundering that would be. (pg 38)
In black and white I wandered the streets. Others did, also. In the Market Square, beneath the Town Hall's festal brick, the stalls were very crowded. Farmers sold their vegetables, grains, and rustic wares. Goliath was there, with a grindstone, sharpening customers' cutlery. Near him, David was selling wool and slings, keeping count of his business with smooth stones. Demetrius sold his silver, Paul his tents and Lydia her purples, though Basel had no imperials to want them. There was a commotion as someone upset some tables of moneychangers, but I walked on. (pg 115)
While I was reading this book, I would sometimes share bits of it with my teens. My son asked me -jokingly, of course- if elegant means confusing. I'll admit some parts were confusing but the way it's written just pulls you to persevere to finish. There are quite a few references to mathematical equations and reasonings. Those bits were not completely understandable to me personally but I thought them well done so that if someone else were mathematically minded, they would get it.
Some of the dialogue I didn't particularly care for. It was ...short? Not in length but in style. The characters might have been short in their replies but it seemed excessively so in many of the instances. Here's an example from page 85-86:
"What are your questions?" Gustavus bowed his head in respect. He knew the Inquisitor's power. And Gottlieb knew it, too.
"Who was Knipper?"
"He was a man." His answer wasn't frivolous but profound.
"What was his life?"
"To drive his coach."
"Why did he die?"
"Because his life ended."
...
"Did you see him the evening when he came in from Bern?"
"I saw him."
"What did you see of him?"
"That he'd come."
The murder of a coach driver, Knipper, is where the suspense starts. It wasn't until about 1/2 way through though that I started to really get into the book and wanting to pick it up. Before that there are references to Master Johann's brother's death, and an inquiry being made by Leonhard -he was rather forced to inquire- into the death. No one likes his meddling, however. The whole situation has the reader -as well as the main character- scratching their head! As it goes along, more falls into place, revealing much more. I thought I'd figured out much as it went but was wrong in some places. I won't tell you much in the way of spoilers or how it ends because I don't do that and ... I'm not finished.
I do want to read other of Robertson's books now. Well, just as soon as I finish this one. I really like the way his writing intrigues. It makes me pay attention and want to pay attention. I didn't once want to skip ahead to see who-done-it {well, maybe I wanted to once but I figured that with the way it was going, I would be lost as to how it happened!}.
So, how can I write a review of a book I've not finished? You see how I've done it. I am enjoying this book although it is not all smooth sailing while reading it. Books that are easy to read aren't always 'good' books and those that are more of a challenge are not 'bad'.
*EDITED: I finished the book. EXCELLENT! Other than the writing style might have turned me off to it (if it weren't a review book), I would give it a 5 star rating.
**Disclaimer: I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review. No compensation was given. All opinions are my own.
Now that that's out of the way, here's my thoughts.
It reminds me of an 'old' book. The time period is the mid 1700s. The place is Basel, and Robertson does well to describe the city. Leonhard Euler and the Bernoulli's are all real people that I think Robertson has done much research on to be able to give a basic likeness to his characters. Of course, this is a work of fiction, so he's taken liberties, I'm sure.
Twists, turns, suspense, great descriptives, and good character development are all in this book. But mostly what has stayed with me is the writing style.
"Every kettle only holds its own measure and no more. Someday they'll reach that and overflow."And then late, as I laid my head on my pillow, thinking about the day and my Master's family, I could hear an overflowing. Not a kettle, but a river. Not the Rhine, but something else, something rising and disturbed. I heard it murmuring, and felt its pull, and was pulled by it to sleep. (pg 17)
Another is the separation -or is it absolute inclusion?- of reality with the past and symbolism. Not just of general symbolism, of secular nature, but references to God and things from the Bible. Here is a bit of that:
The ceiling was higher inside than the roof outside, so far above the stones of the floor that the air inside the church was pulled thin by it...The pillars reached down to the stone floor and pulled upward on it, so the whole church was supported and lifted by its highest steeple. The floor grasped the crypt and the crypt was bedded in the rock and soil of the earth, which meant Basel, and the whole planet, was held up by the church and the church by the heavens...It was important of Basel that it was caught like this, held taut between earth and heaven like a knot between ropes. It was part of each but was not either. One day the city might be pulled fully to one side, and what a sundering that would be. (pg 38)
In black and white I wandered the streets. Others did, also. In the Market Square, beneath the Town Hall's festal brick, the stalls were very crowded. Farmers sold their vegetables, grains, and rustic wares. Goliath was there, with a grindstone, sharpening customers' cutlery. Near him, David was selling wool and slings, keeping count of his business with smooth stones. Demetrius sold his silver, Paul his tents and Lydia her purples, though Basel had no imperials to want them. There was a commotion as someone upset some tables of moneychangers, but I walked on. (pg 115)
While I was reading this book, I would sometimes share bits of it with my teens. My son asked me -jokingly, of course- if elegant means confusing. I'll admit some parts were confusing but the way it's written just pulls you to persevere to finish. There are quite a few references to mathematical equations and reasonings. Those bits were not completely understandable to me personally but I thought them well done so that if someone else were mathematically minded, they would get it.
Some of the dialogue I didn't particularly care for. It was ...short? Not in length but in style. The characters might have been short in their replies but it seemed excessively so in many of the instances. Here's an example from page 85-86:
"What are your questions?" Gustavus bowed his head in respect. He knew the Inquisitor's power. And Gottlieb knew it, too.
"Who was Knipper?"
"He was a man." His answer wasn't frivolous but profound.
"What was his life?"
"To drive his coach."
"Why did he die?"
"Because his life ended."
...
"Did you see him the evening when he came in from Bern?"
"I saw him."
"What did you see of him?"
"That he'd come."
The murder of a coach driver, Knipper, is where the suspense starts. It wasn't until about 1/2 way through though that I started to really get into the book and wanting to pick it up. Before that there are references to Master Johann's brother's death, and an inquiry being made by Leonhard -he was rather forced to inquire- into the death. No one likes his meddling, however. The whole situation has the reader -as well as the main character- scratching their head! As it goes along, more falls into place, revealing much more. I thought I'd figured out much as it went but was wrong in some places. I won't tell you much in the way of spoilers or how it ends because I don't do that and ... I'm not finished.
I do want to read other of Robertson's books now. Well, just as soon as I finish this one. I really like the way his writing intrigues. It makes me pay attention and want to pay attention. I didn't once want to skip ahead to see who-done-it {well, maybe I wanted to once but I figured that with the way it was going, I would be lost as to how it happened!}.
So, how can I write a review of a book I've not finished? You see how I've done it. I am enjoying this book although it is not all smooth sailing while reading it. Books that are easy to read aren't always 'good' books and those that are more of a challenge are not 'bad'.
*EDITED: I finished the book. EXCELLENT! Other than the writing style might have turned me off to it (if it weren't a review book), I would give it a 5 star rating.
**Disclaimer: I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review. No compensation was given. All opinions are my own.
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July 9, 2024This book took me way too long to complete. The writing is extremely tiring, in my opinion there was an overuse of 'big' words which made the book boring and tiresome. I'm glad its over.
November 1, 2013
Though this novel is categorized as “historical suspense,” I’m not sure I would describe it that way. It was definitely historical- in fact, I really have to hand it to the author, because I’d rarely read a book that felt so historically accurate in its vernacular without being heavy and hard to read. On the other hand, I wouldn’t exactly label it suspense; it could be a little dry at times. There was a lot about math, and as I’m a bit of a dunce in the subject, I read without really understanding the mathematical equations. However, the intricate plot kept me guessing, although it was very…shall we say, cerebral. Not that that’s a bad thing; it’s just one of those books that you really have to pay attention to. There were several phrases/words that seemed to be unnecessarily repeated throughout the story, and like a lot of classic books, actually, sometimes I felt the writing meandered off the main point (in this case into philosophical questions) although not for too long.
Despite An Elegant Solution being a little long and slightly dull, I still liked it in a way, and I’m actually interested in more books by the author.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Despite An Elegant Solution being a little long and slightly dull, I still liked it in a way, and I’m actually interested in more books by the author.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2013
An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson is one of the many books published by Bethany House Publishers that I have read. Unfortunately, this happens to be one of the few that I can’t really get into the story. I think the plot is quite exciting but the story seems to be dragging a lot. For someone who likes lightning-fast plots, the drudgery is not in the narrative which I find to be highly satisfying but the belief that the length of the book. If the book is reduced to about 300+ pages, removing over 100+ pages, I think the pace would quicken, and it would make for an exciting read.
But having said that, I still think many readers will really be absorbed by this story of a math prodigy Leonhard Euler who is caught in a web of jealousy, intrigue and murder.
But having said that, I still think many readers will really be absorbed by this story of a math prodigy Leonhard Euler who is caught in a web of jealousy, intrigue and murder.
August 16, 2017
Leonhard Euler (pronounced OY-ler) was one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. The number e, the basis of natural logarithms, approximately equal to 2.71828, was named for him.
This is not a biography of Euler; rather, it is a snapshot of a few months in 1723, when he was sixteen, living in Basel, Switzerland, and interacting with the also-renowned Bernoulli family. It is a tale of murder, mystery, mysticism, and more than a little family rivalry. Parts of it were somewhat difficult to understand, from a plot perspective; but Robertson's prose is as brilliant as sunlight streaming through a stained-glass window in a majestic cathedral.
This is not a biography of Euler; rather, it is a snapshot of a few months in 1723, when he was sixteen, living in Basel, Switzerland, and interacting with the also-renowned Bernoulli family. It is a tale of murder, mystery, mysticism, and more than a little family rivalry. Parts of it were somewhat difficult to understand, from a plot perspective; but Robertson's prose is as brilliant as sunlight streaming through a stained-glass window in a majestic cathedral.
September 20, 2020
This is the second book of Paul’s that I’ve read, and I feel like I’ve stumbled onto an undiscovered diamond field. His writing is “elegant,” creative and surprising. It’s not trite by any means. The stories he weaves take time to hook you, but at some mysterious point deep into the book, you find yourself in enamored by the characters and facing a growing disappointment as the end draws near of leaving them.
This book is truly intriguing as it tells a tale of mathematics, academic competition, and murder, all set in the 1700s.
This book is truly intriguing as it tells a tale of mathematics, academic competition, and murder, all set in the 1700s.
April 4, 2021
This is pure world-building at its best. You are immersed in this city and atmosphere! It has a lot of math, but it was still amazing even though I do not like math! 3/4s of the way through, I became very excited as new elements were added, and twists were thrown. I cannot recommend this book enough! Loved it!
February 13, 2017
Tedious.
October 5, 2020
The best book I’ve read in a long time. I love the setting I ancient Italy. It also had a unique and interesting way of mathematically solving a mystery. Great book.
March 1, 2022
lol i didn’t actually read this i juts used it cus it has the same title as the 200k word fanfic i read that took me too damn long to read to not add to my goodreads challenge
February 28, 2025
3.75 stars
RTC
RTC
August 29, 2025
Good read
May 27, 2014
Once I was able to really get into the book, I was captivated and wanted to finish it. However, it took me about six months exactly of trying to read the book (from about mid-December to a couple of weeks ago) to get to the point where I was sucked into the book to actually read it and finish it. (I let my mother-in-law borrow it and she put it down after several pages.) Early on in the text, the descriptions, or the time period and setting or all of these things really make it difficult to get into the book. Don't get me wrong, I love a good historical fiction book! This book just had some flaws for me as an avid reader that took me awhile to get over. I found the concept of reading about the Bernoulli family very interesting. I remember the Bernoulli's principle from school. (I'm not sure if this was from high school, undergrad or graduate school, but the gist of the principle stuck with me.)
The account depicted in the Robertson's book was very interesting! It is something to think about that mathematics could be such an important part of the politics and daily life of a small town, particularly in the time period of the story. This was something that I had never really thought about, but mathematician's like all academia are intelligent and influential people - why should their life be boring, rather they are the politicians that we see on TV - embroiled in scandals of our time period - to their own time period. They just lack the mainstream TV, radio, and other media outlets we are accustomed to today. In Johann, Jacob, Daniel and Nicholas's day the town gossip and other whisperings and esteem would be on the same scale as being a guest on a primetime news show. Leonhard is a hard character to love. You root for Daniel and Nicholas more than you seem to root for Leonhard, particularly toward's the end of the book.
The description of various activities in the book seem to be very lengthy and while they are extremely well written, seem to bog you down and slow your progress with the book. Also, the amount of detail in the book seems overwhelming. The chase scene for instance almost doesn't make sense. The including of angels and dreams in the book are very different than anything that I have ever read before. However, the idea that Leonhard does all that he does in the book for the outcome seems a little bit far fetched. Also, I'm not sure that "the end justify's the means" of Leonhard's approach. He seems a little bit to eager to do shady things for it to be his destiny or whatever is implied.
All in all, I liked the book. I would read more of Paul Robertson's work in the future. I liked the time period, the subject matter (mostly), and the insight into a true historical family (in the Bernoulli's). It may take time for me to get into the books, but I become enthralled once I reach a certain point in the text and want to see what happens!
disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Bloggers Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The account depicted in the Robertson's book was very interesting! It is something to think about that mathematics could be such an important part of the politics and daily life of a small town, particularly in the time period of the story. This was something that I had never really thought about, but mathematician's like all academia are intelligent and influential people - why should their life be boring, rather they are the politicians that we see on TV - embroiled in scandals of our time period - to their own time period. They just lack the mainstream TV, radio, and other media outlets we are accustomed to today. In Johann, Jacob, Daniel and Nicholas's day the town gossip and other whisperings and esteem would be on the same scale as being a guest on a primetime news show. Leonhard is a hard character to love. You root for Daniel and Nicholas more than you seem to root for Leonhard, particularly toward's the end of the book.
The description of various activities in the book seem to be very lengthy and while they are extremely well written, seem to bog you down and slow your progress with the book. Also, the amount of detail in the book seems overwhelming. The chase scene for instance almost doesn't make sense. The including of angels and dreams in the book are very different than anything that I have ever read before. However, the idea that Leonhard does all that he does in the book for the outcome seems a little bit far fetched. Also, I'm not sure that "the end justify's the means" of Leonhard's approach. He seems a little bit to eager to do shady things for it to be his destiny or whatever is implied.
All in all, I liked the book. I would read more of Paul Robertson's work in the future. I liked the time period, the subject matter (mostly), and the insight into a true historical family (in the Bernoulli's). It may take time for me to get into the books, but I become enthralled once I reach a certain point in the text and want to see what happens!
disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House Bloggers Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 4, 2014
An excellent title for the most Elegant Solution, that is God.
Thought this book was going to be about mathematics, a subject I'm not terribly fond of. However, the main character soon finds himself immersed in a family/socio-political mess that forces him to determine a solution....he does, it is elegant.
The writing is, at times, heavy in mathematical prose, and I forced myself to try to learn. My focus is always on character development, however, and I was not disappointed in Robertson's work on this novel.
A favorite passage (with my editing) is as follows:
“There was a principle in Mathematics called Elegance. It described a statement or a proof that was exactly right: not only correct, but also complete, and yet simple, encompassing every necessity for its meaning but nothing else.
I walked early Sunday morning by the Rhine.
There was a moment, as a child, when I realized numbers were infinite. I didn't then yet know the names of Thousand and Million. I may not have known even Hundred. I was watching the raindrops falling on the river.....my thought was that the river was made of all the drops of water, all the rain. I’d looked at the wide surface, which was vast to me then, and considered how very, very many drops of water there were: innumerable, then no, they could be counted. It would only take a very long time. Perhaps all day! in my childish calculation.
We were under a tree, father and I...The rain decreased and the raindrops lessened, but I was fascinated at those small beads crashing into the river and being absorbed by it...One branch over us tilted steeply down, so I could see its last leaf just inches from the surface, and finally after minutes of staring,the drips from that leaf had slowed to only one, by one, by one, each falling across the last space to their sum. And then I knew, that whatever their sum was, it could always be one more, and if always more, then never to end. For any number, there was one more beyond. Always.
I had only one way to comprehend that. The Mathematics of infinity was still beyond me. But my father’s preaching was already deep in everything I would know about my world. From him, I knew a word for something that was beyond everything else: HEAVEN; a place where “one more beyond, always” did reach its end. So I had always understood the infinite end of all numbers as God showing Himself in His creation. Everything He made had His image, and part of His image in Mathematics, was infinity. It was invisible because it was far past the end of sight. It was the greatest elegance.
Then later that morning at Saint Leonhard’s, with my grandmother, all my thoughts were on infinity and the infinite sum of infinite things. We were instructed in the sermon that the gulf between ourselves and God was vast and unbridgeable, which Mathematically would be infinite. Yet, we were reminded, it was bridged, by sacrifice.
What could it mean that God had put in finite man the chance to study the infinite?”
Thought this book was going to be about mathematics, a subject I'm not terribly fond of. However, the main character soon finds himself immersed in a family/socio-political mess that forces him to determine a solution....he does, it is elegant.
The writing is, at times, heavy in mathematical prose, and I forced myself to try to learn. My focus is always on character development, however, and I was not disappointed in Robertson's work on this novel.
A favorite passage (with my editing) is as follows:
“There was a principle in Mathematics called Elegance. It described a statement or a proof that was exactly right: not only correct, but also complete, and yet simple, encompassing every necessity for its meaning but nothing else.
I walked early Sunday morning by the Rhine.
There was a moment, as a child, when I realized numbers were infinite. I didn't then yet know the names of Thousand and Million. I may not have known even Hundred. I was watching the raindrops falling on the river.....my thought was that the river was made of all the drops of water, all the rain. I’d looked at the wide surface, which was vast to me then, and considered how very, very many drops of water there were: innumerable, then no, they could be counted. It would only take a very long time. Perhaps all day! in my childish calculation.
We were under a tree, father and I...The rain decreased and the raindrops lessened, but I was fascinated at those small beads crashing into the river and being absorbed by it...One branch over us tilted steeply down, so I could see its last leaf just inches from the surface, and finally after minutes of staring,the drips from that leaf had slowed to only one, by one, by one, each falling across the last space to their sum. And then I knew, that whatever their sum was, it could always be one more, and if always more, then never to end. For any number, there was one more beyond. Always.
I had only one way to comprehend that. The Mathematics of infinity was still beyond me. But my father’s preaching was already deep in everything I would know about my world. From him, I knew a word for something that was beyond everything else: HEAVEN; a place where “one more beyond, always” did reach its end. So I had always understood the infinite end of all numbers as God showing Himself in His creation. Everything He made had His image, and part of His image in Mathematics, was infinity. It was invisible because it was far past the end of sight. It was the greatest elegance.
Then later that morning at Saint Leonhard’s, with my grandmother, all my thoughts were on infinity and the infinite sum of infinite things. We were instructed in the sermon that the gulf between ourselves and God was vast and unbridgeable, which Mathematically would be infinite. Yet, we were reminded, it was bridged, by sacrifice.
What could it mean that God had put in finite man the chance to study the infinite?”
April 10, 2016
Paul Robertson writes an elegant novel of mystery, mathematics, and the mastery of God's creation in his early eighteenth century novel about some of the sharpest mathematicians of history.
In regards to history and setting, the author did his homework. Not only was Leonard Euler a real, brilliant mathematician and christian, but the Bernoullis and much of their family dynamics and history mentioned in the story were real - from the rivalries between brothers Johann and Jacob to the bad relationship between Johann and his son Daniel, to the wrong spiral carved in Jacob's headstone, to each of their specialties in mathematics, and much more. Important landmarks of Basel are painted beautifully - the Barefoot Square, the bridge over the Rhine, the Munster; details of its history are cleverly interspersed throughout the tale, from the famous geniuses who lived there, to the treatment of Jews, to its history with the Black Plague. If the history and setting are so well researched, I can only imagine the mathematical aspects must be as well, though I bow to those who have a greater love and understanding of such things to say whether they are sound.
It does not feel rushed like many modern tales of suspense, but the story is driven onward with a more old fashioned style. This is partially due to the writing style - Robertson likes his metaphors and similes, and much of what people say feels like riddles; they do not necessarily say what they mean, but they always mean what they say. He is more poetic than one generally finds these days, but it suits the period and theme. Also appropriate, given its scholarly subjects, is that it demands one's attention to follow the prose, or one can easily become lost. I did not find it particularly slow, but I think people with short attention spans would have trouble following it.
While I still have no desire to study calculus, I could appreciate the author's passion for the subject. He makes a strong statement of how math was created by God and is dependent on God to work, and that God purposefully imbedded it in creation. "It is my belief that the Creation in which we abide has been established by its Creator, established with a regulation by Mathematical principles, and these principles unfold with delightful intricacy and profound elegance" (376).
I enjoyed the story more than I expected. It has a mysterious edge that borders on the fantastic, and it is littered with literary, mythological, and biblical references, which I enjoy. I would definitely describe it as a guy book, rather than one geared toward women (there is a grand total of three females in the story, and they are definitely not there for romance). However, if anyone enjoys an intellectual novel, or especially math, physics, and logic, with a firm base on God's creative genius, then I do highly recommend this book. 4 1/2 stars.
Thank you Bethany House for a free copy for the purpose of review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.
In regards to history and setting, the author did his homework. Not only was Leonard Euler a real, brilliant mathematician and christian, but the Bernoullis and much of their family dynamics and history mentioned in the story were real - from the rivalries between brothers Johann and Jacob to the bad relationship between Johann and his son Daniel, to the wrong spiral carved in Jacob's headstone, to each of their specialties in mathematics, and much more. Important landmarks of Basel are painted beautifully - the Barefoot Square, the bridge over the Rhine, the Munster; details of its history are cleverly interspersed throughout the tale, from the famous geniuses who lived there, to the treatment of Jews, to its history with the Black Plague. If the history and setting are so well researched, I can only imagine the mathematical aspects must be as well, though I bow to those who have a greater love and understanding of such things to say whether they are sound.
It does not feel rushed like many modern tales of suspense, but the story is driven onward with a more old fashioned style. This is partially due to the writing style - Robertson likes his metaphors and similes, and much of what people say feels like riddles; they do not necessarily say what they mean, but they always mean what they say. He is more poetic than one generally finds these days, but it suits the period and theme. Also appropriate, given its scholarly subjects, is that it demands one's attention to follow the prose, or one can easily become lost. I did not find it particularly slow, but I think people with short attention spans would have trouble following it.
While I still have no desire to study calculus, I could appreciate the author's passion for the subject. He makes a strong statement of how math was created by God and is dependent on God to work, and that God purposefully imbedded it in creation. "It is my belief that the Creation in which we abide has been established by its Creator, established with a regulation by Mathematical principles, and these principles unfold with delightful intricacy and profound elegance" (376).
I enjoyed the story more than I expected. It has a mysterious edge that borders on the fantastic, and it is littered with literary, mythological, and biblical references, which I enjoy. I would definitely describe it as a guy book, rather than one geared toward women (there is a grand total of three females in the story, and they are definitely not there for romance). However, if anyone enjoys an intellectual novel, or especially math, physics, and logic, with a firm base on God's creative genius, then I do highly recommend this book. 4 1/2 stars.
Thank you Bethany House for a free copy for the purpose of review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.
December 15, 2013
I received this book from Bethany House Blogger Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
When the Rules That Govern Men Are Shattered,
All You Can Trust Are the Invisible Rules
That Govern Life Itself
For math prodigy Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But this is a family torn by jealousy. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Jacob Bernoulli, his master's brother, twenty years ago, Leonhard soon discovers he's facing an elusive puzzle as complicated as any math equation. Surrounded by the world's most brilliant--and cunning--minds, Leonhard finds himself tracing an unraveling and invisible spiral of greed, blackmail, and murder. He'll need all his genius to find an elegant solution to this desperate battle of wills.
My Thoughts:
An Elegant Solution is the first book by Paul Robertson that I have had the pleasure of reading. Leonhard Euler( a real person) is a math prodigy who is taken in by his master's family,The Bernoulli. They have been a source of love and support to him for many years. The Bernoulli's are family but they are also constantly in competition of one another for high honors in the mathmatical elites of Europe. Leonhard finds himself a suspect in the murder of Jacob Bernoulli, who has been like a brother to him. As Leonhard starts investigating this murder he finds himself in the middle of something he had no idea about.
An Elegant Solution is a cerebral book. Paul Robertson weaves a beautiful story of murder, blackmail and greed within a society of its own. I found myself drawn in from the beginning and I truly kept guessing until the end. I am not a math genius by any stretch but this book really caught a hold of me. Paul Robertson writes with authority on 18th Century Europe, Basal Switzerland, and Leonhard Euler. Paul Robertson writes this latest book in the first person and does it beautifully. I may not have understood some of the math concepts but I never felt lost in this book. The characters in this book are fascinating especially with how their minds work within this mathematical society. It was very interesting to read the historical facts about Leonhard Euler. I look forward to reading more from Paul Robertson. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this kind of cerebral mystery. You will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.
Book Description:
When the Rules That Govern Men Are Shattered,
All You Can Trust Are the Invisible Rules
That Govern Life Itself
For math prodigy Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But this is a family torn by jealousy. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Jacob Bernoulli, his master's brother, twenty years ago, Leonhard soon discovers he's facing an elusive puzzle as complicated as any math equation. Surrounded by the world's most brilliant--and cunning--minds, Leonhard finds himself tracing an unraveling and invisible spiral of greed, blackmail, and murder. He'll need all his genius to find an elegant solution to this desperate battle of wills.
My Thoughts:
An Elegant Solution is the first book by Paul Robertson that I have had the pleasure of reading. Leonhard Euler( a real person) is a math prodigy who is taken in by his master's family,The Bernoulli. They have been a source of love and support to him for many years. The Bernoulli's are family but they are also constantly in competition of one another for high honors in the mathmatical elites of Europe. Leonhard finds himself a suspect in the murder of Jacob Bernoulli, who has been like a brother to him. As Leonhard starts investigating this murder he finds himself in the middle of something he had no idea about.
An Elegant Solution is a cerebral book. Paul Robertson weaves a beautiful story of murder, blackmail and greed within a society of its own. I found myself drawn in from the beginning and I truly kept guessing until the end. I am not a math genius by any stretch but this book really caught a hold of me. Paul Robertson writes with authority on 18th Century Europe, Basal Switzerland, and Leonhard Euler. Paul Robertson writes this latest book in the first person and does it beautifully. I may not have understood some of the math concepts but I never felt lost in this book. The characters in this book are fascinating especially with how their minds work within this mathematical society. It was very interesting to read the historical facts about Leonhard Euler. I look forward to reading more from Paul Robertson. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this kind of cerebral mystery. You will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.
November 11, 2013
About the Book:
Robertson's Latest Mix of Rich History and Deadly Murder....
For young Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But it is also a family torn by jealousy and distrust. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe, especially the greatest prize: the Chair of Mathematics at the University of Basel, which Johann holds and his sons want. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Uncle Jacob twenty years ago, Leonhard soon realizes there's more at stake than even a prominent appointment. Surrounded by the most brilliant--and cunning--minds of his generation, Leonhard is forced to see how dangerous his world is. His studies in mathematics have always been entwined with his thoughts on theology, and now, caught in a deadly battle of wills, he'll need both his genius and his faith to survive.
About the Author:
Paul Robertson is a full-time software developer and the author of five novels, including Dark in the City of Light, Road to Nowhere, and The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.
My Review:
If you are looking for a novel full of intrigue, suspense, and a little mystery than An Elegant Solution maybe the story for you. This book is not for the faint of heart after all it is based on a family of mathematical geniuses, this is something that rains throughout the book. Soon the story transforms into a mystery involving murder and its not long before the lead character starts to see that things are more dangerous than he realized. But Leonhard starts to struggle with the pull that faith holds and all that it involves. Pretty soon he is at a cross roads and has to decide which he will hand himself over to.
The story was a little lifeless at the start but soon the lifelessness gave way to a little bit of drama and murder and quickly things started to turn around. The lead character starts to struggle with the fact of God and faith and what that will mean to him and his life. We all struggle with that, don't we? God and all that comes with it, is sometimes hard to stick to because we were born into a world full of sin. But the more you hold onto His promises the easier it gets.
**Disclosure** This book was sen to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.
Robertson's Latest Mix of Rich History and Deadly Murder....
For young Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But it is also a family torn by jealousy and distrust. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe, especially the greatest prize: the Chair of Mathematics at the University of Basel, which Johann holds and his sons want. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Uncle Jacob twenty years ago, Leonhard soon realizes there's more at stake than even a prominent appointment. Surrounded by the most brilliant--and cunning--minds of his generation, Leonhard is forced to see how dangerous his world is. His studies in mathematics have always been entwined with his thoughts on theology, and now, caught in a deadly battle of wills, he'll need both his genius and his faith to survive.
About the Author:
Paul Robertson is a full-time software developer and the author of five novels, including Dark in the City of Light, Road to Nowhere, and The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.
My Review:
If you are looking for a novel full of intrigue, suspense, and a little mystery than An Elegant Solution maybe the story for you. This book is not for the faint of heart after all it is based on a family of mathematical geniuses, this is something that rains throughout the book. Soon the story transforms into a mystery involving murder and its not long before the lead character starts to see that things are more dangerous than he realized. But Leonhard starts to struggle with the pull that faith holds and all that it involves. Pretty soon he is at a cross roads and has to decide which he will hand himself over to.
The story was a little lifeless at the start but soon the lifelessness gave way to a little bit of drama and murder and quickly things started to turn around. The lead character starts to struggle with the fact of God and faith and what that will mean to him and his life. We all struggle with that, don't we? God and all that comes with it, is sometimes hard to stick to because we were born into a world full of sin. But the more you hold onto His promises the easier it gets.
**Disclosure** This book was sen to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.
January 14, 2014
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads firstreads.
This is a really difficult book to rate and review. I'm not sure what I was expecting from An Elegant Solution or if I even had expectations. Either way, this book was a surprise. Perhaps it was the description about the book. It made me feel like this would be a more typical suspense novel albeit in an historical setting. In fact, I didn't find this book suspenseful at all.
The writing style in An Elegant Solution was beautiful. There were a few descriptive phrases that I read over and over again out of sheer enjoyment of the language used. I think the beauty and flow of the description was what made this not feel like a suspense novel to me. Suspense novels generally feel broken up, sudden and beyond a certain point, like a headlong rush to the end. In An Elegant Solution, even in parts containing action, rather than feeling rushed, it felt like I could indulge in the description and langourously make my way through the action. A bit of a strange effect for a novel categorized as suspense, but one I enjoyed.
I've always enjoyed math although physics and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship. The descriptions of math proofs and physics principles had a certain beauty to them that made me want to read up on math and physics though. A knowledge of either isn't required to get through this book but Leonhard's appreciation of both through the book gave me a certain appreciation for them too.
The main character, Leonhard, a math prodigy, was surprisingly likeable. I thought I would dislike him at the beginning but I think his apparent love of math and physics as well as the sheer joy he found in running made him real enough to me to like.
I didn't particularly care for the end of this book. I did like what Leonhard did to deal with the selection of the Chair. The very end of the book though, especially after the drifting nature of the rest, seemed too sudden and convenient for me.
An Elegant Solution was an unexpected and enjoyable read. If you'd like to read some beautiful descriptive phrasing, this is an excellent book for it. While I didn't care for the end, looking back on the book, every little descriptive section (and there were a few I felt were kind of gratuitously thrown in at first) served a purpose. This wasn't a headlong rush to some foregone conclusion. This was a langourous drift. Sit back and enjoy the flow.
This is a really difficult book to rate and review. I'm not sure what I was expecting from An Elegant Solution or if I even had expectations. Either way, this book was a surprise. Perhaps it was the description about the book. It made me feel like this would be a more typical suspense novel albeit in an historical setting. In fact, I didn't find this book suspenseful at all.
The writing style in An Elegant Solution was beautiful. There were a few descriptive phrases that I read over and over again out of sheer enjoyment of the language used. I think the beauty and flow of the description was what made this not feel like a suspense novel to me. Suspense novels generally feel broken up, sudden and beyond a certain point, like a headlong rush to the end. In An Elegant Solution, even in parts containing action, rather than feeling rushed, it felt like I could indulge in the description and langourously make my way through the action. A bit of a strange effect for a novel categorized as suspense, but one I enjoyed.
I've always enjoyed math although physics and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship. The descriptions of math proofs and physics principles had a certain beauty to them that made me want to read up on math and physics though. A knowledge of either isn't required to get through this book but Leonhard's appreciation of both through the book gave me a certain appreciation for them too.
The main character, Leonhard, a math prodigy, was surprisingly likeable. I thought I would dislike him at the beginning but I think his apparent love of math and physics as well as the sheer joy he found in running made him real enough to me to like.
I didn't particularly care for the end of this book. I did like what Leonhard did to deal with the selection of the Chair. The very end of the book though, especially after the drifting nature of the rest, seemed too sudden and convenient for me.
An Elegant Solution was an unexpected and enjoyable read. If you'd like to read some beautiful descriptive phrasing, this is an excellent book for it. While I didn't care for the end, looking back on the book, every little descriptive section (and there were a few I felt were kind of gratuitously thrown in at first) served a purpose. This wasn't a headlong rush to some foregone conclusion. This was a langourous drift. Sit back and enjoy the flow.
January 27, 2014
Do you like math and numbers? Complexity and mystery?
Do you like books that have you turning impalpable corners, walking into dark alleys not knowing what lies ahead, apprehensive yet eager to continue on?
Then this book is for you!
This is my first novel I've read by author Paul Robertson and the feeling I get from this novel, this author was meant to write. His writing style is creative in his choice of words, colorful and expressive. I am one who loves to feel the characters of a book and his definitely come to life. He gives them meaning and purpose.
An Elegant Solution centers around the main character, Leonhard Euler, a young math prodigy, who suffers a devastating loss in his family and is brought to live with Master Johann who is a demanding teacher. He soon finds himself caught up in a web of lies and suspected of murdering Jacob
Bernoulli. Set in a small town of European community, the elite of all Europe of vying for the position of being the best ~ and will stop at nothing to accuse others of murder. Poor Leonhard is definitely the scapegoat of many of the scholars and leans on his own experience and expertise in math to find his way out with an elegant solution.
The twist of math and christianity is unique as it's not normally a combination one would find harmonized. One of my favorite quotes from the book is Leonhard's grandmother telling him "family is for peace ~ there is trouble enough outside your door." This book is lush with detail and contains players that are both intense and charismatic. The only flaw with this book is that it is not a light read - don't expect to pick it up and read it in one sitting. In fact, you may have to stop and ponder often what the author means by a phrase or tone.
Does it help to have a background in math? Sure, it certainly would but overall, it's still a unique read. I would certainly entertain another book by this author based on this one.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House, a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review. Any reflection of such is my own.
Do you like books that have you turning impalpable corners, walking into dark alleys not knowing what lies ahead, apprehensive yet eager to continue on?
Then this book is for you!
This is my first novel I've read by author Paul Robertson and the feeling I get from this novel, this author was meant to write. His writing style is creative in his choice of words, colorful and expressive. I am one who loves to feel the characters of a book and his definitely come to life. He gives them meaning and purpose.
An Elegant Solution centers around the main character, Leonhard Euler, a young math prodigy, who suffers a devastating loss in his family and is brought to live with Master Johann who is a demanding teacher. He soon finds himself caught up in a web of lies and suspected of murdering Jacob
Bernoulli. Set in a small town of European community, the elite of all Europe of vying for the position of being the best ~ and will stop at nothing to accuse others of murder. Poor Leonhard is definitely the scapegoat of many of the scholars and leans on his own experience and expertise in math to find his way out with an elegant solution.
The twist of math and christianity is unique as it's not normally a combination one would find harmonized. One of my favorite quotes from the book is Leonhard's grandmother telling him "family is for peace ~ there is trouble enough outside your door." This book is lush with detail and contains players that are both intense and charismatic. The only flaw with this book is that it is not a light read - don't expect to pick it up and read it in one sitting. In fact, you may have to stop and ponder often what the author means by a phrase or tone.
Does it help to have a background in math? Sure, it certainly would but overall, it's still a unique read. I would certainly entertain another book by this author based on this one.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House, a division of the Baker Publishing Group and was not required to write a positive review. Any reflection of such is my own.
February 21, 2014
What an elegant book by Paul Roberston, a man whose other books I am going to search out. Paul writes about a time when men thought they could worship God by the study of math as well as they could sitting in a pew.
Let me quote a paragraph in the book where the main character is contemplating Newton's math of gravity:
The stars were vast, but their infinite sum still was only a finite portion of the sky. They were vastly far away, and who would know their bright essence? I knew I was very small on the great planet, beneath the greater heavens, but it was within me to comprehend them and know how they were governed. What could it mean that God had put in finite man the chance to study the infinite?
The sweet, humble main character is the type of student who makes his teachers look good. He notices all of the seen and much of the unseen. Because of that ability, there is a point in the book where I do not know if Leonhard is talking to his father, to a vision of his father, or to God.
There is the mystery of a murder that Leonhard wishes to solve, but that is a fairly small portion of this rich, rich book.
Some people will find this book slow as Leonhard thinks about everything he sees, but I loved every word. I would have liked more words, especially near the end where Leonhard did a lot of things without the author letting us know why. Perhaps the author wanted us the readers to be as surprised as all the characters in the book were. It's a technique I don't care for. There is also a convenient Deus ex machina (well foreshadowed) at the end which would annoy if it weren't so fitting in this setting.
I don't know how much of the book is bafflegab and how much is true, but everything I looked up is true; and everything I could comprehend and remember from prior study is true. One surprise for me was to find out how many kinds of spirals there are.
I can heartily recommend this book for anybody you know who has an intellectual bent, or who has an interest in history, or who enjoys convoluted murder mysteries. Really, this will make an elegant gift.
Let me quote a paragraph in the book where the main character is contemplating Newton's math of gravity:
The stars were vast, but their infinite sum still was only a finite portion of the sky. They were vastly far away, and who would know their bright essence? I knew I was very small on the great planet, beneath the greater heavens, but it was within me to comprehend them and know how they were governed. What could it mean that God had put in finite man the chance to study the infinite?
The sweet, humble main character is the type of student who makes his teachers look good. He notices all of the seen and much of the unseen. Because of that ability, there is a point in the book where I do not know if Leonhard is talking to his father, to a vision of his father, or to God.
There is the mystery of a murder that Leonhard wishes to solve, but that is a fairly small portion of this rich, rich book.
Some people will find this book slow as Leonhard thinks about everything he sees, but I loved every word. I would have liked more words, especially near the end where Leonhard did a lot of things without the author letting us know why. Perhaps the author wanted us the readers to be as surprised as all the characters in the book were. It's a technique I don't care for. There is also a convenient Deus ex machina (well foreshadowed) at the end which would annoy if it weren't so fitting in this setting.
I don't know how much of the book is bafflegab and how much is true, but everything I looked up is true; and everything I could comprehend and remember from prior study is true. One surprise for me was to find out how many kinds of spirals there are.
I can heartily recommend this book for anybody you know who has an intellectual bent, or who has an interest in history, or who enjoys convoluted murder mysteries. Really, this will make an elegant gift.
December 1, 2013
Robertson's Latest Mix of Rich History and Deadly Murder.
For young Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But it is also a family torn by jealousy and distrust. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe, especially the greatest prize: the Chair of Mathematics at the University of Basel, which Johann holds and his sons want. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Uncle Jacob twenty years ago, Leonhard soon realizes there's more at stake than even a prominent appointment. Surrounded by the most brilliant--and cunning--minds of his generation, Leonhard is forced to see how dangerous his world is. His studies in mathematics have always been entwined with his thoughts on theology, and now, caught in a deadly battle of wills, he'll need both his genius and his faith to survive.
My review:
I would definitely place this title on the "Intellectual Intrigue" shelf. I'm more of a mystery and historical romance sort of gal, and this one was so different and distinctively colorful. Rich in descriptions and character development, it was an instant win on my list. It was a mystery, drama, sci-fi with a refreshing historical backdrop that was marvelously stunning, remarkable and brilliant.
The attention to detail is particularly astounding, and I commend Robertson for the excellent writing that brings the life of Swiss physicist and mathematician Leonhard Euler to life. My favorite moment was when Leonhard solved the Reciprocal Squares, a problem that no one in his field was able to solve. This novel was so different than what I'm used to reading, and I was impressed all around with the story contained therein. Something different for anybody that is sick of the same drivel in writing.
This book was provide by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
For young Leonhard Euler, the Bernoulli family have been more than just friends. Master Johann has been a demanding mentor, and his sons have been Leonhard's allies and companions. But it is also a family torn by jealousy and distrust. Father and sons are engaged in a ruthless competition for prestige among the mathematical elites of Europe, especially the greatest prize: the Chair of Mathematics at the University of Basel, which Johann holds and his sons want. And now, their aspirations may have turned deadly.
Lured into an investigation of the suspicious death of Uncle Jacob twenty years ago, Leonhard soon realizes there's more at stake than even a prominent appointment. Surrounded by the most brilliant--and cunning--minds of his generation, Leonhard is forced to see how dangerous his world is. His studies in mathematics have always been entwined with his thoughts on theology, and now, caught in a deadly battle of wills, he'll need both his genius and his faith to survive.
My review:
I would definitely place this title on the "Intellectual Intrigue" shelf. I'm more of a mystery and historical romance sort of gal, and this one was so different and distinctively colorful. Rich in descriptions and character development, it was an instant win on my list. It was a mystery, drama, sci-fi with a refreshing historical backdrop that was marvelously stunning, remarkable and brilliant.
The attention to detail is particularly astounding, and I commend Robertson for the excellent writing that brings the life of Swiss physicist and mathematician Leonhard Euler to life. My favorite moment was when Leonhard solved the Reciprocal Squares, a problem that no one in his field was able to solve. This novel was so different than what I'm used to reading, and I was impressed all around with the story contained therein. Something different for anybody that is sick of the same drivel in writing.
This book was provide by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2014
I do like how Robertson writes. He has such a knack for painting pictures with words. For example, Leonhard has walked the streets of his town all his life. Robertson describes the scenery such as a boy might see, leaving out much detail. Then as Leonhard grows up from an 18 year old boy into an 18 year old man, Robertson describes more detail as Leonhard walks along the streets making the city come to life.
He illustrates thoughts that will lay in your mind rising to wakefulness when you least expect it. The story stays with you even after you turn out the light.
This story is not a light or fluffy read. There is lots of meat to chew on, and many points to ponder as you chew. Sometimes Robertson will not lead into an illustration well and you may find yourself lost, groping for some kind of foundation. Descriptions of what Leonhard sees (because he sees things not seen), do not seem to meld into the story well. You find yourself struggling to connect some dots. But, those are few and far between.
The characters are extremely well developed. No head jumping or hopping for the story is written in first person. As Leonhard delves deeper into the mystery, the reader is sometimes left to wonder what Leonhard has just discovered. It reminds me of sitting in Algebra class and everyone "got" the illustration, but I'm sitting there without a clue.
Mathematics plays a huge role in this storyline, but in this part of the story everything remains crystal clear. Robertson does an excellent job describing and explaining what the role in complete clarity. No connecting dots or wondering if a paragraph or two was cut and laying on the editor's floor.
Frankly, the mystery is not the fascinating part of the novel. Leonhard's journey to maturity, and his deep faith through this journey is the most fascinating. Somehow when you get to the end, you aren't panting for "whodunit" but you are marveling at how gently, inexhorbaly you are drawn to understand how important faith, honesty, and God's will is to the believer.
He illustrates thoughts that will lay in your mind rising to wakefulness when you least expect it. The story stays with you even after you turn out the light.
This story is not a light or fluffy read. There is lots of meat to chew on, and many points to ponder as you chew. Sometimes Robertson will not lead into an illustration well and you may find yourself lost, groping for some kind of foundation. Descriptions of what Leonhard sees (because he sees things not seen), do not seem to meld into the story well. You find yourself struggling to connect some dots. But, those are few and far between.
The characters are extremely well developed. No head jumping or hopping for the story is written in first person. As Leonhard delves deeper into the mystery, the reader is sometimes left to wonder what Leonhard has just discovered. It reminds me of sitting in Algebra class and everyone "got" the illustration, but I'm sitting there without a clue.
Mathematics plays a huge role in this storyline, but in this part of the story everything remains crystal clear. Robertson does an excellent job describing and explaining what the role in complete clarity. No connecting dots or wondering if a paragraph or two was cut and laying on the editor's floor.
Frankly, the mystery is not the fascinating part of the novel. Leonhard's journey to maturity, and his deep faith through this journey is the most fascinating. Somehow when you get to the end, you aren't panting for "whodunit" but you are marveling at how gently, inexhorbaly you are drawn to understand how important faith, honesty, and God's will is to the believer.
January 12, 2014
I received this book as a goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Genius, jealousy, and power are a solid foundation for a novel, and An Elegant Solution has all of these, and more. Set in 18th century Europe, and based on the highly competitive Bernoulli family of mathematical geniuses, the story centers on the quest for recognition and position in the University in Basel, a small town in Switzerland. The Bernoullis are known for their infighting in real life; in the novel, that fight has risen to the level of murder. Twenty years after the death of Jacob, and the succession to his Chair at the university by his brother Johann, young student Leonhard Euler is drawn into an investigation of that death, as well as the murder of a local coach driver.
Against this background, and intertwined with it, are a variety of mathematical challenges that the various members of the Bernoulli family and Euler attempt to solve. Much of the math is relatively inaccessible to those who have not studied higher math, and yet that did not really interfere with the story. What might be a greater challenge for many is the writing style, which is appropriate for the 18th century setting, and feel rather stiff by today's standards. In addition, I found it difficult to relate to the characters, and disliked most of them.
I did enjoy the descriptive language, as buildings in the town come alive as metaphors for the good and evil that are present in the characters and plot. When the inn that is the central meeting place is described as dark, with red light shining through the windows, you know that a major confrontation with evil will take place within. Similarly, the church across the square from the inn is described almost as being separate from the city, and is a haven from evil.
Despite its flaws, I found myself unable to stop reading! Author Robertson has woven an intricate tale, and, despite its complexity, it is an entertaining read.
Genius, jealousy, and power are a solid foundation for a novel, and An Elegant Solution has all of these, and more. Set in 18th century Europe, and based on the highly competitive Bernoulli family of mathematical geniuses, the story centers on the quest for recognition and position in the University in Basel, a small town in Switzerland. The Bernoullis are known for their infighting in real life; in the novel, that fight has risen to the level of murder. Twenty years after the death of Jacob, and the succession to his Chair at the university by his brother Johann, young student Leonhard Euler is drawn into an investigation of that death, as well as the murder of a local coach driver.
Against this background, and intertwined with it, are a variety of mathematical challenges that the various members of the Bernoulli family and Euler attempt to solve. Much of the math is relatively inaccessible to those who have not studied higher math, and yet that did not really interfere with the story. What might be a greater challenge for many is the writing style, which is appropriate for the 18th century setting, and feel rather stiff by today's standards. In addition, I found it difficult to relate to the characters, and disliked most of them.
I did enjoy the descriptive language, as buildings in the town come alive as metaphors for the good and evil that are present in the characters and plot. When the inn that is the central meeting place is described as dark, with red light shining through the windows, you know that a major confrontation with evil will take place within. Similarly, the church across the square from the inn is described almost as being separate from the city, and is a haven from evil.
Despite its flaws, I found myself unable to stop reading! Author Robertson has woven an intricate tale, and, despite its complexity, it is an entertaining read.
November 18, 2013
Intellectual Intrigue and Mathematics Make a Deep Mystery
If you like intellectual intrigue then Paul Robertson’s An Elegant Solution is the book for you. Young Leonhard is a math student of Master Johann, the stern Chair of Mathematics at the university in Basel, Switzerland in the eighteenth century.
By morning Leonhard works for Mistress Dorothea, wife of Master Johann, to pay for his afternoon mathematics lessons. By routine and by accident Leonhard finds himself at the heart of Master Johann’s family intrigue when the local coach driver disappears.
As devoted as Leonhard is to mathematics and elegant formulas, he is likewise devoted to Nicolaus and Daniel, the highly competitive sons of Master Johann, who have unexpectedly returned to Basel leaving behind prestigious university chairs in foreign countries. Leonhard finds himself inextricably drawn into a mystery of spirals, deaths, and unanswered questions as he seeks to understand what is happening to the quiet town of Basel he knows so well.
Paul Robertson is methodical as he sets the scene and provides the history surrounding the mystery behind university chairs at Basel. He spends a lot of time describing what young Leonhard’s world in Basel was like, and he is effective in transporting his readers to that same world.
On the downside, Robertson takes his time creating Leonhard’s world, and I found myself at 100 pages into his novel still waiting for that pull that would take me completely into the book.
Yet, I found Robertson’s writing, descriptions, and meticulous research compelling because he introduced me to a new world of intellectual intrigue and jealously. And I even found myself not minding the mathematical discussion that gave credibility to his plot. Bethany House Publishing sent me a complimentary copy of An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson to review.
If you like intellectual intrigue then Paul Robertson’s An Elegant Solution is the book for you. Young Leonhard is a math student of Master Johann, the stern Chair of Mathematics at the university in Basel, Switzerland in the eighteenth century.
By morning Leonhard works for Mistress Dorothea, wife of Master Johann, to pay for his afternoon mathematics lessons. By routine and by accident Leonhard finds himself at the heart of Master Johann’s family intrigue when the local coach driver disappears.
As devoted as Leonhard is to mathematics and elegant formulas, he is likewise devoted to Nicolaus and Daniel, the highly competitive sons of Master Johann, who have unexpectedly returned to Basel leaving behind prestigious university chairs in foreign countries. Leonhard finds himself inextricably drawn into a mystery of spirals, deaths, and unanswered questions as he seeks to understand what is happening to the quiet town of Basel he knows so well.
Paul Robertson is methodical as he sets the scene and provides the history surrounding the mystery behind university chairs at Basel. He spends a lot of time describing what young Leonhard’s world in Basel was like, and he is effective in transporting his readers to that same world.
On the downside, Robertson takes his time creating Leonhard’s world, and I found myself at 100 pages into his novel still waiting for that pull that would take me completely into the book.
Yet, I found Robertson’s writing, descriptions, and meticulous research compelling because he introduced me to a new world of intellectual intrigue and jealously. And I even found myself not minding the mathematical discussion that gave credibility to his plot. Bethany House Publishing sent me a complimentary copy of An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson to review.
December 9, 2013
Mathematics was never one of my strongest subjects at school but, after reading chapter one of An Elegant Solution I surprised myself by wanting to read more. The descriptions of early 18th century Basel and its inhabitants had a certain poetic flow to them that dragged me in. Then I discovered the main characters had actually existed; this history buff was in hog heaven! There is a danger, of course, of putting words into peoples’ mouths or creating situations that didn’t actually happen. The strength of An Elegant Solution is to focus on the jealousies and rivalries that existed within the Bernoulli family.
Despite my lack of mathematical ability and zero knowledge of calculus, this is a book I was able to thoroughly relish. Much of the mathematics talk went over my head, but it didn’t detract from the writing. I found myself enjoying the spirited debates and the interaction between the characters. There is much symbolism, much from Greek mythology of which Euler was a student. Above all, however, there is plot. The initial mystery regarding Jacob Bernoulli becomes an investigation into the death of a well-known coachman. What is the connection with the city of Strasbourg? Does the death of a prominent university figure mean a return of the plague? Is there such a thing as chance in a world governed by natural law?
Lovers of mathematics should enjoy this book on the history of their subject, but that doesn’t mean others should stay away. An Elegant Solution has plenty to keep the non-mathematicians interested, such as the murder mystery, some political intrigue, and the beautiful descriptions of the historic Swiss city. If you’re looking for a meaty Christian historical read, this is a title I definitely recommend.
Thank you to Bethany House for my free copy of An Elegant Review, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
Despite my lack of mathematical ability and zero knowledge of calculus, this is a book I was able to thoroughly relish. Much of the mathematics talk went over my head, but it didn’t detract from the writing. I found myself enjoying the spirited debates and the interaction between the characters. There is much symbolism, much from Greek mythology of which Euler was a student. Above all, however, there is plot. The initial mystery regarding Jacob Bernoulli becomes an investigation into the death of a well-known coachman. What is the connection with the city of Strasbourg? Does the death of a prominent university figure mean a return of the plague? Is there such a thing as chance in a world governed by natural law?
Lovers of mathematics should enjoy this book on the history of their subject, but that doesn’t mean others should stay away. An Elegant Solution has plenty to keep the non-mathematicians interested, such as the murder mystery, some political intrigue, and the beautiful descriptions of the historic Swiss city. If you’re looking for a meaty Christian historical read, this is a title I definitely recommend.
Thank you to Bethany House for my free copy of An Elegant Review, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2013
I did not know what to expect when I began this journey. I have never been interested in mathematics or its history, apart from what I have learned in Literature classes; but I was immediately swept into the language of the novel and its compelling story. I don’t care what anyone else says about it, this novel is a must read. The language Robert uses is just perfect. His writing is very detailed, and filled with movement. You can actually feel the “sliding and twisting of the house and streets” as you read. Robertson covers so many topics with skill and ease; religion, the supernatural, philosophy, social class and finding ones voice in a social hierarchy.
The story takes place in the small town of Basel, Switzerland, probably around the 1720’s(lots of clues). Robert skillfully uses his description of the environment and architecture to relay the emotions of the inhabitants of Basel. This novel brings together the two worlds of faith and philosophy. Leonhard Euler is a young man of low social status whose special talents and genuine love for math give him the opportunity to study under a great teacher and mathematician, Master Johann Bernoulli. Leonhard becomes your companion through the entire story. As we read, we are immersed in a thrilling tale of power struggles, murder and genuine love for learning. I have never read any of Paul Robertson’s works before, but I am very impressed. This book is the perfect read for any lover of literature. My own copy is filled with passages I marked just because of their beauty. I urge you to give this book a chance; it is so much more than a mystery novel. Come for the mystery, but stay for the writing.
Bethany House Publishers were kind enough to send me a free copy of the book for an honest review.
The story takes place in the small town of Basel, Switzerland, probably around the 1720’s(lots of clues). Robert skillfully uses his description of the environment and architecture to relay the emotions of the inhabitants of Basel. This novel brings together the two worlds of faith and philosophy. Leonhard Euler is a young man of low social status whose special talents and genuine love for math give him the opportunity to study under a great teacher and mathematician, Master Johann Bernoulli. Leonhard becomes your companion through the entire story. As we read, we are immersed in a thrilling tale of power struggles, murder and genuine love for learning. I have never read any of Paul Robertson’s works before, but I am very impressed. This book is the perfect read for any lover of literature. My own copy is filled with passages I marked just because of their beauty. I urge you to give this book a chance; it is so much more than a mystery novel. Come for the mystery, but stay for the writing.
Bethany House Publishers were kind enough to send me a free copy of the book for an honest review.
April 26, 2016
Paul Robertson offers the reader a unique reading experience in his latest novel An Elegant Solution.
While I do not think the author's literary style and exposition of the novel's themes stand out for their exceptional elegance per se, he does successfully avoid any substantive oversimplification of the complex, unwieldy ides he raises in the book. The book offers the reader something more satisfying, less finite, than the word "solution" seems to imply. This is no mean feat! The narrator has all the certitude of a mathematician who has is accustomed to working to find perfect solutions combined with a deeply-rooted religious faith. Robertson synchronized these -- perhaps seemingly incongruous -- elements of his character and the plot seamlessly.
The element of this book that most impressed me was plainly apparent within the first few pages. The first-person narrator is fascinatingly unusual; he reads far more like a third-person-observer than an individual detailing their interior monologue or recounting events in the past. However, he is confident in his perceptions and judgments, and the tale unfolds in such a purposeful, clever way that I immediately was inclined to suspend disbelief of all kinds more quickly than with many other narrators. This fresh narrative voice really caught my attention, and I enjoyed following it and thinking about the implications for the novel's meaning as I read.
I am pleased to recommend An Elegant Solution to a wide reading audience. The book grapples successfully with ideas worthy if serious contemplation within the context of a gripping story told by a one-of-a-kind protagonist-narrator. Please be advised I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
While I do not think the author's literary style and exposition of the novel's themes stand out for their exceptional elegance per se, he does successfully avoid any substantive oversimplification of the complex, unwieldy ides he raises in the book. The book offers the reader something more satisfying, less finite, than the word "solution" seems to imply. This is no mean feat! The narrator has all the certitude of a mathematician who has is accustomed to working to find perfect solutions combined with a deeply-rooted religious faith. Robertson synchronized these -- perhaps seemingly incongruous -- elements of his character and the plot seamlessly.
The element of this book that most impressed me was plainly apparent within the first few pages. The first-person narrator is fascinatingly unusual; he reads far more like a third-person-observer than an individual detailing their interior monologue or recounting events in the past. However, he is confident in his perceptions and judgments, and the tale unfolds in such a purposeful, clever way that I immediately was inclined to suspend disbelief of all kinds more quickly than with many other narrators. This fresh narrative voice really caught my attention, and I enjoyed following it and thinking about the implications for the novel's meaning as I read.
I am pleased to recommend An Elegant Solution to a wide reading audience. The book grapples successfully with ideas worthy if serious contemplation within the context of a gripping story told by a one-of-a-kind protagonist-narrator. Please be advised I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
June 4, 2019
Simply put, this has been a remarkable read.
Set at some point in the early 1700s, “An Elegant Solution” is a fascinating blend of science, history, geography, and mystery - at once atmospheric, vivid, and suspenseful. This is the second novel by Paul Robertson that I have read, and I am beginning to discern a style, even though the novels have been dramatically different from each other. Robertson manages to nestle a mystery in the midst of an incredibly atmospheric setting and secondary plots, rich in detail and with an unbending command of perspective. Resolution to the mystery may not be completely satisfying, at least not in the usual sense, and yet the story is so completely shrouded in immersive detail that a second read would certainly not disappoint.
“An Elegant Solution” is, at least at the beginning, a murder mystery. Set in the closely guarded walls of Basel, Switzerland, this novel features characters at the leading edge of 18th century science and mathematics, calling to mind the heady days of discovery and exploration that we associate with Isaac Newton and other greats. Newton himself, in fact, features heavily as a nonpresent reference throughout the book. What begins, however, as a murky investigation, soon mushrooms into an dramatic intrigue and contest, as a number of characters conspire to win or influence the position of chair at Basel’s university.
For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, the history of science, and mystery - read this book.
Set at some point in the early 1700s, “An Elegant Solution” is a fascinating blend of science, history, geography, and mystery - at once atmospheric, vivid, and suspenseful. This is the second novel by Paul Robertson that I have read, and I am beginning to discern a style, even though the novels have been dramatically different from each other. Robertson manages to nestle a mystery in the midst of an incredibly atmospheric setting and secondary plots, rich in detail and with an unbending command of perspective. Resolution to the mystery may not be completely satisfying, at least not in the usual sense, and yet the story is so completely shrouded in immersive detail that a second read would certainly not disappoint.
“An Elegant Solution” is, at least at the beginning, a murder mystery. Set in the closely guarded walls of Basel, Switzerland, this novel features characters at the leading edge of 18th century science and mathematics, calling to mind the heady days of discovery and exploration that we associate with Isaac Newton and other greats. Newton himself, in fact, features heavily as a nonpresent reference throughout the book. What begins, however, as a murky investigation, soon mushrooms into an dramatic intrigue and contest, as a number of characters conspire to win or influence the position of chair at Basel’s university.
For anyone who enjoys historical fiction, the history of science, and mystery - read this book.
March 12, 2014
This has to be the most challenging novel I have ever read, and I've read a lot of novels. Paul Robertson’s An Elegant Solution is no simple solution or light diversion. This is a novel to read if you like having your mind work hard while reading. Of course, if you’re a math genius, it’s a little easier.
I am actually not really sure where to begin with reviewing this one. I’m not up to critiquing the mathematics, but it is worth noting that a little bit of mathphobia should not hamper your enjoyment of this book. Robertson has structured An Elegant Solution so that you can understand why the math matters, even if you are not real clear on logarithm. (Or logarithm and blues!)
Overall, I found the language a bit of a challenge in reading, but this stretched my brain rather than harming my enjoyment of the text. Robertson has taken the readers of An Elegant Solution deep into history, and uses linguistic style to transport us there. It is a valuable journey.
The plot was intricate enough to be compelling. Although it may be that it would read as simple in modern language, put into the time period parlance, An Elegant Solution challenges the reader overall.
I am not sure how much more to say about this—the synopsis follows this review, and it sells the text short, I think. If you would like your next novel read to push your thinking, grab this one.
I am actually not really sure where to begin with reviewing this one. I’m not up to critiquing the mathematics, but it is worth noting that a little bit of mathphobia should not hamper your enjoyment of this book. Robertson has structured An Elegant Solution so that you can understand why the math matters, even if you are not real clear on logarithm. (Or logarithm and blues!)
Overall, I found the language a bit of a challenge in reading, but this stretched my brain rather than harming my enjoyment of the text. Robertson has taken the readers of An Elegant Solution deep into history, and uses linguistic style to transport us there. It is a valuable journey.
The plot was intricate enough to be compelling. Although it may be that it would read as simple in modern language, put into the time period parlance, An Elegant Solution challenges the reader overall.
I am not sure how much more to say about this—the synopsis follows this review, and it sells the text short, I think. If you would like your next novel read to push your thinking, grab this one.
December 12, 2013
Book Summary
The Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson is a Christian historical suspense novel. It involves math, history, secrets of the Bernolli family and a suspicious death. It is from the view point of math prodigy Leonhard Euler who is being mentored by Johann Bernolli whose brother dies under unknown circumstances.
My thoughts
I usually don't take this long to read a book but this one I had a very hard time trying to read it and I am big historical suspense fan usually. This was a very detailed book and I really did enjoy that (especially with the math equations as I like math) but at times it was just over done. I sometimes got lost in the story not sure what was going on but that may have not been the author's fault as I have a lot going on in my life right now. It was a nice book that was finally not a Christian romance but was good clean and fun historical suspense story. If you like a lot of detail and like math and cerebal type books then this book is for you.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson is a Christian historical suspense novel. It involves math, history, secrets of the Bernolli family and a suspicious death. It is from the view point of math prodigy Leonhard Euler who is being mentored by Johann Bernolli whose brother dies under unknown circumstances.
My thoughts
I usually don't take this long to read a book but this one I had a very hard time trying to read it and I am big historical suspense fan usually. This was a very detailed book and I really did enjoy that (especially with the math equations as I like math) but at times it was just over done. I sometimes got lost in the story not sure what was going on but that may have not been the author's fault as I have a lot going on in my life right now. It was a nice book that was finally not a Christian romance but was good clean and fun historical suspense story. If you like a lot of detail and like math and cerebal type books then this book is for you.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review.
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