ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yōko Ogawa is a renowned Japanese author known for her distinct narrative style that blends elements of surrealism with poignant, understated prose. Born in Okayama, Japan, in 1962, Ogawa has penned numerous novels and short stories. Many of her works have been translated into several languages, expanding her reach to an international audience. Her works often explore themes of memory, isolation, and the subtle intricacies of human psychology. Ogawa’s writing stands out for its exquisite portrayal of complex relationships and societal norms.
Her prominent works include The Diving Pool, a collection of novellas about the unsettling undercurrents in everyday life, Hotel Iris, a novel about a dark relationship between a teenage girl and an older man, and Revenge, a series of interconnected stories about obsession and loss. The Housekeeper and the Professor was critically acclaimed for its delicate examination of friendship and the impact of memory loss. Likewise, The Memory Police, a dystopian tale of a society where memories are controlled by the state, further highlights Ogawa’s ability to blend haunting and philosophical themes into her storytelling.
Ogawa’s contributions to literature have earned her several prestigious awards, including the Akutagawa Prize, one of Japan’s most esteemed literary honors.
SYNOPSIS (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)
The Housekeeper and the Professor is narrated by the Housekeeper, who offers an intimate and personal view of the unfolding story.
It’s March 1992. The Akebono housekeeping agency assigns the narrator to a unique client – a former professor of mathematics. Known as the Professor, he resides in a cottage on his widowed sister-in-law’s property. The widow is the Professor’s benefactress. A severe car accident in 1975 has left him with a peculiar condition – he is unable to retain any new memories for over eighty minutes. This condition has led to a high turnover of housekeepers. The narrator, however, finds the job much simpler than she expected, except for needing to reintroduce herself every time they meet.
Despite the initial challenges, their relationship changes when the Professor learns that the narrator’s young son, whom he nicknames Root for his flat-topped head, is often left alone after school. The Professor insists that Root join his mother at work. Soon, a deep bond forms among the trio. They are all fans of the Hanshin Tigers baseball team, though the Professor, stuck in the year 1975, believes his favorite pitcher is still active.
As they spend their days together, the Professor shares his passion for number theory. Their conversations and activities begin to revolve around mathematics and baseball. As they grow closer, the Professor shows genuine care for Root’s well-being.
In a touching gesture, the narrator organizes a trip to a baseball game, which they all enjoy. However, it results in the Professor catching a fever. During his illness, the narrator’s dedication to caring for him extends way beyond her professional duties. Shortly after his recovery, though, the agency reassigns her, much to their dismay. The arrangement is due to the widow’s request.
Despite working for a demanding couple afterward, the narrator’s thoughts frequently return to the Professor. Eventually, a mysterious incident involving Root and the widow leads to the narrator’s return to the Professor’s side. The trio resumes their warm interaction until the Professor’s worsening condition necessitates his move to a long-term care facility.
The narrator and Root continue visiting the Professor even after his relocation to the facility. They frequently go for picnics with him, enjoying their time together until his eventual passing. The widow sometimes joins them too, showing a softer side to her personality. Inspired by his bond with the Professor, Root continues to play baseball at college. He later becomes a middle-school math teacher, honoring the Professor’s influence on his life.
WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT THE HOUSEKEEPER AND THE PROFESSOR
Reading The Housekeeper and the Professor is like stepping into a realm of pure beauty. The concept of being stuck in a single moment, unable to create new memories, is both haunting and profound. Yet, the narrative masterfully shifts our focus toward the essence of living fully in the present. It celebrates the power of connections and the beauty found in every shared moment. What’s striking is how the story unfolds without ever naming its characters. This goes to show that experiences, not names, are what truly matter. This approach beautifully amplifies the message that life’s true value lies not just in the memories we accumulate, but in the richness of our immediate experiences and the bonds we nurture.
All in all, The Housekeeper and the Professor delves into themes of memory, connection, and the profound impact of our intellectual and emotional relationships. It demonstrates how unique circumstances can bring about strong bonds.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT THE HOUSEKEEPER AND THE PROFESSOR
Readers might crave more dynamic interactions and a faster-paced narrative. More detailed backstories could have also enriched the characters. The book could have also done with a bit more emotional depth.
QUOTES
And yet, the room was filled by a kind of stillness. Not simply an absence of noise, but an accumulation of layers of silence, untouched by fallen hair or mold, silence that the Professor left behind as he wandered through the numbers, silence like a clear lake hidden in the depths of the forest.
“I have nothing to say,” he said, turning suddenly and speaking in a loud voice. “I’m thinking at the moment. Thinking. And to have my thoughts interrupted is like being strangled. Don’t you know that barging in here when I’m with my numbers is as rude as interrupting someone in the bathroom?”
The truly correct proof is one that strikes a harmonious balance between strength and flexibility. There are plenty of proofs that are technically correct but are messy and inelegant or counterintuitive. But it’s not something you can put into words — explaining why a formula is beautiful is like trying to explain why the stars are beautiful.
Needless to say, I could not understand any of the mysteries concealed in the notebooks. Yet somehow, I wanted to stay there forever, just staring at the formulas.
CONCLUSION
The Housekeeper and the Professor is a five-star read. It is a must-read for anyone looking to appreciate the real beauty of life. Readers who feel rushed in their daily lives should also give this book a try, for it is the perfect reminder to slow down and savor the little things in life.
A reverential admirer of words, Madhu loves watching them weave their bewitching magic on cozy afternoons.