A review by ursulamonarch
Divide Me by Zero by Lara Vapnyar

5.0

I think I would have loved this book purely for its portrayal of youth in the Soviet Union followed by emigration to the United States and the excellent setting and distinct characters described, but what really put it over the top for me was the evolving relationship between the protagonist and her mother, who

dies in her care very shortly after her 67th birthday

. The math book that the protagonist tries to assemble is fascinating and poignant. The kids are wonderfully human, which sometimes feels rare. This book reminded me a lot of [b:Lost and Wanted|40177418|Lost and Wanted|Nell Freudenberger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1547406325l/40177418._SX50_.jpg|62330649] in female platonic yearning for a women of science/math.