A review by inquiry_from_an_anti_library
The Last Equation of Isaac Severy by Nova Jacobs

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Overview:

There are many theoretic mathematic ideas that cannot readily be applied.  Isaac Severy is a famous mathematician, who applies mathematics of chaos theory to practical problems.  Applications such as predicting the flow of traffic, which can make transportation more efficient.  With Isaac’s predictive ability, Isaac knew when Isaac was going to die.  That gave time for Isaac to plan what to do with the equation.  Instructing the destruction of Isaac’s work, except for the equation, to an adopted granddaughter, Hazel. 

Hazel received a mysterious letter from Isaac, after Isaac perished.  Hazel, who is not mathematical like most of the Severy family, reluctantly deciphers Isaac’s cryptic instructions.  The problem is that the instructions indicated not to trust anyone, including the Severy family members.  But how is Hazel meant to resolve math related instructions.  Then again, Isaac often said that Hazel might not be a mathematician, but does have a logician’s mind.

 

Caveats?

There is a lot of mathematical esoterica.  Reading and considering the application of the different math can add a sense of fun and intellectual stimulation.  The mystery is still interesting even without understanding them.