Title: unconventional; surprisingly good
Product review: Many, probably most, novels that feature mathematicians or scientists have a genius as protagonist. There are many variations on that theme (the unrecognized genius, the failed genius, the temporarily failed but ultimately triumphant genius, the evil genius, the genius who doesn't recognize his/her true talent until given proper encouragement, etc.). However, reading about geniuses can eventually become tiresome.The striking thing about this book is that the main character is perfectly ordinary. Of course, there are lots of novels about ordinary people, but very few about ordinary _mathematicians_, and that subject matter gives this book a peculiar charm. It's rather well written, too.Overall, I'd say it's not a masterpiece, but well worth reading.
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