What did I like most about Ramanujan?
The chapter numbers! Each one is a mathematical problem that uses the chapter number and mathematical operators in such a way that the solution to the problem is, again, the chapter number. That sounds much more complicated than it is, but take a look:
Do you see what I mean? Isn’t it fun?
I love maths. And clever mathematical ideas? I’m always in awe. When I solve a mathematical or logical problem, there’s a sense of glee that is unlike anything else, and so, Ramanujan is exactly my kind of book. A cross between a collection of short stories and a full-length novel, the structure appeals to me too, with problems for Ramanujan and his friends to solve chapter after chapter.
I also enjoyed how the problems are presented. In the year that the story is set, there’s no maths teacher in Ramanujan’s school. The substitute teachers make the class do all kinds of strange things, practically applying mathematical ideas. But Ramanujan dislikes practical application. It’s the theories, the ideas, the generalisations that appeal to him! And so, we watch as he takes each practical problem and finds a fascinating way to theorise it, allowing him to explore the beauty of mathematics without getting his hands dirty.
Ramanujan is the first of a promising series of books, Great Minds at Work. I’m waiting to explore the childhoods of other people who made history!
| Title | Ramanujan |
| Author | Arundhati Venkatesh |
| Tags | Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Great Minds at Work |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4 |
| Age-group | 11+ |
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