Positives Edward Frenkel's book is widely praised for its deeply personal and inspiring autobiographical elements. Reviewers found his life story riveting, particularly his journey as a Jewish mathematician facing discrimination in the Soviet Union and his eventual rise to prominence. Many appreciated the candid glimpse into Soviet academia and the challenges he overcame, finding his resilience and passion for mathematics captivating. The book is also lauded for its earnest attempt to communicate the beauty and hidden connections within advanced mathematics, with some readers experiencing a renewed or newfound interest in the subject. Frenkel's enthusiasm for his field is described as infectious, and his explanations of early mathematical concepts are often highlighted as clear and engaging, revealing the profound and often surprising relevance of pure research to real-world applications and scientific progress.
Negatives However, a significant number of readers found the book's mathematical content to be overly ambitious and largely inaccessible for a general audience. Many reviewers, even those with some mathematical background, felt that Frenkel severely overestimated the average reader's comprehension level, leading to confusion and frustration as the complexity of the topics increased. The book's interwoven structure, alternating between memoir and intricate mathematical explanations, was also a point of contention, with some suggesting it would have been more effective as two separate works. Critics noted a reliance on jargon and a lack of sustained, simplified analogies in later chapters, making it difficult to follow the more abstract concepts. Furthermore, some found Frenkel's fervent, almost reverent, praise for mathematics to be excessive or even counter-productive, while others felt certain artistic expressions or philosophical musings within the book were unnecessary or strained.
Conclusion Overall, the book is considered a remarkable, albeit challenging, read that succeeds in conveying the author's profound love for mathematics and his inspiring personal story. While it may not fully convert every layperson into a math enthusiast, it excels at humanizing the world of advanced mathematics and showcasing the passion behind groundbreaking research. This book is particularly recommended for readers with a strong existing interest or background in mathematics, or for those who are highly motivated to engage with complex ideas and are willing to "let the math flow over them" without necessarily grasping every detail. It also strongly appeals to those who appreciate compelling memoirs of overcoming adversity and gaining insight into the life of a dedicated scholar.
