Now in their thirties, Mimi braves opening up and saying she wants to look for love. Art agrees - if she in turn will agree to follow a mathematical formula for finding someone suitable. As we can all guess, love and formulae are not likely to go hand in hand, and Mimi meets Frank outside of her brother's agreed schedule, setting and sums. It’s impossible to prepare someone for the news of a loved one’s death. But there are rules for such moments, and Mimi has seen them in action before. Mimi for her part just wants some freedom to be her own person; she loves Art but she needs some space where she can be her own person, to know she is love for who she is and not simply as the sister of the older brother who needs lots of caring and shepherding through life or the child who was expected to stand dutifully by while her parents while they tended to Art. Meet Art and Mimi Brotherton. Being siblings and housemates, they tend to agree on not quite everything. Art’s main research is on p versus Np, but he’s (perhaps excessively) paranoid that someone, the wrong someone, is stealing his work and will get there before him. It’s not the prize money he cares about; it’s the potential damage the wrong person might wreak with such powerful knowledge. And his suspicions have ramped up since Frank has appeared on the scene. Has Frank been entirely honest with Mimi?

Before bedtime: Many people find that reading before bedtime helps them unwind and relax, which can promote better sleep. Art and Mimi have a sibling bond that screams loyalty. Bound together through a tragedy you see their faults and the strength they give each other. Anyone who has a sibling will understand how complex those familial relations can be. It was interesting to see them develop together and separately. The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a story about family and love, and when the two don't quite see eye to eye. It also brings in elements of grief and guilt. I highly recommend this book as a quirky and enjoyable read! I loved the cover too- very eye catching! He lies on the bed, breath shallow and even, tubes rising and falling in sync with his chest. Tubes, liquids, toxins. Electrics, needles. Beds on wheels. He wouldn’t like it. The wheels make her feel queasy too—they look ready to move out at a moment’s notice. Mimi stands at the foot of his bed. “Can I touch him?” she asks a nurse.

I just loved the sibling relationship between Mimi and Art- they are interdependent with different strengths. Mimi does all the household tasks , cooking and cleaning whilst Art works on his maths problems. However despite his difficulties in communication and behaviour, Art is continually looking out for Mimi, the reasons for which become clear as the book progresses. How do I describe this book? It’s difficult as it is hard to categorise but all I can say is that it really touched me and I just loved the characters, the plot and all the twists.

Use plain and simple language. Start by saying the person has died. This leaves no room for doubt. Don’t use euphemisms—like “passed on,” or “they’re in a better place now.” “Lost” is particularly unhelpful—just imagine. If I had to give one more criticism, it would be that the perspective of who was narrating seemed to change constantly, with no indication of it changing until you were already confused. The driver called an ambulance and spoke to police at the scene. “I’m so sorry, Miss Brotherton, I know this is difficult. Is there anyone you’d like us to call?” Art and Mimi Brotherton are siblings and housemates. Since their parents tragically died they have been there for each other. Art is a mathematical genius - probably on the spectrum - and Mimi has devoted herself to looking after him. He shines academically whilst she hides her light under the domestic bushel.

Hobbies

Maybe I shouldn't write a review straight after finishing a book, as a couple of glistening tears are still drying under my eyes. But I didn't expect to be as moved as I was when I begun this. I thought I was getting more of a Rosie Project comedy. What qualities make Mimi so well-suited to being a foley artist? What does her success in that field reveal about her as a character?

She me Art never understood how boring his math could be for everyone else. “It’s not magic, you know,” said Mimi. “It’s just math.” Is he dead?” she hears herself say. “My brother. He’s dead, right?” The room dissolves into strips that are floating away, nothing has substance, light swallows matter. Gnodde commented: “In The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything, the siblings are involved in a love triangle of sorts – with maths as its beating heart. Art tries to convince his beloved sister that the world can be navigated with rationality, anchored in numbers. But the bonds of family and the calculations of the heart can be determined to follow a logic of their own. It was immediately clear that Mantle was the right home for Mimi and Art: they were so enthusiastic about the off-beat, complicated siblings, and we agreed on the balance between family drama, love and the riff on maths. The editorial process has been a joy – the whole Mantle team is fantastic.”Art thinks people are incapable of making sensible decisions, especially when it comes to love. That’s what algorithms are for. The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a tender, intelligent and uplifting novel about brothers and sisters, true love in all its forms, and how the answers to life’s biggest questions follow a logic of their own. Details About The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything will break your heart, and mend it. Will have you whispering to yourself, and finally, will leave you satiated in the knowledge that when we finally get out of our way, love will find us ready to let it do its thing. Love us completely and unreservedly.