Novel co-written by mathematician released

One of the most highly anticipated publications at the HCM City annual book festival is a novel co-written by mathematician Ngo Bao Chau, the first Vietnamese researcher to receive the prestigious Field Medal in 2010, and his friend Nguyen Phuong Van, an active blogger.

The novel Ai va Ky o Xu So Nhung Con So Tang Hinh (Ai and Ky in the World of Invisible Figures), published by Nha Nam Culture and Communication Company in conjunction with the The Gioi Publishers, features a story about Ai and Ky, two young boys, as they travel through a symbolic journey through humankind's mathematical development. Their journey includes interesting meetings with renowned mathematical figures such as Euclid of Alexandria, Diogenes of Sinope, Rene Descartes and Aesop.

"At first, we planned to write about the history of mathematics," Van said. "Then, our path twisted somehow. But the book is still what we set out for in the beginning: encouraging young people to broaden their knowledge, to be curious about the characters and their real lives, and their contributions to mankind."

Professor Ha Huy Khoai said the book was a "beautiful tale with golden sunlight over a sandy beach, a pure atmosphere of intelligence and human love, with paradoxes and plots as well".

"Reading the novel, we find that the world of figures is mysterious and romantic, just like the human world," he said.

"The book is so simple that anyone can read it, even people who don't know anything about maths like me," said poet Tran Dang Khoa. "Through a journey in a world of invisible figures, we understand part of maths' wonderful beauty."

Chau said he planned to write more about maths for young readers.

Writer Nguyen Phuong Van and artist Thai My Phuong, who created the illustrations for the book, will hold an autograph session at Nha Nam's festival book stall next Monday at 7pm. — VNS