THE THEORY OF (NOT QUITE) EVERYTHING

Like circles of a Venn diagram, Mimi and Art Brotherton have always come as a pair. Devoted siblings, they’re bound together in their childhood home by the tragic death of their parents.

Art believes that people – including his sister – are incapable of making sensible decisions when it comes to love. That’s what algorithms are for.

Mimi knows that her brother is a mathematical genius. But she believes that maths isn’t the answer to everything. Not quite. Especially when it comes to love.

Still, when Mimi begins her search for a soulmate, Art’s insistence that she follow a strict mathematical plan seems reasonable. The arrival of Frank, however – a romantic stargazer who is definitely not algorithm-approved – challenges the siblings’ relationship to breaking point. As their equilibrium falters, Art’s mistrust of Frank grows, but so do Mimi’s feelings. Something about Frank doesn’t quite add up, and only Art can see it…

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘‘The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything’ is (quite) wonderful. Happily no math is required to find Kara Gnodde’s writing — rich with metaphor and passion — totally absorbing. A delight.’

Katherine Heiny

Internationally bestselling author of Standard Deviation and Early Morning Riser

‘The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is such a special novel. Tender, unique and uplifting, it explores sibling love, romantic love and the love between friends. Such an accomplished debut.’

Beth O'Leary
Internationally bestselling author of The Flatshare and The No-Show

‘If this novel about mathematicians were a math problem, and Kara Gnodde set out to prove that love is varied, unpredictable, and infinite in its capacity to expand, then she's done it. I adored this quirky, big-hearted book.’

Mary Beth Keane
New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes

‘The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a moving exploration of the bond between siblings and the long shadow of tragic events on the way they navigate relationships. It's also a compelling novel about the many ways that we protect the people we love.’

Balli Kaur Jaswal
Author of Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows

‘Gorgeous.’

Rosie Walsh
New York Times bestselling author of The Love of My Life and Ghosted

‘A delightfully clever tale of first love, loss and an unforgettable sibling relationship.’

Marianne Cronin
Author of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

‘Kara Gnodde’s debut novel is an exquisite piece of writing that is as intricate and beautiful as mathematics itself. Do not miss this one.’

Annabel Monaghan
Author of Nora Goes Off Script 

 

‘A perfectly balanced equation of head and heart. I fell in love with Mimi and Art, and the smart, funny, tender world that Gnodde creates. My book of the year.’

Kate Weinberg
Author of The Truants