Plot Summary

The Solitude of Prime Numbers

Paolo Giordano
Guide cover placeholder

The Solitude of Prime Numbers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

Book Brief

Paolo Giordano

The Solitude of Prime Numbers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Set in Turin, Italy, The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano follows Alice Della Rocca and Mattia Balossino from childhood to adulthood as they navigate independence and the lasting impacts of childhood trauma, forming a deep, complex bond. Their unique struggles are explored through the metaphor of prime numbers, beautifully yet isolatingly unique. Topics include severe cognitive disabilities, eating disorders, child abuse, self-harm, and depression.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Mysterious

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.7

78,407 ratings

59%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano is highly praised for its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight into the lives of its protagonists. However, some critics find its narrative pace uneven and its themes of isolation and trauma occasionally heavy-handed. Overall, it is regarded as a compelling and thought-provoking debut novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Solitude of Prime Numbers?

A reader who would enjoy The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano is someone who appreciates introspective, character-driven narratives and emotional depth. Fans of coming-of-age stories like The Perks of Being a Wallflower or touching, evocative novels like Atonement will find this book captivating.

3.7

78,407 ratings

59%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Solitude of Prime Numbers is the debut novel of Paolo Giordano, who wrote it while pursuing a doctorate in theoretical particle physics, reflecting his deep understanding of complex scientific concepts.

The novel won the Premio Strega, Italy's most prestigious literary award, in 2008, making Giordano the youngest author ever to receive the award at the age of 26.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

A film adaptation of the novel was released in 2010, directed by Saverio Costanzo, and it featured a soundtrack composed by the acclaimed band, Explosions in the Sky, alongside composer Amedeo Pace.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!