The Housekeeper and the Professor

The Housekeeper and the Professor, by Yoko Ogawa, is about an unlikely relationship between a young woman, her 10 year old son, and a mentally disabled former professor. The professor, in his 60’s, is the victim of a traffic accident that leaves him with the inability to remember anything more than 80 minutes. Once a brilliant mathematician, time stopped for him in 1975. He now solves math puzzles and walks around in a suit with reminder notes pinned all over. Aside from puzzles, the professor’s other interest is baseball, circa 1975, and his favorite pitcher is the famed player, Yataka Enatsu.

The characters in this novel are quirky and lovingly drawn. The housekeeper is a fatherless young woman who got pregnant in high school. Aside from her son, she is without a family. Like the professor, her potential has been cut short, and she, too, depends on the kindness of those around her. The people for whom she cleans and cooks often take advantage of her, forcing her to work long hours away from her son.

It is with the professor that this woman forms a bond. Although his memory is short, his love of children is immense. He nicknames her son Root because the top of his head appears flat, and he insists that she bring him to work with her. And because he loves her son, the young woman starts to love him. The nature of her love is left ambiguous.

There is one other character of importance—the widow, who is the Professor’s sister-in-law. She provides yet another sub-plot of the book.

Yoko Ogawa is an amazing storyteller. Ultimately, she explores the impact the mentally disabled can have on those living in the “normal world.” She also explores the nature of memory and love, and asks whether there can be love in a life where memory does not exist.

Beautifully crafted, this short book is a delightful and touching read.

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