"The Solitaire Mystery" by Jostein Gaarder is a philosophical novel that intertwines two parallel stories - one of a father and son on a journey to reunite their family, and the other of a hidden island, a deck of playing cards that comes alive, and a mysterious rainbow soda. The book delves into themes of destiny, creationism, and the essence of being, all while exploring the concept of solitaire as a metaphor for life's mysteries and interconnectedness. Gaarder's writing style is described as clever, engaging, and thought-provoking, with elements of fantasy, philosophy, and family dynamics woven seamlessly into the narrative.

Characters:

The characters are intricate and multifaceted, with a blend of curiosity and complexity that reflects broader philosophical ideas.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is imaginative and clever, seamlessly blending fantasy with philosophical themes through layered storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative involves a journey of self-discovery merging individual storylines of various characters, highlighting themes of family and philosophical quests.

Setting:

The setting spans various European locales, enriching the philosophical exploration and enhancing the narrative's depth.

Pacing:

The pacing can be slow and complex, with a focus on exploring philosophical themes that may challenge readers' engagement.

THE GREAT JOURNEY TO the homeland of the philosophers began in Arendal, an old shipping town on the south coast of Norway. We took the ferry, the Bolero, from Kristiansand to Hirtshals. I’m not going ...

Notes:

The book features a dual storyline involving a boy named Hans Thomas and his journey with his father to find his mother, who has left to find herself.

It explores themes of philosophy and existence through a narrative that includes stories from different historical characters over two centuries.

The narrative device of stories within stories is a prominent feature, similar to the structure in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The story incorporates elements of magic realism, blending everyday life with fantastical elements, particularly through the use of playing cards.

The central theme revolves around a deck of 52 playing cards, which has symbolic significance in marking the passage of time and life events.

The author, Jostein Gaarder, was born in 1952, which may explain his fascination with numbers and numerology in the book.

The book suggests that life is like a game of solitaire, where the interconnectedness of choices and events shapes our destinies.

The narrative encourages readers to see the world as a mystery, urging them to question the normalcy of life and its hidden wonders.

Characters in the story include a sea captain, a baker, and a German soldier, each representing different historical perspectives and life experiences.

The translation of the book captures a youthful and philosophical tone, making deep concepts accessible to younger readers.

From The Publisher:

The story of a boy and his father on a car trip through Europe, searching for the boy's mother, who left many years ago to find herself. Structured as a deck of cards - each chapter is one card in the deck - The Solitaire Mystery subtly weaves together fantasy and reality, fairy tales and family history.

Reader Stats (5):

Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

Jostein Gaarder was born in Oslo, Norway, in 1952. He taught high-school philosophy for several years before publishing a collection of short stories in 1986 and, shortly thereafter, his first two novels, The Solitaire Mystery and Sophie's World, and several others since then. He lives in Oslo with his family.

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The Solitaire Mystery

Jostein Gaarder