The book "Sofies World" of Jostein Gaarder - the review.Among the mass of books, the book of Jostein Garder is a jewel. Jostein
Gaarder, the author, lives in Norway and teaches
philosophy. In his book he shows that it can be fun to ask questions and to get answers. If one takes it in his or her hands for turning the pages, the thickness of the book surprises. Sofie, the main character is a young girl, who celebrates her 15th birthday in the summer and who receives strange letters with strange questions as for example:"Who are you?" or "Where does the world come from?" But there is also another girl called Hilde, who is ought to live with Sofie, who receives letters. Sofie decides to search for Hilde and meets Alberto Knox, who offers to teach her a course in philosophy. "Sofies World" is not a sheer textbook which is boring and unenjoyable. No, the philosophy is being packed into an
interesting story by the author. Besides one learns facts about the beginning of thinking. The author always puts the main philosophical questions of an epoch into their historic context. The author has made it easy for the one who feels like reading the book again, because the selective consulting is allowed by a large register of keywords, in the end of the book. Overyone once asks him- or herself questions like:"Where does the world come from? What does happen after death?" Garder bothers with questions like these in his novel. With the story of Sofie Amundse, the author succeeds in creating an amazing legerdemain. He writes an exciting book and conveys worth knowing about the history of philosophy to the reader. For me it was a very interesting book. Thanks to Sofie, now I am adicted to wisdom. "Sofies World" is a special book, which tale is based on a very original idea. It is exciting and easy to read. Ewa Kozlowska