The Love Proof

November 9, 2020
In Henry’s tender if familiar second novel (after Breathe In, Cash Out), a Yale physics prodigy attempts a scientific proof to explain her romantic feelings. Sophie Jones (dubbed “The Next Einstein” in a New York Times profile) is about to embark on a research project on the nature of time during her first year at Yale when she falls in love with fellow student Jake Kristopher. As the couple’s lives become more entwined, Sophie becomes filled with a “debilitating peace” and loses interest in her studies, leading those around her—including Jake—to fear the loss of her potential. After graduation, Jake proposes they push pause on the relationship, so Sophie can focus on her work. She flails for a year, but eventually returns to Yale to work on her PhD, determined to work on block theory (the idea that “all events in the past, present, and future existed at once”) to explain her enduring affection for Jake. Though the novel treads well-worn ground in its juxtaposition of science and emotion (“The least understood, most important thing in the world is love,” Sophie declares), Sophie and Jake’s relationship is genuinely endearing. This engaging take on the mysteries of the heart and universe might not have all the answers, but it makes the grade. Agent: Eve Atterman, WME.

Starred review from December 1, 2020

When physics genius and prodigy Sophie Jones meets future financial whiz Jake Kristopher at Yale, the freshmen are instantly drawn to each other. But when Sophie's all-encompassing love for Jake begins to threaten her focus on her research, Jake sets her free for what he believes is her own good. Over a period of 25 years, Sophie rebounds intellectually, studying chromesthesia and block theory and making discoveries about love and time. Jake becomes a successful investor who never stops doubting his decision to let Sophie go. Both deal with the lasting effects of first love and heartbreak and try to move on but never forget each other or truly get over the loss. Each ponders the question, is anything worth it if you're not happy? VERDICT Departing from the light chick-lit tone of her previous novel (Breathe In, Cash Out), Henry uses deep characterizations and poetic descriptions to deliver a mesmerizing love story that contains a lot of serious science talk but luckily doesn't require prior knowledge of physics. Fans of stories about the power of first love and the struggle to listen to one's head or heart should not pass this one up.--Samantha Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2020
Two Yale freshmen--one a mathematics prodigy who's predicted to redefine humanity's understanding of space and time, the other determined to run a wildly successful investment fund--are drawn together. What is time? What is love? Both questions enthrall freshman Sophie Jones, quiet, shy, feminine, na�ve, brilliant, and already famous. The Yale physics department is delighted to have her and tailors a study scheme to match her brilliance and allow her to redefine how the universe is understood. Jake Kristopher is at Yale, too, on a full scholarship--he's worked exceedingly hard to get where he is and is determined to make enough money to feel like he has actually succeeded. When the two meet, there is an instant connection, as if they have known each other forever and are two pieces of a whole. Their love supports Jake as he skyrockets to success, but it creates such a sense of peace, calm, and happiness in Sophie that she becomes...normal. A top student, yes, but not one who will redefine knowledge. Jake does what he feels he must to ensure that Sophie's brilliance is not limited, and the story encompasses three decades of their lives. This book is about how time and love are intertwined. How time can stand still and speed up and how memories can be hazy and vague but also relived experiences. Author Henry has done a masterful job. And if an underlying premise appears to be that great academic success and the deep love of daily partnership and family are incompatible in women, it is left for the reader to mull over whether or not it is just a quirk of certain characters or a broader generalization. This book is academic and heartfelt and tender and loving. It is worth every minute spent reading it.

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January 1, 2021
When Jake Kristopher and Sophie Jones meet in a lecture hall their first week at Yale, they seem to have found love at first sight. Sophie, a physics prodigy, is investigating how we might be able to see time. Jake, raised by his single mother after his father was lost to addiction, wants to make money, lots and lots of money. Both Jake and Sophie are serious about their studies, so they spend every minute they can together deeply immersed in their respective fields. They both plan to be the best in their chosen careers. While Jake is on fire for finance, securing an internship with a top financier after his freshman year, Sophie starts to slack off, putting their relationship before physics. When they graduate, Sophie is flummoxed by what happens next. The beauty of the story is in Sophie's perception of time and love, and Jake's sacrifice for love. Henry's unusual novel of passions of the intellect as well as the heart is a terrific pick for book clubs whose members enjoy fiction rich in ideas and the unexpected.

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