Nasar, Sylvia: *1947

A Beautiful Mind, 1998 - Thematic Parallels: Genius

Nasar, Sylvia: A Beautiful Mind, 1998
This novel that focusing on John Nash's groundbreaking work in game theory, his battle with schizophrenia, and his journey toward overcoming personal and mental health challenges.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Barnes, Julian: Arthur & George, 2005, ~500pp
  This novel examines the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, blending genius, deduction, and psychological complexity.
  - These works share themes of intellectual brilliance, mental and social struggles, perseverance through adversity, and the importance of relationships and societal context shaping the protagonists’ lives.
- Harris, Robert: Imperium, 2006, ~400pp
  This is a historical novel about a political genius in ancient Rome, reflecting themes of ambition, intellect, and psychological complexity.
  - Despite their different settings (historical empire-building - Barnes vs modern academic life - Nasar), both novels explore the human condition through the lens of extraordinary minds facing extraordinary difficulties..
- Maugham, W. Somerset: The Moon and Sixpence, 1919, ~210pp
  This novel explores the life of an artist driven by unconventional passion and intellect.
  - These works examine the tension between extraordinary talent and the personal, social costs of living according to one’s unique and often disruptive vision.
- Plath, Sylvia: The Bell Jar, 1963, ~250pp
  This novel deals with mental illness and depression.
  - Both novels focus on mental illness and the protagonists’ complex interactions with society, identity, and recovery. "The Bell Jar" emphasizes feminist critiques of gender roles alongside mental health, while "A Beautiful Mind" highlights the challenges of living with schizophrenia against intellectual and societal expectations.
List of general discussion questions on Genius (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Genius (pdf)