A young girl corresponds with a middle aged philosopher who guides her through history and teaches her western philosophy. Its a very interesting premise and offers substantial summary to many popular philosophical elements. The young girl, Sophie, is an intelligent fourteen year old who reaches out to the philosopher often. 
 There are couple of things that stood out for me while reading this book which has nothing to do with the philosophical content. Sophie's parents are absent for most part of this book. Her father isn't to be seen though Sophie has high praise for her father. Her mother is around and exercise mild curiosity in her daughter's life but doesn't necessarily get involved. Sophie practically writes her off a boring person who wouldn't understand the conversation she was having with the older man. Sophie's mother doesn't comment on the time Sophie spends with this philosopher in his house. It was unsettling in the way Sophie distances herself from her friend and parents, and seeks him out often. It struck me odd. 
 This book is definitely a good starting point for a young reader or one who wants to delve into this area. Gaarder touches the subjects superficially, avoids major conflicts and restricts content to what suits his agenda. He never offers Sophie a counter argument to his perspective which I believe is not the right way to educate a child. But then again, Sophie is far too young to be formulating philosophical boundaries with second hand knowledge. 
 Every few pages, I found myself longingly looking at the final page. Honestly I just wanted it to be over when the Plato-esque dialogue with its repetitiveness started to bug me too much. 
 I will probably forget most of the book within a week.