Title: The Rosie Project
Author: Graeme Simsion
First published January 30, 2013
292 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781476729084 (ISBN10: 1476729085)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
Don Tillman is a genius genetics professor, but he’s never found success in the dating world. With only a few friends and a deep-seated belief that he’s not wired for romance, Don is shocked when an acquaintance suggests he’d make a great husband.
Don decides to embark upon The Partner Project, using his methodical approach to find the perfect match. But when he meets Rosie Jarman, a fiery, intelligent woman who’s the opposite of everything he’s looking for, Don’s world is turned upside down.
Rosie is searching for her biological father, and Don may be able to help her. As they work together on the Father Project, Don begins to realize that love isn’t always about logic and order, and that sometimes the best things in life are the ones you never expected.
The Rosie Project is a heartwarming and hilarious novel about the search for love and the surprising ways it can change your life.
About the Author
Graeme Simsion used to work as an IT consultant and wrote two nonfiction books about designing databases. But at the age of fifty, he decided to try his hand at fiction writing.
His debut novel, The Rosie Project, was published in 2013 and has been translated into forty languages. Sony Pictures has even optioned the movie rights.
The Rosie Project was followed by two sequels, The Rosie Effect and The Rosie Result, all of which have sold over five million copies. Graeme’s third novel, The Best of Adam Sharp, is a love story about lovers who reconnect and face the consequences.
Toni Collette is attached to direct the movie adaptation, whose rights have been optioned by Vocab Films and New Sparta Films. Although The Best of Adam Sharp was originally an audiobook called an ‘Audible Original,’ it is now available in print alongside a collection of short stories from throughout Graeme’s career.
The Camino Club is a story of rebirth set on the Camino de Santiago, written with his wife, Anne Buist, who is also a writer. Fox Searchlight has acquired the movie rights.
A sequel, The Best of Times, was released in 2021. In addition to his writing, Graeme frequently presents seminars on writing.
His book, The Writing Book, is a practical, step-by-step guide to writing a novel or memoir.
Editoral Review
Graeme Simsion’s debut novel, The Rosie Project, is a heartwarming and humorous romantic comedy that explores themes of love, identity, and neurodiversity. Published in 2013, the book has since become a bestseller, garnering critical acclaim and winning numerous awards.
Simsion, who is a former IT consultant and screenwriter, brings his unique voice and perspective to the genre, delivering a fresh and engaging story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Set in Melbourne, Australia, the novel follows the adventures of Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially awkward genetics professor who is on a quest to find the perfect wife. Don, who has Asperger’s syndrome, approaches the problem with his characteristic logic and efficiency, creating a sixteen-page questionnaire to weed out unsuitable candidates.
However, when Don meets Rosie Jarman, a free-spirited and spontaneous bartender, his carefully constructed plans are thrown into disarray.
The plot of The Rosie Project is full of surprises and twists, keeping the reader engaged until the very end. Simsion’s writing is witty and charming, with a keen eye for detail and a talent for dialogue.
The characters are well-drawn and relatable, each with their own quirks and flaws. Don, in particular, is a fascinating protagonist, and his struggles with social norms and emotional intimacy are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance.
One of the strengths of The Rosie Project is its portrayal of neurodiversity and the challenges faced by people on the autism spectrum. Simsion deftly balances humor and empathy, avoiding stereotypes and cliches.
The novel also touches on issues of gender identity, family relationships, and cultural differences, adding depth and complexity to the story.
However, some readers may find the pacing of the novel uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, some of the secondary characters are not fully fleshed out, and the resolution of the central conflict may feel predictable or contrived.
Overall, The Rosie Project is a delightful and uplifting read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies and contemporary fiction. It is a testament to the power of love and human connection, and a celebration of diversity and individuality.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and entertaining story.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
