Book Review: The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion
★★★ ½ (rounding up to 4)

Synopsis: This hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love. Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper. The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.
In A Sentence: A pleasant and charming novel that made me giggle quite a bit.

My Thoughts: I liked this read. It had a very predictable basic plot similar to most romantic comedies, but the details were a lot of fun, and the story was still quite charming. You can’t help but love Don Tillman and his way of looking at the world. Rosie was an enjoyable character too, as were all the others. I definitely laughed quite a bit, especially when it came to the dance scene. As a ballroom dance teacher I was able to visualize everything he was trying to do, and how it was probably looking, and I couldn’t help but say aloud, “Oh no! Oh no, you really don’t want to do that! Oh my gosh, he’s actually going to go for it”. Fortunately, I was listening to the audiobook in the car so I didn’t publicly humiliate myself, but you have to admire any book that makes you act like you’re watching a sporting event.
Overall, this was an entertaining story, but I don’t think it’s the most amazing book in world. 3.5 stars is just right for this read. I would recommend it if you’re looking for something light and easy and not too long. I would also recommend the audiobook, as the narrator did a pretty good job.


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