REVIEW: 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion

I picked up The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion after seeing it pop up on my Instagram feed.  I had seen the book when out and about and had heard  about it once or twice from friends who work in publishing, so I just couldn't resist buying it when I was next doing some shopping and saw it on offer.

It's safe to say that it didn't take long for me to read; I settled down and opened it up one evening waiting at King's Cross station, and within a couple of days I had turned the final page. Ever since I finished reading it, I've seen this book everywhere. Word has spread like wildfire and it certainly seems that this book has been a huge success. In fact, plans for a sequel are already in motion for later this year.

I'll try to sum the book up quickly without, of course,giving away any spoilers! Professor Don Tillman is a brilliant man in search for the perfect woman. Don also has Aspergers, and has a very particular set of necessary qualities which he desires his partner to have. However, in order to avoid being alone forever, he has used his scientific mind to create The Wife Project.While he is hunting for a spouse, a vibrant and unforgettable woman by the name of Rosie bursts in and scatters Don's regimented and accurate life up in the air.

The plot is fantastic. I never once got bored and was completely swept along with the characters. Not only are the central protagonists funny and intriguing, but their friends are too; Gene is almost unlikable but you just can't dislike him. It's not a book that expects you to understand the ins and outs of Aspergers, but I really did learn a lot whilst reading it and began to understand more and more about how Don's mind works, and how he sees life. It was a joy to see the everyday mundane morph into enigmas, problems to be solved and circumstances to navigate. The mixture of Don's unique way of seeing things and his scientific tendencies meant that everything was new and exciting. Even speed dating was a whole new ball game.

The book itself is very well written by Simsion and very entertaining. Don's unique way of seeing things makes ordinary situations and people seem amusing and even more interesting than they would normally be. Simison writes so well and you become completely wrapped up in Don's mind which is, in my own opinion, the mark of a good book.

It's not a serious book, however. Of course, you're being educated as you read, but it's not a chore. It's funny, heartwarming and unique. I would turn a page and my heartstrings would be pulled as relationships grew, friends were loved and lost, and Don's feelings started to emerge more and more. Then, in a moment, I would begin to laugh. What may seem normal to us is completely illogical to Don - and vice versa. There is never a dull moment with Don! This book provides a whole new perspective. on life and it's trials and tribulations.

The Rosie Project is vibrant, engaging and entertaining. I found it incredibly hard to tear myself away from it to eat, work or even sleep. I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment and really so urge you to pick up a copy if you can!

If you fancy reading another review, I recommend this one from The Guardian, or find it on Goodreads.

Have you read The Rosie Project? Let me know your thoughts.

Jo

xxx