'The Rosie Project' welcomes us into the world of Don Tillman,
a 39 year old university professor of genetics who has Asperger syndrome. Don
is looking for a partner so conducts 'The Wife Project’. Don’s perception of a
perfect wife is to be always on time, a good cook, a non-drinker, a non-smoker
and must not be a vegetarian. Then comes along the feminist, opinionated and
heavy smoking Rosie who is a conflicting candidate for his project. Rosie has had
a troubled past stemming from not knowing the identity of her real father.
The novel brings a certain elements of the classic 1930's
screwball comedy Bringing Up Baby staring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn.
Don being similar to
Grant's antiqued professor David and Rosie being a modern version of Hepburn's
Susan with her obstinate attitude towards men.
Don decides to help Rosie as a 'friend' to find her real
father. This requires him to go out of his orderly routine and for his world to
be shaken by Rosie. Simsion has created a realistic take on the struggles of
living with Asperger syndrome. There are plenty of Don's out there in the world
with their structured daily routines and compulsive behaviours to create new projects.
The book is written from Don’s narrative meaning we are able to indulge into
his quirky little world.
I found this novel a light hearted and enjoyable read for
this wet and miserable October. I give this book the rating of 4.5/5, the half
mark being deducted in that the story is predictable.
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