Read of the Week: ‘The Rosie Project’ by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Meet Don Tillman, socially awkward connoisseur and professor at large. In search of the perfect mate, he designs a test to find the right match before meeting Rosie, someone completely unsuitable in all senses of the word.

Every other full moon I like to take a step away from my usual young adult binges and dive into the terrifyingly expansive and intimidating world of adult fiction. I say terrifying because I once upon a time spent every day of my then-adult life working for the The Mouse (yes, that one) and also because I refuse to grow up. I am a very complex figure, and lucky for me, so is Don Tillman, professional oddball and overall awesome main lead of The Rosie Project.

There is so much to be loved about this novel, but above it all is the center of its story: Don. Oblivious to his social impairments for sometime and incapable to see how his uniqueness could ever be a hindrance, the unexpected entrance of Rosie turns his world off its axis. Initially starting this novel, I thought, “Rosie is stealing the show, this should be in her point of view.” But as the plot began to escalate, I understand more and more that there was never any way that anyone but Don could tell this tale just as intricately and hilariously as he did. While it’s never mentioned directly, many readers, and I myself, have come to believe that Don suffers from Asperger’s, as well as there being some speculation that he may also be Autistic, and regardless to whatever it is medical professionals would label him with today, it was glorious seeing someone so outright eclectic and original narrate a story that might be seen as completely ordinary otherwise. It’s always so fascinating reading a book told in the point of view from someone so different from ones self, and overall I think that was the biggest appeal for me.

This particular story comes with an equally intriguing side cast that made Don’s mind an even more chaotically wonderful one. The thoughts he had about his friends and colleagues were both parts brunt and humorous, and again, I can’t stress enough how much Don and his whirlwind mind make up a whole of what’s so grand here. Rosie, expectantly, stood out among the rest and was a free spirit that really embodied that of most young women in the best ways. She’s honest, opinionated, and has no interest in anything shitty you have to say. You can’t help but love it and I’m more than eager to see how Jennifer Lawrence will bring her to life in the soon-to-be-happening movie adaption.

I personally have hopes we’ll see someone like Hugh Dancy or Joel Edgerton as our leading man. Tell us in the comments — is there anyone specific you might have in mind?

Rating: 10/10