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Book Review | The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion


Don Tillman, a university professor of genetics, has a plan for absolutely everything in his life. His days are mapped out, dictated by a strict schedule down to the very second. Unable to find the right woman for him (partially due to his incredibly lofty standards), Don devises the 'Wife Project', a questionnaire designed to find him the perfect girl... But then Don meets Rosie, spontaneous and impulsive, Rosie meets none of Don's essential criteria, yet Don finds himself swept up in her and her world, unable to understand the force which causes him to gravitate towards her.

I picked this book up after receiving a recommendation from someone I knew but I'd already heard about it through Goodreads, Amazon etc. and even the lady in Waterstones when I was buying it told me how brilliant it was, so I was very keen to give it a go. In truth this book as absolutely hysterical. The narrative and concept are very fresh and the book itself, all in all, is highly entertaining.

It's difficult to voice my reservations about this book without giving away spoilers but I will say that the fact that many of the jokes are at Don's expense has caused considerable controversy. Although this approach undoubtedly works to brilliant comic effect as intended, the ethics of this novel are a bit skew whiff and I've noticed from reading reviews that a number of people feel that it misrepresents a certain group within society. Normally I don't pay much heed to these sorts of claims (e.g. 'Eleanor and Park' has been accused of being racist?) but certainly I can imagine one of my friends in particular being offended by this book. For that reason, I'm reluctant to give this novel a sparkling review, although I did enjoy it. In summary, I would recommend with reservations.

9 comments

  1. Ooh, I am intrigued. I'd heard that this book was good, but haven't actually read any reviews and didn't know it has been viewed as being a little controversial! Kind of makes me want to see what its about!

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    1. That's just what I've gathered from the reviews I've read so far, it's not causing major waves or anything as far as I know. You should definitely read it, I laughed out loud at parts! x

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  2. i've heard so much about this, sounds good! xx

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  3. Aw I have just come back from a a four day trip to Dublin! My french boyfriend wanted to do all the touristy bits i.e. Guiness factory & pubs! I can't wait to go back & explore the coasts & countryside! I will be checking out your Ireland tab on places to visit! Beautiful blog by the way! xx


    www.roseandmuse.com
    www.roseandmusevintage.com

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    1. Hi Nicole, ah that's awesome! You know, I've never been to the Guinness factory myself, isn't that shocking?! Plus I don't actually like Guinness one bit, I'm not very good at being Irish, it seems! Thanks so much, and yours is too :) xx

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  4. adding this one to my "to read" list! thanks so much for sharing!
    p.s. cute bedding! :)

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    1. Aw thanks Julia! Haha, it's my sister's... (shhh...) x

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  5. Aww, it sounds like quite a lovely read! Like you, I don't usually pay attention to rumours about books being offensive - I prefer to read them for myself and then make up my mind! I do think that there are some issues that need to be handled with discretion though, so I can see why people may be upset by books like this.
    Beth x

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