Don Tillman and Rosie Jarman
I recently read The Rosie Project, a Sun City book club recommendation, and I loved it! It is Graeme Simsion’s debut novel and a breakout success. Movie rights for the script have been optioned by Sony Pictures. Publishing rights have been sold to publishers in over 40 countries for $1.8m.
It is the story of Don Tillman, a genetics professor with undiagnosed Aspserger’s syndrome searching for a wife. He creates a 16-page doublesided questionnaire to narrow his search. Roseie Jarman enters his life asking for help searching for her biological father. Although she lacks any of the attributes he is looking for in a wife, Tillman is enticed into helping her and many hilarious adventures ensue throughout the novel.
The frenzied bidding for publication rights is evidence that Simsion has touched many lives with his novel. It is more than a romantic comedy and the overwhelming accolades have amazed even Simsion. The Rosie Project facilitates conversations about Asperger’s and autism and also gives hope for those who are socially awkward, reluctant to participate in conversations, and often miss social cues. The book engenders kindness and compassion in all of us.