Book Review: The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion

I’ve mentioned previously that I’ve come across Graeme Simsion previously in his role as a well-known data modeller, based in Melbourne here in Australia. I’ve recorded a podcast with him many years ago, on my SDU Podcast series. So perhaps I have a slight bias towards him as an author.

I was so excited to see the endless well-deserved congratulations he’s received for his initial Rosie Project book. I thoroughly enjoyed that book.

I also enjoyed The Rosie Effect but not quite as much. Sequels are tough to write, I’m sure. I’ve had a few people tell me that they loved the first one, but didn’t really like the second one.

So I didn’t know how I’d react to the third in the series about Don Tillman: The Rosie Result.

I shouldn’t have worried. It’s still not quite at the level of the first book but I enjoyed it more than the second book. At this point, following the travels and travails of Don Tillman feels like looking back in on an old friend, to see how he’s going. I’ve always loved how Graeme has made Don both quirky and detached, yet also so very human.

In this third book in the series, his son Hudson is at school and dealing with lots of issues, and his parents are wondering about getting him an autism assessment. As the book starts, Don is in trouble at work, and Rosie seems to be battling her job too.

I loved the continuing sideline story about the cocktail bar.

And so many of the discussions about areas in Melbourne are really familiar to me.

I heard a rumour that movie rights might be on the cards. I hope so.

Bottom line?

I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the series. It continues Don’s story seamlessly, and I’m looking forward to his next adventures. (I presume there will be another). Nicely done Graeme !

Greg’s rating: 9 out of 10

2019-07-12