A nerd geneticist went looking for a wife using the latest scientific advances. Yes, the story involved DNA analysis. The Rosie Project skulked through the dark recesses of the human mind where behavioral genetics loomed even more fantastic than sci-fi. The protagonist, Donald Tillman, PhD reminded me of Spock and Data from Star Trek, and Christopher Lloyd’s portrayal of Doc Brown in Back to the Future, but with less empathy. Don projected innocence with his strict adherence to data based, rationalistic ethics and morals, his health and environmental consciousness, and his constant avoidance of behavioral “objectification” of other humans, especially persons of the opposite gender. Unfortunately, many of Don’s close associates lacked his moral compass, leading Don into conflicts.
Don came into sharp focus when he delivered a seminar on the genetics of Asperger’s Syndrome to a group of parents in the company of their Asperger’s Syndrome children. The facilitator complained that Don’s presentation was too technical, meanwhile the children understood and probed with sophisticated questions. The facilitator described Asperger’s Syndrome as a “fault,” prompting Don to respond (in the voice of Christopher Lloyd), “Fault! Asperger’s isn’t a fault. It’s a variant. It’s potentially a major advantage.” The seminar ended with the children standing on the chairs and tables with raised fists, shouting “Aspies rule!” Don became their hero. The parents were less enthralled.
Admit it! Deep down inside, you know you’re not normal. Really, no one wants the “average” label. Don was neither normal, nor average nor conventional. He and we all have something that makes us different from the norm and therefore uniquely valuable. Thank God!
The bulk of the novel described Don’s hunt for a suitable life partner, using the best scientific tools available. This may sound far-fetched, but several recent statistical analyses have described successful approaches to maximizing the predictive value of on-line matchmaking services. Don’s adventure flew him around the world and he literally climbed a wall in quest of his “impossible dream.”
The author, Graeme Simsion earned tremendous credit for his faithful description of the university environment and the complicated skill sets the author had first to master to a degree where he could convince his readers of Don’ performance levels. Simsion bids us to reflect on ourselves and our idea of “normalcy and convention,” inviting us to appreciate the vast diversity within ourselves and other Homo sapiens. In the Rosie Project, he reminded his readers that they each have something special to offer and that they can work with their uniqueness, including their quirks, to contribute to society, while maintaining their identity. Simsion extolled the value of good friends to whom Don was both a blessing and a burden. In particular, Simsion raised awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome: especially that this form of autism, although a variation from the norm, is neither a disease nor a defect. Actually it has tremendous benefit to society if it is understood and maximized.
A brief scene from the novel was set in the subway station depicted above.
Julie Davis had earlier reviewed this book. Thanks again Julie for another excellent recommendation. You have certainly guided me well. God Bless!
Simsion, Graeme. The Rosie Project. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2013.
DonMulcare
A retired biologist with current interests in vegetable gardening, volunteering at a local nursing home, reading, and writing. Other activities include the study of the practical aspects of applied Gerontology, splitting logs, digging for quahogs and writing blogs. https://dmulcare.wordpress.com/
Every comment I’ve seen about this makes me want to read it more. Thanks, Don!
I listened to Julie when she said it was available through Kindle for only a few dollars and that there were long waiting lists at libraries.
Thanks for dropping in.
Don
Hi Patrice,
I had your concerns in mind when I wrote, “Don projected innocence with his strict adherence to data based, rationalistic ethics and morals, his health and environmental consciousness, and his constant avoidance of behavioral “objectification” of other humans, especially persons of the opposite gender. Unfortunately, many of Don’s close associates lacked his moral compass, leading Don into conflicts.”
Rationalistic ethics and morals, by definition do not follow the path of Christian morals and ethics. The second warning came with the note that Don’s associates, including his “best friend” lacked even Don’s moral compass. Indeed, Rosie used vulgarities and took the name of the Lord in vain. There were no explicit descriptions of sexual activity and in fact Don abstained from intimacy when he thought it would have taken advantage of Rosie and rejected invitations by one of his survey candidates. He and Rosie did believe in monogamy, life-long partnerships and marriage, although the order in which these events occurred varied from what might be considered religiously conventional.
Back in the days of the Legion of Decency, a movie version of the Rosie Project would have received a rating of “morally objectionable in part.” It would not have been “Condemned.”
I’ve read the book three times and will visit again. There is much good in it. Thanks for your comments.
God Bless,
Don
I agree with you. I just felt like it should come with a warning of sorts. Once again, thank you for your review and your comments.
Hi Don,
Julie highly praised this book and I rushed right out to read it. It was a good story which I enjoyed, and I have an Aspie son so I appreciated that aspect of it as well. I can definitely see it as a popular romantic comedy movie. But, there is a lot of sexual immorality in this book as well as swearing and vulgarity. I think if it is going to be promoted on a Catholic blog, those facts should at least be mentioned so readers know before rushing out to read it.
Thank you for your review!