Book review: The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion

I read The Rosie Result at the same time as I was reading Toni Morrison’s Beloved – Simsion’s book was on my bedside table and I read Morrison’s classic during my commute to work.

While in many ways the two are strange bedfellows, they proved to be nice foils for each other. Beloved is a hard book to read, even though the language is unquestionably beautiful, while Simsion’s writing is accessible and enjoyable. Both were highly rewarding reads.

The third book in Simsion’s Rosie series shifts the focus from Don to his son, Hudson, after the father sees him enduring some of the struggles he faced at school, due to what they believe might be Asperger’s. Don embarks on what is described as ‘The Hudson Project’, trying to teach Hudson the lessons that he learnt growing up. However, it is often Hudson that teaches Don, Rosie, and the reader a few lessons about difference and acceptance.

I have found the Rosie books to be thoroughly enjoyable, even though the lessons about kindness and acceptance occasionally teeter towards the heavy-handed. Fortunately, they never quite tip over into the realm of becoming a lecture.

It is hard not to think differently about neurological difference after reading Simsion’s Rosie books, which is enough reason to recommend them. The characters are fun and Simsion finds the humour in both the absurdities of everyday life, relationships and work. In this way, they have parallels with another book that I read recently and loved – Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. The Rosie Result  is the perfect way to round out a series that has been as heart-warming as it has been entertaining and illuminating.

*This book was a gift from Text Publishing