Like just about everyone else I know, I was eagerly awaiting Graeme Simsion‘s follow up to The Rosie Project (review). I approached The Rosie Effect cautiously, knowing that there was no way it could be as good as The Rosie Project. When The Rosie Project came out Don Tillman was such a breath of fresh air, but with The Rosie Effect he becomes a caricature of himself.
True, there were one or two scenes in which the old Don Tillman exerted himself – notably the Bluefin Tuna scene at the restaurant – but for the most part the book just wasn’t funny. To borrow a term from television, it would seem that Simsion ‘jumped the shark’ with The Rosie Effect.
And like in so many sitcoms, a pregnancy marks the beginning of the end. Think Mad About You, or Friends. In The Rosie Effect Don and Rosie find themselves with child, living in New York, with Gene (implausible, I know, but true). I suppose Don’s inability to respond in a natural manner to the prospect of becoming a father would be funny if it wasn’t such trod upon material. Simsion offers up very little that is new or different or even particularly Don-like. Stereotypes and misunderstandings abound, almost as though it were an episode of Three’s Company.
Who would like this book? You’ve probably already made up your mind about whether or not you’re going to read this book or not. If you are like me and The Rosie Project knocked your socks off, you may be tempted to read this ‘just to see’. There’s not much I can say to dissuade you. For those of you who haven’t read The Rosie Project, I still recommend it highly. Go out and buy it now, but don’t go for the two-fer.
If you’ve read The Rosie Effect and disagree with my assessment, let me know. I’ll include a link to your post here.
I received a copy of this book for review consideration from Simon and Schuster via NetGalley.
52 books or bust 
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. I was afraid of this. I almost bought this the other day but stopped myself. Sounds like maybe a library situation if I’m looking for the familiar.
Yep, definitely a library pick.
I’ve been waiting to read some reviews before getting to this book, and yours is the first. Very interesting. Now I am curious to know if everyone will feel the same. It’s disappointing, that’s for sure. On the bright side, one less book to read isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
Did you read his first book? I still highly recommend it.
Yes, I loved the first one!
Your review is spot on. I had a nagging feeling that there was no way the author could recreate The Rosie Project (which I loved). I found this follow up very disappointing and just not funny. And I really wanted to love it!
You and me both. I will still give Simsion another try if he writes a non Rosie themed book.
Sorry to hear that the follow up wasn’t as strong as you hoped it would be. Another argument for not reading the sequel to The Sparrow -Tania
Exactly. And yet, I don’t know if I can stop myself. I’m a sucker, but realizing it is half the battle, or so I’m told.
I’m so glad you posted this. I loved The Rosie Project but just wasn’t sure it was the right kind of book for a sequel. There’s too many great books out there to waste time reading this one.
I’m not saying don’t read it, but I do think I’m saying don’t buy it. It’s a library pick for sure. Maybe on a day when you have low brain power.
This book falls into the same category as the last Bridget Jones – I’ll read it regardless of reviews… (haven’t yet but it’s my post-exams treat).
I haven’t read it either but totally agree with you.
I just read Rosie Project last week and loved it! I don’t think I’ll be picking up Effect.
I haven’t read The Rosie Project, but it’s good to know that, if I do, I can give the sequel a miss.
I completely agree with you – especially “he becomes a caricature of himself.” The Rosie Effect wasn’t funny (I didn’t even like the tuna scene) and I found the whole book very annoying. Such a shame as The Rosie Project was so good.
It was just really disappointing.
I never was a fan of The Rosie Project so I don’t think I would bother with this
I remembered that you didn’t like the first one, I think because you are both Australian. So yeah, I wouldn’t touch this one it i were you.
I read The Rosie Project and enjoyed it, but knew I wouldn’t be reading the next book. I just didn’t think the characters were so great they needed a second book.
I agree. I suspected it wouldn’t be great but wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt.