Oh dear. Was it a self-fulfilling prophecy when I heard Graeme Simsion say that you should never attempt a sequel to a rom-com because there’s only two possible outcomes – they live happily ever after (boring) or they split (downer)?
I loved The Rosie Project. It was fresh, funny and unexpected. I didn’t love the sequel, The Rosie Effect. It was overworked, the jokes were repetitive and predictable, and the ‘high-jinx’ all too contrived – the once quirky references to BMI, particular ‘projects’ and ‘incidents’, and Don’s social awkwardness are far too frequent and overdone.
And don’t get me started on stereotypes (they’re in abundance in The Rosie Effect).
2/5 Doesn’t really matter what I say about this book – if you loved The Rosie Project, you’ll probably read the sequel regardless of reviews.
I received my copy of The Rosie Effect from the publisher, Penguin Books UK via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Although Rosie and Don have abandoned the Standardised Meal System, Don is still in charge in the kitchen. First thing on the menu? “Sustainable scallops with a mirepoix of carrots, celeriac, shallots and bell peppers and a sesame oil dressing. The recommended accompanying beverage is pinot gris.”
Can’t find a recipe that meets those exact specifications but I prefer the simplicity of pan-seared scallops anyway.
I love The Rosie Project, but have heard so many negative things about this sequel, I think I will skip it. I don’t want it to spoil the original for me!
Wise move.
I liked, but didn’t love The Rosie Project and I’m going to stay far, far away from this one.
Do.
I agree. I loved the Rosie Project but I read the first few chapters of the Rosie Effect and just found Don to be immature and irritating this time around. I abandoned it immediately in the hope that I’ll be able to pick it up again later and give it another go.
Found myself skimming through some of it – it was like a ‘sit-com’ – no overarching plot but a series of incidents that pointed in the same direction i.e. Rosie having ‘baby brain’, Don being void of emotions.
Oh, I know I’ll read it eventually.
(The length of your review says it all – you can’t be bothered to write more, enough time wasted already!)
Ha! But yes, true…
I thought this first one was mediocre and just finished the second one yesterday. So not impressed. I felt like he was “supposed” to write a sequel and just busted it out in a weekend.