Neha

Neha asked Graeme Simsion:

Hello Graeme, I simply loved both your books. (I'm yet to finish the second one). I like to believe that Don doesn't really have Asperger's Syndrome, but is just odd and very close to such persons behaviorally. How did you intend him to be? My second question is, do you know someone like Don who inspired the character? I want to know how you were able to paint the character of someone like Don so vividly.

Graeme Simsion Thank you! I didn't study Asperger's / autism before I wrote the books, and instead drew on friends and colleagues I'd met working and studying in science and technology. Most were too old to have had a diagnosis as children, and (to my knowledge) had not sought one as adults. But experts who've read the book say “Don has Asperger's" and the Asperger's community has largely embraced Don as one of their own.

More Answered Questions

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Graeme Simsion:

Graeme, congratulations on your most innovative books - you may remember me when I was CIO of SE Sydney Health. In your Rosie books, did you see the characters diverge from your original plot, shaping the outcome? In my books, fiction, and currently history, I find the characters have a major influence on the story line. Or do you manage to stay very close to your original outline and direction? Bryn Evans, Sydney.

Cynthia Shannon

Cynthia Shannon asked Graeme Simsion:

It's been announced that Jennifer Lawrence will be playing Rosie in the upcoming movie adaptation, but any inkling on who will be playing Don? Who would you hope to cast? I've ALWAYS imagined him as a Stephen Merchant type. What do you think?

Dorrie

Dorrie asked Graeme Simsion:

I imagine that there is a disclaimer somewhere in The Rosie Project that all characters are fictional, but I actually married Don Tillman. This I know because he even responds to me now when I call him Don. It may possibly be my favorite book ever, but then again, maybe I'm a bit biased? I'm sad about the movie, because Hollywood can rarely do a great book justice, but I'm happy for your success.

All answers from Graeme Simsion…

5,941 followers

To ask Graeme Simsion a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions