Our office is buzzing with love for Australian writer Graeme Simsion's debut novel, The Rosie Project. We have no doubt that you will fall in love with these two irresistible characters, genetics professor Don Tillman and eccentric and clever Rosie Jarman, as they traverse topics of identity and love.
From the very beginning of the novel, we learn that Don has decided that it is time he found himself a wife. Given his professional position (and his social awkwardness), he decides that the most effective way to engage in this transaction would be to draft a quiz. Don's sixteen-page, double-sided compatibility quiz was the inspiration for our blog post! Indigo Category Manager Natalie Garside wrote up two compatibility quizzes: one with questions sure to show Don's character, and one with questions to show Rosie's character. We sent the quizzes off to Graeme Simsion to fill out based on his two beloved characters. Enjoy!
Compatibility Quiz
Applicant: Don Tillman
1. Would you describe yourself as:
a) Timely.
b) Frequently Punctual.
c) Often late.
d) Brazenly careless with the time of others.
2. What are your feelings on science and its pertinence to the understand of our universe?
a) A truth universally acknowledged.
b) A truth partially acknowledged with allowance for certain flights of religious fancy.
c) A truth mildly tolerated against unfounded and flimsy religious mores.
d) A truth openly denied in favour of trite, preposterous theorems like astrology.
3. How are the meals of your week organized?
a) With an eye to efficiency and resources.
b) With an eye to flavour and variety.
c) With an eye to dietary restrictions for reasons other than violent allergy.
d) They are not.
4. How would you describe your tolerance of objective honesty?
a) I do not require the perceived warmth of context, tone and delivery to understand basic truths.
b) I require my truth wrapped in the comforting border of softened language.
c) I prefer my truth diluted with copious amounts of "politeness".
d) I prefer dishonesty that sounds "pleasant".
Compatibility Quiz
Applicant: Rosie Jarman
1. How much do you form a first impression of a person by what you see and perceive of them?
a) Of course I'm confident that how a person looks, where they work and how they dress communicates effectively and accurately many facts about them.
b) Many subtle cues can be taken from a person's manner and dress if observed correctly.
c) Often these things are a ruse, best to assume the opposite.
d) Best not to assume at all. Confirm verbally.
2. How are you with irrational spontaneity?
a) Variety is the spice of life, in spite of its mixed consequences.
b) Some disclaimers required before commitment.
c) Guarantees in writing or no dice.
d) Will participate with visible anxiety.
3. Do you honestly feel a quiz can decide the compatibility of two people?
a) With total accuracy.
b) With the accuracy of slightly inebriated darts.
c) Blindfolded accuracy at best.
d) Of course not. HELLO the human condition!
4. How do you feel about sticking something through to the end?
a) Within the bounds of reason.
b) Until other priorities get in the way.
c) Until I'm bored.
d) I will not stop until the desired result is achieved.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to HarperCollins for facilitating this post, and to Graeme Simsion for his great answers (and wonderful novel)!