Well this book was joyous. It was funny, gentle, and wonderfully insightful into human psychologies and frailties. I read this sight unseen (that is, no blurb) and so had no idea what to expect. I think I downloaded it from a recommendation link from amazon or good reads. So I fell that I shouldn't give you all too much plot description as it may spoil it.
The author won, with this book, a Victorian Unpublished Manuscript Writing Award, and well deserved, and at the end of the novel there are numerous pages of acknowledgements which shows, I think, the true time and effort and collaboration and comraderie required to be an author.
The protataganist, Carl, is a Genetics Professor and undiagnosed by himself, but not his friends (all two of them), autism or aspergers. He is divine in his commentary of the world, people's irrational choices and his own far superior modes of living (such as standardized meal planning including lobster every Tuesday) and to the minute scheduling. However he acknowledges his very poor success with women, specifically dates with women. However he decides to find a wife so writes an exhaustive questionnaire for his friend to provide to any candidates as a filter. The questionnaire is multiple choice. "When should you arrive at a party? A) a little late, b) a little early, c) to the minute on time." Carl's only acceptable answer is c, a) and b) both being inefficient!.
Suffice to say, most women do not pass the test. However his friend does send one woman to him - Rosie. A feminist barmaid, looking for her real father. Within minutes, Carl realizes she cheated on the questionnaire but he is intrigued enough by his unexpected and inefficient happiness in spending time with Rosie to embark on a genetic mystery solving project for her.
Carl's world is of course slowly turned upside down. We also see how our more socially acceptable lives are truly inefficient, complex, ineffective and illogical as we look through Carl's eyes. Carl is adorable and the most wonderfully eccentric character I have enjoyed in a while. He has a beautiful spirit that is unable to be seen because of our complex relationship webs that we do not realize we are tangled in.
It is a love story, but more a coming of age, acceptance of who we are but we are capable of growing kind of tale. Very easy to read. Great feel good movie material too I am sure. Read if you need a good, warm hearted laugh that will leave you smiling for a long time. Viva Carl!