Rescuing Rose

I had this book on my shelf for a year before I finally got to reading it but once I finally started it I never wanted it to end! It took me on a whirlwind journey, with multiple twists and surprises. I adored it! The second I finished I drove to the bookstore to buy the rest of Isabel Wolff's books. I'd recommend it to anyone, it's definitely worth a read.

This novel is just lovely. It is a very funny, intelligent, and, ultimately, extremely moving account of how a kind, but angry, agony aunt finds redemption via a young astronomer who makes her reassess her place in the universe and forces her to confront her OWN one enormous life problem - the fact of her adoption.Out of deep anger at her apparent rejection, Rose has refused to address this huge issue, but Theo, a wonderfully romantic character, sets her on the journey to resolve it. I won't spoil a marvelous ending, but, you will definitely need a handful of tissues. Add to this poignant main theme some hilarious and touching characters - a brilliant 'service' dog called Trevor, a garrulous mynah bird, and a pair of well-meaning but eccentric identical twin best friends - and you have a story that is also full of LOL humor. The way Rose contsantly makes annagrams in her head is a particularly clever and unusal twist showing the obssessive side of her otherwise sympathetic character, plus there are some marvelous scenes, notably the one at the arts fundraiser where Rose and her friends all have to go dressed as famous pictures,and the lunch for Dear Abbys where they all suffer from 'competitive misery syndrome'. This is an emotionally rewarding, rollercoaster ride of a book, from which, additionally you will derive the great pleasure of learning a whole lot about stargazing!

I really enjoyed this story of an agony aunt who thinks she knows what's best for everyone, including her friends and colleagues, but can't see the huge problems in her own life.It's not till the rather gorgeous Theo moves in with her that Rose begins to acknowledge that she just might have a few issues she ought to look at. Because Rose is rather sweet and vulnerable, you don't mind her fussing around everyone, trying to sort their lives out. She comes across as being oh so sorted but we sort of know all along that Rose is a troubled soul. But we root for her because she means well and we long for her to let her guard down a bit, open up and overcome the obstacles that prevent her from being truly happy.Rose is clearly using her problem-solving skills to turn outwards towards others so she can avoid dealing with some rather dark stuff in her background. When she finally starts to unravel the mystery at the heart of her family, a good story becomes engrossing.Isabel Wolff has written a lovely novel in Rescuing Rose. It's well plotted with lots of little subplots along the way to keep you turning the pages. I read it in two days flat and then passed it straight to a friend who did the same. I've read and enjoyed all of Isabel Wolff's books but this is the only one that made me cry. It's a cracking read, her best yet in my opinion, and I've no hesitation in recommending you buy it, read it and devour it. But keep the tissues handy.

I am fairly critical and don't easily give out five stars, but this book just climbs up and nestles in your heart. I must tell you up-front that if you are looking for a fast-paced read this is not the book for you. As a previous reviewer noted, this book does ramble a bit, and the cast of secondary characters has their, er,...interesting mannerisms, but unlike my esteemed predecessor, I found them delightful. As for our hero, Theo, he is the kind of guy you fall gently, deeply, passionately in love with - and perhaps more importantly the type you trust with that love. Rose, our heroine, did have some serious tunnel vision, but nothing inexplicable or unforgivable, and her heart was alvvays in the right place. This book just grew and grew on me as I read; This is my first Isabel Wolff, but shan't be my last - I can honestly say that I shall miss these characters and hope to see them in future books.

I waited for this book (as with any book by Isabel Wolff) to come out for months- and I was not let down. This book was so charming. As is typical in Wolff's books, the loveable characters and off-beat sense of humor shine through once again. The agony aunt aspect of this story particularly lent itself to humorous moments, as many of the letters Rose receieved were so outrageous. I felt the best 'touch' in this book was Rudy- Rose's suddenly talking bird who can mimic the fights Rose and her separated husband used to have- many of Rudy's outbursts made me laugh out loud. I am yet to see an another author be so creative when it comes to this type of humor.The ending was 'just right.' I felt satiated, not overly fed or hungry for more...The only disappointment I had at the end of this book was knowing that I will now have to wait for months in anticipation of Isabel Wolff's next novel!