As an agony aunt for the London Daily Post, Rose finds fulfillment in solving the myriad problems of her readers. From infidelity to infertility, Rose has an answer for everything and it warms her heart to share her advice with others. She takes pride in reading between the lines of their letters and emails, seeing into their deepest thoughts and emotions, and using that intuition to give them the encouragement and solace they seek. Unfortunately, Rose's own life has suddenly developed its own overwhelming abundance of agony. Separated from her husband of only a few months, Rose finds herself faced with the prospect of settling into her single-again home, getting used to her new tenant and coping with a stalker. Not to mention the fact that her fortieth birthday is looming on the horizon and her heart is haunted by unanswered questions about her birth. When her tried-and-true methods of coping (which include a love of anagrams and a penchant for organization and cleaning) begin to fail, will Rose finally learn to read between the lines of her own life and find the solace and encouragement she herself needs so much? I've been a fan of Isabel Wolff's novels since I first read A Vintage Affair several years ago. Though her older novels, like this one, don't quite live up to the standard she set in that book, they are always enjoyable and populated by characters that are easy to relate to that they just capture your interest and keep you reading, even through a somewhat too-long book like this one. I do agree with other reviewers that the book's plot was drawn out longer than necessary, making the reading drag quite a bit during the middle, but it does remain engaging enough to encourage you to read it until the end. And what an ending! It certainly makes up for all the dull parts of the book. Though I can't give it five stars, I believe that Wolff's honest and likable characters, unique plot and nice use of a mix of educated and juvenile humor make the book quite deserving of four!
Meet Rose Costelloe, a London advice columnist (or, as they must call them in England, an “Agony Aunt”) who has just separated from her husband of seven months and needs to re-adjust to the single life. The single life, of course, requires her to get a place of her own, of which she buys one she cannot afford and needs to get a roommate. Rose has two friends (“The Twins”) that stick by her through everything, though sometimes they cause her more harm than good. She also deals with on-going problems with her job, her family, money, etc. Basically, Rose is a charming, chaotic soul who is a joy to follow and get to know. She’s funny and light, as is the writing style. Nothing in this book ever seems to heavy, though it’s also not too overly fluffy. Even though this definitely falls under the umbrella of “Chick Lit,” I think the story and characters have mass appeal for all sorts of readers.
What do You think about Rescuing Rose (2004)?
I absoluted adored this book.Firstly I found the main character Rose likable and lovely. I thought she was just like the sort of character you want to read about. I loved her job and how she gradually realised through the book why she loves it so much.Secondly the romance is lovely in this book, the author builds it up really well, and even though it is so predictable (like every other chic flic)she makes it so interesting to read and it fipped my stomach over and over. I loved the guy that she ended up with in the end, he was perfect for the book.I loved that this novel was quite chunky and thick because other novels like this are quite short and don't have much to them, but I found this more of a story. the storyline was probably the most interesting that I've read in a while, one of the most interesting chic flic story lines in ages. I hadn't tried this author before but I know I will again! I think it was an excellent book and I would reccomend it to all ladys who love these romantic comedys that make you feel lovely!
—Meghan Cooper
(view spoiler)[On re-reading, I was quite struck by the ending of the book where Rose finds out the circumstances behind her being a foundling. She would be 4 years older than I and her mother approximately the same age as mine. I was shocked that unwed mothers were treated so harshly and separated from their babies with no choice. So much so that I checked with my own mother to see if that would have been true to her experience growing up--thinking that it may have been just ficitional drama, or down to a cultural difference between the UK and the USA--but she confirmed that it was probably all too true. So...sometimes things do improve for the better, I guess. I got pretty emotionally involved reading the mom's letter to Rose. (Yes, I know it's fiction. ) (hide spoiler)]
—MB (What she read)
Couldn't finish it. I just think that I've grown out of chick lit -- even though the character was in her mid-30s, she had the personality of a very young and silly 20-something. It was good for the first dozens of pages but then it dragged and dragged but while others have perservered to Chapter 9 (as they said in reviews), I just couldn't. The main character Rose is a likeable person but I just felt that some of the plot was contrived and the humor forced. I LOVED A Vintage Affair so I will read any future books Wolff comes out with but I won't go back and reread her earlier works.
—Susan W
