AWW Review: Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Feb 13, 2025

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AWW Review: Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy

Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary captivated readers with its witty and relatable portrayal of a single woman navigating life, love, and career in London. Years later, Mad About the Boy, the third installment in the series, offered a glimpse into Bridget's life a decade on, prompting much anticipation and, ultimately, mixed reactions. This review explores the novel, examining its strengths and weaknesses within the context of the beloved series.

A Different Bridget: Maturity and Loss

Mad About the Boy presents a significantly different Bridget. Gone is the somewhat clumsy, perpetually single woman of the first two books. This Bridget is a successful, albeit widowed, mother of two. The death of Mark Darcy, a devastating blow to both Bridget and readers, casts a long shadow over the narrative, shaping Bridget's journey and impacting the overall tone of the book. This significant shift in circumstances is both the novel's greatest strength and its most controversial aspect. It allows Fielding to explore themes of grief, resilience, and reinventing oneself after tragedy, offering a mature and nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with loss and rebuilding her life.

The Challenges of Widowed Life and New Romance

Fielding tackles the complexities of widowed life with a sensitivity that attempts to be honest, if not always entirely successful. Bridget's journey through grief is depicted with moments of both humor and heartbreaking vulnerability. However, some critics argue that the introduction of a new romantic interest, a younger man, felt somewhat jarring and inconsistent with the established character. This aspect of the plot sparked debate amongst fans, with some appreciating the exploration of new beginnings and others feeling it betrayed the essence of Bridget's previous relationships.

The Strengths of Mad About the Boy

Despite its controversies, Mad About the Boy possesses undeniable strengths. Fielding's signature wit remains sharp and engaging, even if it feels slightly less spontaneous than in the earlier books. The novel successfully captures the anxieties and challenges of modern life, from social media pressures to the ever-evolving complexities of dating in the digital age. The exploration of motherhood and the juggling act of career and family resonates with many readers, providing a relatable and often humorous depiction of the modern woman's experience. The book's candid exploration of grief and the process of moving on after a significant loss offers a commendable level of honesty.

A Modern Take on a Beloved Character

Fielding's attempt to update Bridget for a new era is commendable, even if it doesn't always land perfectly. The inclusion of social media and contemporary cultural references grounds the narrative in the present, allowing readers to connect with Bridget's experiences on a more contemporary level. However, the transition to a more mature Bridget Jones comes at the cost of some of the charm and relatability that defined the earlier books.

Weaknesses and Criticisms

The most significant criticism leveled at Mad About the Boy is the alteration of Bridget's character. Some readers felt that the portrayal of Bridget as a successful, yet somewhat adrift, woman lacked the heart and relatability of her earlier iterations. The new romantic interest, significantly younger than Bridget, also caused friction amongst fans, with some feeling it contradicted the established character dynamics and lacked the chemistry of her previous relationships. The pacing of the novel also received criticism, with some sections feeling rushed or lacking the depth of the original Bridget Jones's Diary.

A Shifting Tone and Style

The overall tone of Mad About the Boy is noticeably different from its predecessors. While still humorous, it carries a heavier, more melancholic undertone due to the loss of Mark Darcy. This shift in tone, though understandable given the plot, alienated some readers who sought the lighter, more carefree spirit of the earlier books. The writing style, while still distinctly Fielding, felt less energetic and spontaneous, perhaps reflecting the mature, reflective nature of the narrative.

Conclusion: A Worthy Sequel?

Mad About the Boy is a complex and divisive addition to the Bridget Jones series. While it successfully explores mature themes of grief, resilience, and reinvention, it also sacrifices some of the charm and relatability that defined the original books. Whether it is a "worthy" sequel is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Those seeking a continuation of the original lighthearted tone might be disappointed. However, those willing to embrace a more mature and nuanced portrayal of Bridget Jones will find a thought-provoking, if not entirely satisfying, exploration of love, loss, and life's unexpected turns. Ultimately, Mad About the Boy offers a bittersweet reflection on growing up, moving on, and finding oneself again in the face of adversity.