Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy Review

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Feb 13, 2025

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy Review: A Hilarious, Heartbreaking, and Ultimately Satisfying Sequel

Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, released in 2013, marks a significant departure from the beloved earlier novels. While maintaining the witty, self-deprecating voice that made Bridget a global icon, this installment tackles the complexities of middle age, loss, and navigating a new digital dating landscape with both humor and poignant honesty. This review delves into what works, what doesn't, and ultimately, whether this sequel lives up to its predecessors.

A New Chapter, A New Bridget

Fifteen years have passed since Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and Bridget's life has undergone a seismic shift. Mark Darcy is gone, leaving Bridget a single mother to a pair of young children. This new reality forms the core of the novel's narrative, showcasing Bridget's struggles with single parenthood, the challenges of dating in the age of online profiles, and the overwhelming nature of modern life. Fielding masterfully captures the anxieties and uncertainties of middle age, particularly for women, navigating a world that often feels less accommodating than it once did.

The Strengths of the Novel

• Relatable Struggles: The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of Bridget's relatable struggles. Her anxieties about aging, body image, and the pressures of motherhood are honestly depicted, resonating deeply with readers who may be experiencing similar life stages. This authenticity sets it apart, even from its predecessors.

• Wit and Humor: Fielding's signature wit remains intact. The novel is peppered with hilarious observations about modern life, dating apps, and the absurdities of social media, keeping the story light and engaging despite its more serious themes. The humor feels authentic to Bridget’s character, allowing for both laughter and introspection.

• Exploration of Grief and Loss: The loss of Mark Darcy is handled with sensitivity and realism. The novel doesn't shy away from the grief and sadness that accompany such a significant loss, portraying the complexities of moving on and finding happiness after heartbreak. This adds a layer of depth missing from the previous novels.

Areas for Improvement

• The Pace: Some readers might find the pace of the novel to be somewhat uneven. While the emotional depth is a welcome addition, it sometimes overshadows the lighter, comedic elements that defined the earlier books. The narrative shifts between serious reflection and humorous anecdotes, sometimes feeling disjointed.

• The New Romance: While the new romantic interest, Roxster, introduces a new dynamic, some might find his character less compelling than Mark Darcy. The romance, while present, feels somewhat less central to the narrative than in the previous books. The focus clearly shifts to Bridget's self-discovery and growth.

The Verdict: A Worthy, If Different, Sequel

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy isn't a carbon copy of its predecessors, and that's both its strength and its potential weakness. It's a more mature, introspective exploration of Bridget's life, focusing on themes of loss, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating middle age. While the shift in tone and pace may not resonate with every reader who loved the earlier books, its honest portrayal of Bridget's struggles and its sustained wit ultimately make it a worthy addition to the series. It’s a testament to Fielding's ability to evolve her character while remaining true to her core essence. This is a Bridget Jones for a new generation, facing new challenges, but still undeniably Bridget.