Review: Bridget Jones' Mad About The Boy (Fremantle)

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Post on Feb 14, 2025

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Review: Bridget Jones' Mad About The Boy (Fremantle)

Is it worth picking up a decade after Bridget Jones's Diary?

Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary captivated readers with its witty narration and relatable portrayal of a single woman navigating life, love, and career in London. Fifteen years later, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy arrived, promising more of the same. But a decade on from its release, does it still hold up? This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this much-anticipated sequel.

A Different Bridget?

The most striking difference between this installment and its predecessors is the significant shift in Bridget's circumstances. Gone is the fumbling, slightly clumsy singleton. In her place is a widowed Bridget, raising two young children and navigating the complexities of modern dating in the digital age. This change, while initially jarring for longtime fans, allows Fielding to explore new facets of Bridget's personality and the challenges faced by women in their 40s.

The Good:

• Relatable Themes: The book tackles relevant issues such as online dating, the pressures of motherhood, and the complexities of grief. Fielding's ability to weave humor into these often-difficult subjects remains a significant strength. The exploration of loneliness and the search for connection in a digitally-driven world resonates deeply with contemporary readers.
• Wit and Humor: The trademark wit that defined the original Bridget Jones's Diary is still present, albeit slightly altered to suit Bridget's evolved circumstances. The humorous observations about modern life and dating are sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny. This comedic timing keeps the narrative engaging even when addressing more serious themes.
• Character Development: While the change in Bridget's circumstances is jarring, the character development is generally successful. She is still recognizable as Bridget, but she is also demonstrably changed by her experiences. This evolution adds depth and complexity to her character, making her a more mature and nuanced protagonist.

The Not-So-Good:

• Daniel Cleaver's Absence: For many fans, the absence of Colin Firth's iconic portrayal of Mark Darcy (and, by extension, the character himself in the novel) creates a void that is difficult to fill. While the new romantic interest, Roxster, is perfectly decent, he simply doesn't possess the same magnetic pull. The relationship feels rushed and less developed than previous relationships.
• The Pace: Some readers found the pace to be uneven. Certain plot points felt rushed, while others dragged on unnecessarily. This inconsistency disrupted the otherwise engaging narrative flow.
• Modern Dating Commentary: While the exploration of online dating is timely, some of the commentary feels somewhat dated even considering its release date. The technology and trends of dating in 2013 already seem outdated, impacting the overall relatability in 2024.

The Verdict:

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a complex and somewhat divisive entry in the series. It successfully explores new territory and tackles contemporary themes, showcasing Bridget's evolution as a character. However, the absence of familiar elements and a few pacing issues prevent it from reaching the same heights as its predecessor. While not a perfect sequel, it offers a thought-provoking and often hilarious glimpse into the life of a woman navigating love, loss, and modern life in her forties. Longtime fans might find themselves divided, but those open to a different kind of Bridget Jones story might find much to enjoy.

Keywords: Bridget Jones's Mad About the Boy, Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones, book review, literary review, sequel, romance novel, modern dating, motherhood, grief, comedy, widowhood, fortysomething, women's fiction, Fremantle Books.