Review: Bridget Jones' Mad About The Boy (Valentine's Day)

kobexielite 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Feb 17, 2025

58 visitor like this post

Share

Review: Bridget Jones' Mad About the Boy (A Valentine's Day Read?)

Valentine's Day. A day for romance, chocolates, and maybe… a good book? This year, I revisited Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Mad About the Boy, and while it's certainly a Bridget Jones novel, it's a very different beast than its predecessors. Is it a perfect Valentine's Day read? Let's dive in.

A Different Bridget, A Different Time

This isn't the Bridget Jones we first met. Years have passed, and while she retains her signature humor and self-deprecating charm, significant life changes have shaped her. The carefree singleton has grown into a widowed mother navigating the complexities of modern life and online dating. This shift in circumstances is, arguably, the book's biggest strength and also its greatest weakness.

The Nostalgia Factor: Missing the Old Bridget?

For long-time fans, the nostalgia is palpable. Fielding skillfully reintroduces familiar characters, albeit in altered circumstances. Mark Darcy's absence is strongly felt – a void that significantly impacts the narrative's emotional core for many readers. The quirky humor, the disastrous dates, and Bridget's inner monologue remain engaging, offering a comforting sense of familiarity. However, some might find this familiarity tinged with a bittersweet melancholy.

The Modern World: Dating Apps and Social Media

Mad About the Boy attempts to tackle the complexities of modern relationships in the digital age. Bridget's foray into online dating, social media, and the world of "mumsnet" provides a humorous, albeit sometimes jarring, contrast to the more traditional romantic settings of the previous novels. This updated approach resonates with a contemporary audience but might feel somewhat alienating to those seeking a purely nostalgic experience.

A Valentine's Day Read? It's Complicated.

Whether Mad About the Boy is a suitable Valentine's Day read is subjective. While it explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, it's not a purely romantic story. The novel’s bittersweet undertones and exploration of grief might feel unexpectedly somber alongside chocolates and romantic comedies.

For those who appreciate a slightly more mature and realistic take on relationships, and who are willing to embrace a changed Bridget, this could be a thoughtful read. It tackles subjects like aging, single motherhood, and the ever-evolving landscape of dating with a characteristically witty and insightful perspective.

However, if you're looking for lighthearted, purely romantic escapism, you might be better served by revisiting the first two books in the series or choosing another Valentine's Day read. The absence of the central romantic tension from the previous novels leaves a gap that some readers may find difficult to overlook.

The Verdict: A Worthy Sequel, But Not Without Its Flaws

Bridget Jones's Mad About the Boy is a bold attempt to evolve the Bridget Jones character for a new era. While it retains much of what made the original novels so beloved, it also introduces significant changes that will either delight or disappoint readers depending on their expectations. The novel is a complex and multifaceted work, a reflection of modern life with its challenges and triumphs. It's not a perfect Valentine's Day read, but it’s certainly a thought-provoking and often humorous one. Ultimately, your enjoyment will depend on your tolerance for a very different, more mature Bridget Jones.