Bridget Jones

A mixed reading/listening experience!

Any additional comments?

This is a funny old book. I see paper form has very mixed reviews on Amazon, and I agree with both the good and the bad there. I found the first several chapters hard work indeed. Nothing much happened, but there were no shortage of words and here we find the problem of the book overall. It is verbose, at times going 'on and on' in a rather tedious way. The diary entry lists (number of pounds gained, boyfriends found, twitter followers found etc, etc, etc) were way too long and repetitive. Some descriptions of events showed the same lack of insight into the likely experience if the reader on the part of the author. For example, setting the scene for the beginning of a Christmas Carol concert did not require two verses of 'Once in Royal David City' word for word. Whilst some if this problematic prose could be skimmed over when reading, it is quite grating when listening to an audio book, as it is so frequent.

Despite the above, once I had slogged through the early chapters and before I cringed at several descriptions and lists near the end, I loved it. At times it made me laugh out loud and I was carried along with the narrative in a truly satisfying way. Samantha Bond narrated it beautifully, really bringing the characters to life. All in all, for an old Bridget Jones fan, its certainly worth a read or a listen, but to Helen Fielding, I say 'could do better'!

14 of 14 people found this review helpful

Audiobooks listened to:1, Disappointments:1

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The story fails to conjure the daffy lightness of the Bridget we love. Yes, she is older, but Samantha Bond makes her sound more like grand old dame than a grown up little girl lost. The warmth and adorable unpredictability of her character are gone here. Bond is great at character voices and purrs out a very decent, dastardly Daniel, but her Bridget is far too old money to pass off as dear barmy Bridget.

There are a few zany Bridget cringe moments, but Fielding goes for some very predictable gags. Daniel as a disastrous babysitter, Botox gone awry, etc.If you are a fan, you'll simpy have to find out what she's up to at 51. The departure of Darcy is handled, almost, with the required care, but you will miss clumsy, awkward but loveable Bridget.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Oh dear.

Oh dear. What was charming in scatty, eccentric singleton Bridget Jones has become deeply irritating in a widowed mother of young children. I thoroughly enjoyed the original BJ books, but with this one, I repeatedly had the desire to slap the character and tell her to grow up. Samantha Bond did the best with the story that she could, but I am afraid that this is not one I can recommend.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

A huge disappointment

I really loved the previous two Bridget Jones books and was really excited to hear that Helen Fielding was writing a follow-up. However, I really wish that I had not bothered to download this audiobook and I really struggled to listen. The main problem is that it doesn't feel as if Bridget has grown up- it was quite painful to hear the now fifty something Bridget still behaving like a thirty something. Her best friends Tom and Jude seem equally stuck in their thirties. Helen Fielding's style of writing, which once made me laugh so much seems rather outdated and no longer funny. The best part of this audiobook is Samantha Bond's narration. She voices the characters perfectly and just about makes this a bearable listen.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Gah!

This story just doesn't add up. Bridget is now supposed to be a lonely widow in her fifties but only has to lose a bit of weight an don a pair of thigh boots, and she has men panting after her. Gone are the big knickers to be replaced by g strings and low rise jeans. She has the mental age of a challenged 16 year old and seems to need advice on how to get dressed in the morning. Despite the fact she has been married to a leading human rights lawyer she has no opinions about anything other than what is going on in her own small world. The sex scenes are ghastly and the references to nits and bodily functions are repetitive and frankly tedious. Despite this, there are a couple of amusing scenes that served as a faint reminder of the earlier books. I carried on listening to the end and when it was all over I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Like other reviewers I wish that Helen Fielding could tear this up and leave us with the memories of how good Bridget Jones used to be.

I gave this three stars based on the strength of Samantha Bond's narration. I just wish that Mabel didn't so so much like Violet Elizabeth Bott.

12 of 13 people found this review helpful

A bit predictable but OK

Would you try another book written by Helen Fielding or narrated by Samantha Bond?

I think Bridget Jones has now run her course, I don't think I want to hear about her decline into old age and decrepitude , although Samantha Bond is a fabulous actress , as I know what she looks like ( and she's not Renee Zellweger) it was difficult getting used to her as Bridget.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect was that Bridget has not gained any common sense or maturity having become a mother.

Have you listened to any of Samantha Bond’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't but would enjoy listening to her again.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Probably not at the cinema.

Any additional comments?

I personally have problems with in-depth discussions and descriptions of vomit, this book does seem to revel in them and I found myself practically throwing up listening and had to quickly turn down the volume until those protracted segments were finished, if like me you have a weak stomach it might not be for you.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

loved it!

Would you listen to Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy again? Why?

Yes. Loved the story, greatly entertaining, fabulous characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy?

loved how it ends

Which character – as performed by Samantha Bond – was your favourite?

Toy boy, Bridget, Thaleta (not sure spelling) and Billy

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Happy to have listened during various days

Any additional comments?

very enjoyable story, very funny; i have found the negative reactions towards author (because of absence of Mark Darcy) quite unfair. The story is great. I really hope to see it as a movie as well! 100% recommended to anyone fan of Bridget and keen to have a great time!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Exactly what you would expect but great humour

I absolutely loved most of this, some parts were emotional and most were very funny. My only negative point is that it is very predictable, it's very similar to the previous book but with added children and slightly different love interests.

If you enjoyed the other Bridget Jones books then you will probably like this one too (if you can appreciate the typical Bridget mishap humour and ignore the fact you know how everything is going to pan out in the end).

I thought the performance was good and I am sure I will listen to this again when I want to listen to something that will make me laugh.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Don't bother!

Would you try another book written by Helen Fielding or narrated by Samantha Bond?

No. I hated this book.

What was most disappointing about Helen Fielding’s story?

There was no story! Just totally predictable Bridget's search for another man, Mark having died.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

None.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Regret for spending my money on this rubbish!

Any additional comments?

If you're thinking of buying the new book about Bridget Jones don't bother get out your old ones! They were of there time - funny and new. Not so this resurrection of Bridget - I wonder what prompted this book? Ill thought out and just plain rubbish - save your money!

25 of 31 people found this review helpful

Catching up with an old friend

Would you listen to Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy again? Why?

No, I've just listened to it. It was very good.

What other book might you compare Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy to, and why?

It's a follow on from Bridget Jones books

What does Samantha Bond bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I like her voice

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was a lovely bit of fun. Like catching up with an old friend.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful