Review: Bridget Jones Diary

Many months ago now, I dipped into my Student Loan to purchase myself a copy of Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding. Having seen both the films based off of Helen's books a number of times, I was sure I would very much enjoy reading about our favourite publisher/news reporter/singleton-turned-happy-in-love-gal, particularly as I was one of many fans to rejoice at the news that there was a third film in the works, and a new book soon to be hitting the shelves. As I write this I am almost finished with Fielding's second book in this series and contemplating whether I will be buying a copy of the third book, Mad About the Boy.

I should probably say that I'm assuming that anyone who happens to read this has not been living under a rock for the last fifteen years and therefore has at least some idea of what this series is about. If not, have no fear (Zorro is here and he can quickly bring you up to speed).

Bridget Jones is your average 30 year old woman. Living in London and working as an assistant at a publishing house, Bridget begins a diary that recounts her woes and misfortunes through her career, relationships and unsuccessful dieting attempts.

Now that that small summary is out of the way, let's dig deeper...

Beginning the first book - having bought myself the omnibus edition which also included Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason - I was delighted to find that the film adaptation had stayed so close to the original work of Helen Fielding. Despite not watching the film for a few years, I could easily recognise portions of dialogue which were exactly the same, making me love the films that much more. As an avid reader, films, or indeed tv shows for that matter, that stay very true to their origins satisfy me more than a large serving of chocolate sponge pudding and chocolate custard, which is saying something since I've been craving that particular dessert since the start of Spring term.

Moving on from my own eating habits, let's have a look at Bridget's. In today's size-pressured society, low self-esteem and body confidence is something I'm sure we can all relate to. Bridget's struggle with her weight and diet is both comforting and relatable. I can assure you, that although I may only have just turned twenty a few months back, I found I could picture myself in Bridget's shoes very clearly and have to commend Helen Fielding for her creation of a character that although fundamentally unique, can also be recognised within ourselves.

What's more, although we are loathe to admit it, we all make rather stupid mistakes sometimes or say things which are deemed particularly 'blonde'. Bridget also embodies this trait, perhaps more spectacularly than some of us, which makes the books all the more enjoyable. One particular incident which was not part of the film adaptation of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason springs to mind here.

SPOILER ALERT

Whilst trying to advance with her career, Bridget briefly delves into the world of newspaper reporting and interviewing. I was pleasantly surprised by the part that Colin Firth plays in the second book of Helen Fielding's series, being Bridget's first - and last - celebrity interviewee in an embarrassingly awkward meeting in which Bridget repeatedly wants to know more about that scene in Pride and Prejudice. Despite the awkwardness, the write up - a complete, unedited transcript of the recording - published in the Independent is highly amusing, and all the more so since it is something that was left out of the film script, or perhaps later cut during editing.

In terms of the modern spin on Pride and Prejudice, it's artfully done in my opinion. The comparisons between Mr Darcy and everyone's favourite boyfriend of Bridget's, Mark Darcy, and those of Mr Wickham and womaniser Daniel Cleaver are subtle unless one is looking outright for their similarities. If you're completely engrossed in the story and in the characters, it's possible to overlook the inspiration for the story, particularly as Bridget Jones represents a different kind of heroine than Elizabeth Bennett.

All in all both books have been enjoyable to read, with many such moments. My only qualm with both of Fielding's books is that they are not the kind of literature one can pick up and read all day when it's pouring with rain and you're shut inside. Unfortunately, the diary format begins to feel a bit too repetitive after an hour or so, and the books become something that you pick up every few days and peruse more casually. However, if that's the kind of reader you are, then Bridget Jones Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason are perfect for you. If you have seen either of the film adaptations for these books, I would instantly recommend them, regardless of whether you even enjoyed the movies simply because films and books will always be different. If you liked the films, you're bound to enjoy the books as they are fundamentally the same. However, if you did not enjoy the movies, say because they're mushy chick-flicks, the books do have a different feel, as they are more character-intensive.

Does this mean that I - or indeed you too - should return to the world of Bridget Jones and continue her story with Mad About the Boy?

As a large Mark Darcy fan, I'm not sure I personally will be able to cope with his absence in Helen Fielding's third Bridget Jones book. However, if you've enjoyed the first two offerings of this series, I see no reason why you shouldn't enjoy the third - unless you're like me, of course, and are far too emotionally attached to believe Mark Darcy could ever die and widow Bridget.