I cannot remember when I last gulped down a book so readily. Bridget Jones is back! More mature and experienced, twice
a mother, in Bridget Jones Mad About the
Boy she is the same self deprecating sort, and it is not by chance, I
think, that self becomes a most frequent
word in her diary.
Yes, Helen Fielding is faithful to the novel form which made her so popular – diary
entries. Together with Cecilia Ahern in Love, Rosie, Meg Cabot in her
Boy Series, Joanne Harris in
Blueeyedboy, Fielding evolves the epistolary genre making it more diverse by twits, diagrams, tables and, of course, Bridget’s famous
lists:
I
WILL
Lose
30lb.
Get
on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp instead of feeling old and out of
it because everyone except self is on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and
WhatsApp.
Find
out why fridge is making that noise.
Go
to Pilates once a week, Zumba twice a week, gym three times a week and yoga
four times a week (funny
enough to expect from so slapdash a person).
I
WILL NOT
Eat
grated cheese straight out of the fridge, dropping it all over the floor.
Drink
more than two non-decaf cappuccinos a day. Or three.
Wang
around hysterically when things go wrong but instead achieve acceptance and
calm – and stand like a great tree in the midst of it all.
Baby talk from the mouth of Bridget’s five-year-old
daughter makes fascinating reading! Mabel is a mix of independence, caprices and childish
naivety that can sometimes uncover the essence of things. Like when the mother tries to get Mabel into the dress presented by her granny saying: ‘I used to wear dresses like this’, the
girl asks:
‘Oh. Was you born in de Victorian times?’
‘No!’ I said indignantly.
‘Oh. Wad it de Renaissance Era?’
Throughout the book Bridget struggles with solitude, weakness, prejudice
and other problems of womanhood. Fielding seems quite an expert in human psychology, and I daresay, many of us recognize selves in what became an archetype of
contemporary woman. But no matter how much versed the author might be in
manipulating the reader’s interest, this is not enough to hold the audience.
Books are well written or badly written. That is all, you know. No matter how scornful
the critics might be, Helen Fielding sounds free,
spontaneous and hilarious.
The tweets might be limited though.
Believe it or not, Bridget succeeds in some of her
wish list. But I won’t dwell on the details and deprive you of the right to
enjoy / to be bored by the story. Read it and judge for yourself. Just a hint: start
from scratch, avoid reviews which reveal the plot.
Great review !
ОтветитьУдалитьBeautifully written post ! Clicked g+ too.
You'r very kind, Rajiv! Bridget's definitely girlish stuff. Have you read anything mannish to share?
ОтветитьУдалитьThanks Irina.
ОтветитьУдалитьI did not read it; I thought your review was fantastic.
A good read is a good read and doesn't have to be girlish or mannish; that is what I believe.
I post updates regularly on 'goodreads', fantastic website! Just updated my reading status, a James Bond book :)
I haven’t read the book of Bridget Jones series but have seen only film adaptations of the books. I liked it when there was a parallel between my favorite Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy. There was another Darcy played by Colin Firth who played Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice. Is the five-year-daughter’s father is Darcy?
ОтветитьУдалитьIn your previous post, I enjoyed seeing Christmas scenes, which I can’t see in my country.
Regarding your comment on my post, powdered green tea + sugar + milk is called “Matcha (green tea) latte” in my country, it’s a delicious and healthy drink. Don’t you have it at Starbucks?
Wish you all the best in 2014, Irina.
Yoko
Kotenkova Daria
ОтветитьУдалитьLet me introduce my review.
“Atonement” is a story about how a man can become a victim of a young girl’s imagination. The story is written by an English novelist and screenwriter, one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945 – Ian Russell McEwan.
On the hottest day of the summer of 1934, the thirteen-year- old Briony Tallis sees her sister Cecilia stripping off her clothes and plunging into the fountain in the garden of their country house. Watching her is Robbie Turner. They love each other, but are full of shame and pride to confess their feelings. Briony believes Robbie to be a "maniac". She will have witnessed mysteries, and committed a crime for which she will spend the rest of her life trying to atone…
The plot has an unexpected twist, you have some unbearable feelings in the end. The writing is gorgeous. The opening is especially not so gripping. Nothing is throwaway; every visual is so vivid that the reader is transported to a specific time and place.
In addition to this, there is a screen version. The film is directed by Joe Wright and the cast includes James McAvoy as Robbie and Keira Knightley as Cecilia. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography courtesy of Seamus McGarvey. Some of the images are breathtaking and keeping you in tension to the end. All in all, ‘Atonement’ is a remarkably made, wonderfully acted and emotionally engaging drama that should please both fans of the book and cinemaddict alike.
This is definitely a book and a film worth reading and seeing: not only are characters convincing, but there is absorbing plot as well. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their choice in reading.
I'd like to start with the fact that my choice has fallen immediately on Lady Chatterley's Lover, as silly as it may sound, but I just like the title of the novel. Moreover this book is included in the list of our literature, so I can kill two birds with one stone. Lady Chatterley’s Lover is written by D.H. Lawrence who has gained a reputation as one of the most controversial writers of the twentieth century, that’s why this is another reason for reading the book. The plot of the story is not so complicated, but believe me it is worth reading.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe story takes place after the First World War when Sir Clifford Chatterley has returned to England paralyzed from the war. Because Clifford is incapacitated, Connie can not have children from him, therefore Connie feels isolated, embarrassing and even her father suggests finding herself a lover. One day Clifford tells Connie that he wouldn't mind her having a lover but from their social background, so that he could has an heir. Soon Connie met a gamekeeper of her husband (Oliver Mellors) , then she fells in love with him because he is the man who can give her true love. But nevertheless their class inequality can be an obstacle for them. Connie arranges a trip to Venice with her father and sister. While she is away, Mellors' wife returns to the cottage and discovers his affair. She spreads gossips around the village, which ultimately results in Clifford relieving Mellors of his position as gamekeeper. Coney learns that she is pregnant and wants to file for divorce from Clifford, but he denies it. And then she went to Scotland and is waiting for her beloved, who is waiting for a court decision of divorce.
As I have already mentioned, the plot does not look so impressive, but when you start to read the novel, you will plunge into the atmosphere that prevailed in the last century, you can feel social inequality and learn what feels a woman deprived of male affection. I won’t deny the fact that sometimes Lawrence forgotten and begins to describe the surrounding nature, which seems pretty nice, but the book can’t be called boring and devoid of color. I highly recommend reading this book, because you can enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the literary language of Lawrence and unexpected twists in the story. The only thing that confused me in this book is the fact that the author quite often uses obscene indecent language, which at that time was considered vulgar, so this novel is one of the most blatant books.
I can't but agree with you=) this book is really worth reading and I spent time pleasantly with it. And now, I want to supplement ur comments with my little list of some interesting facts.
Удалить• To begin with Lawrence published many novels and poetry volumes during his lifetime, but he made his name by this “infamous novel”
• The book is bases on his private life – his wife Frieda was having an affair with a lusty Italian, and Lawrence knew it
• The graphic and highly sexual novel was published in Italy in 1928, but was banned in the United States until 1959, and banned in England until 1960. (and don’t say that this fact doesn’t make u desire to lift the veil of the plot)
• Nowadays author regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century
• Lady Chatterley's Lover is one of Lawrence’s last books as he was dying of tuberculosis (from my point of view it was the reason why he decided to write so outspoken autobiographical novel)
It would be unfair not to mention that fact that this book was reflected in culture. E.g.
In 1965, Tom Lehrer recorded a satirical song entitled "Smut", in which the speaker in the song lyrics cheerfully acknowledges his enjoyment of such material
"Who needs a hobby like tennis or philately?
I've got a hobby: rereading Lady Chatterley."
Or we can mention British poet Philip Larkin's poem "Annus Mirabilis" which begins with a reference to the book:
Sexual intercourse began
In nineteen sixty-three
(which was rather late for me) –
Between the end of the "Chatterley" ban
And The Beatles' first LP.
I think all this facts speak for themselves – the book worthy of notice and will to carry u with beautiful language and unpredictable plot.
PS I must also say that because of spending half-day in different queues in the polyclinic, I had a chance to finish reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I’ve read it excitedly and it afforded a great pleasure. Now I can’t express my thoughts coherent as I’m still impressed by this touching story, but one thing I can express with confidence – this book will plunge u into the atmosphere of England of 19th century and u will be delighted with the Mr Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship
To Kotenkova Daria: I'm intrigued by the way you described the finale. Why unbearable feelings?
УдалитьTo Lawrence's readers: the above-mentioned "extraordinary beauty of the literary language" asks for examples! Both of you seem to have noticed it.
Can't wait to hear your impressions on "Pride and Prejudice"! It is one of the books I love to re-read, enjoying it again and again. Do come back when your incoherent thoughts take shape!
OK, I'm going to watch P&P with Keira Knightley and David Macfadyen 2day. after it, I hope, I will be able to write smth worthy.
УдалитьBtw which actor, in Your opinion, is the best Mr Darcy?
Isn't it obvious? Especially while commenting Bridget Jones series! It is no mere chance that Fielding's Mark Darcy was portrayed by Colin Firth. As for Keira Knightley, I wonder if you see her as Elizabeth.
УдалитьOk, now I’m ready to express my opinion. First of all, after the film I understood rather clearly the reason of Mr Darcy’s impolite behavior (the scene of local ball was rather indicative). If I were him, I’d behave just as he did, because the difference between local society and newly arrived aristocratic company was striking. I know that pride is one of deadly sins, but persistence of Mrs Bennet and bad manners of Lydia and Kitty were awful and his reaction was reasonable. No wonder it made Fitzwilliam look down on all this family.
УдалитьSurprisingly, that Mr Darcy could step over his prejudice, his aunt’s will and his view of things for Elizabeth sake. It should be a real love, if it changes the person greatly.
The most touching moment for me was the letter from Aunt Gardiner, when we understood that it was Fitzwilliam who saved Bennet’s family and kept Lydia from put her family to shame. There is no doubt that acts done with knowing that u’ll never be recognized and appreciated speak louder than words. Of course, it made his love exalted and beautiful.
What else makes him the hero of woman’s heart is his insistent efforts to be in Elizabeth's good books even though she rejected him before. And what a torture I was to sits awkwardly, talking to no one, just to be in Elizabeth’s company.
In conclusion I want to share one funny quotation
“All women desire a Mr. Darcy.
Unfortunately, all men have no idea who that is.”
PS I don’t like the actors=) I imagined them differently. And Charles Bingley…..God, I giggled every time he appeared on the screen! Such unsuccessful choice of the actor
Well, I’ve never read Bridget Jones in original, but I’ve seen the screen version and it was great! It’s a funny, easy story which is true to life. I added BD in my “to read list”.
ОтветитьУдалитьAs far as you know, the last book I’ve read is “Tender is the night”. To tell the truth, I knew that this book will impress me, but I didn’t expect it would to such an extent. “Tender is the Night” is a good novel that puzzles you and ends by making you a little angry because it doesn’t give the feeling of being complete in itself.
Tender is the Night traces the breakdown of love between Dick and Nicole Diver. Their marriage is outwardly full of excitement and contentment, but as the story evolves, the characters’ secrets and distrust reveal a darker reality which ultimately transforms Dick from a confident and brilliant doctor to an insecure alcoholic.
From very first pages the A introduces a young American actress Rosemary Hoyt and Dick and Nicole Diver are glamorous couple who live in a villa in the French Riviera. Rosemary is introduced to the circle of the Divers; she becomes infatuated with Dick and is also adopted as a close friend by Nicole. Dick first toys with the idea of an affair with Rosemary at this point, which he finally acts upon years later.
Fr.speaking, hardly had I read first pages, when I came to the conclusion that I already know how R and D relations would end. But nothing of that kind happened. What’s more, your hopes and thoughts are never to come true. There are a lot of twists and turns which make everything upside down. I won’t dwell on them in order not to reveal the plot, but they’re amazing, just take my word for it!
When I read the novel up to the end, I was devastated, because I felt as if I had seen the inner drama of almost every personage and this feeling left its mark on me.
In addition, I can’t help mentioning the language. It’s fabulous! Despite a great number of unknown words, you can easily grasp the whole picture.
I also saw the screen version and was disappointed. So many details were skipped! I was more that indignant! For example, the first meet of R and D, as it was in the book “ He looked at her and for a moment she lived in the bright blue worlds of his eyes, eagerly and confidently. Then he shouldered his last piece of junk and went up to his car, and Rosemary came out of the water, shook out her peignoir and walked up to the hotel”. And in the film it was like a dry “Hello” and nothing else! So, without a moment’s hesitation, the film “Tender is the night” is never to watch, but the book…my verdict is to read and reread, anyway, you will be impressed.
Oops) I made a mistake, I meant BJ - Bridget Jones))
УдалитьYou really felt it deeply! What I was truly moved by is your choice at the end and the quote. Beautifully put: "she lived in the bright blue worlds of his eyes, eagerly and confidently"! It reminds me of what Hemingway said about F's writing - "His talent was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly's wings". !!!!
УдалитьWith your abilty to appreciate the language, you're ready for Hemingway. I'd recommend to start with "A Moveable Feast", try it! Btw, the quotation is from this novel. They used to be friends at that time.
Oh, a beautiful quote, I like it. Thank you for a piece of advice! Hope that when I pass all the exams successfully (as you said today:)), I will enjoy reading Hemingway in winter evenings).
УдалитьMargarita Mchedlishvili
ОтветитьУдалитьMartin Eden follows the rise and fall of a young sailor who by sheer force of will educates himself and succeeds in becoming a famous writer (this is London's autobiographical novel, published in 1909, when he was thirty-three and the most popular living writer in the world). He loves Ruth-a woman who represents crème de la crème of the society. He makes up his mind to work hard in order to conquer her heart by all means.
However Ruth can only see the lack of proper education in Martin, paying no slightest attention to his outstanding talent. His fault in publishing and entering the university makes her disappoint in him deeply. But one day, when he becomes as poor as a church mouse, numerous newspapers approve him starting to send requests for publishing. Though his way to success was not easy and Ruth is unable to bear it, he finally reaches the top, gaining unprecedented popularity. But money and success don’t touch him anymore. He’s often invited for dinner by people who used to mock at him and despised his poverty. He understands that that very bourgeois society accepted his money and fame, so did Ruth. Having no desire to live this colorless life, he decides to commit a suicide and drops himself into the sea.
If you ask me, whether this book is worth reading, I’ll say “yes”. As for me, this book motivated me a lot. Martin proved that hard work and the desire to become better make you fly above the society with its stamped principles and above your own assumptions. What I liked most is the language London used to express the mental progress of Martin-from numerous grammar mistakes and down-to-earth peasant dialect to the upper class mastered English, Martin used even better than Ruth. Jack London proved that an honest creative man is unable to live in the bourgeois society. A very worthwhile read I suppose.
Reading books for Foreign Literature, BJ's diary is like a breath of fresh air. I don't mean books from the list are boring, but sometimes it is difficult to create all the details from those epochs ( e.g. interior, hairstyle or cloth for a suit). While reading the book from our era, everything is so familiar and nothing seems to be strange. “ ...I mean lots of people do Botox, don't they? It's not like having a facelift......” Such extraordinary words for a man from 19 century, but not for us. Everything is clear! And I like it! Especially late at night, when your square head wants you smth uncomplicated. ( of course, not primitive)
ОтветитьУдалитьBut I can't deny the fact, sometimes she makes me irritated. She is constantly late for children's school or at the office of Greenlight Productions, she should pull herself together, but no, she was chatting by sms under the table. I believe this behavior is irresponsible. Though, sometimes I envy her lightness and the ability to provide stupid situations. This is talent, definitely!
Well, I watched all the films about her and BJ's family. I'd tried to find all these books, but it's fat chance. I don't like to read electronic books, so it was really hard to read books via the Internet. I came to the library to read it. However, I could only find Ahern's book: Love, Rosie. Firstly, that book was fantastic! I feel myself as a bookwire! Really! I could't remember when I read a book during all the day! When you read e-mails, letters you may trust Rosie and Alex, you see their emotions.I really wanted to give Rosie a hand, to call her or to cry together.
ОтветитьУдалитьIn 2015 there was a film release with Sam Clafin. I like the actor, but I hate the film. The story wasn't so realistic for me. I didn't believe that Rosie and Alex. Creators made it shorter than in the novel. Of course, I understand that the time is limited and there were not so many oppotunities to show all the story, however I expected more.