A review by jessietn
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This has not aged particularly well. However, it does provide readers with an insightful snapshot of the toxic diet culture of the 90s and early 2000s. While Bridget's obsession with her weight might be triggering for many women who grew up during this time, in my opinion the novel did not condone her behaviour. Instead, there were several points where it was made clear that her weight goals were unhealthy and unrealistic -- when she finally reaches her goal weight, her friend Tom tells her gently that he thought she looked better before and that she isn't her usual self. I think this was handled with less tact in the film.

There were some truly funny lines, and I liked that there was less of Daniel Cleaver than in the film (and that it was made more obvious from the outset that he was an "emotional fuckwit" who was bad for Bridget), but there was probably more cringeworthiness than humour overall... and the ending was just bewilderingly stupid (as was the entire Julio plotline). I would probably only recommend it only for fans of the film or of Bridget as a flawed and relatable character.
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