Reviews with content warning for Fatphobia - Bridget Jones's Diary

Reviews tagging 'Fatphobia'

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

57 reviews

thelibraryskeeper's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.0

My review of this book comes down to the fact that it did not age well. There is a lot of derogatory language throughout the book that was probably okay (I can't believe I am saying that) back when the book was written. I was born in 1990 and I remember all the magazines and commercials for weight loss pills and diets. They were everywhere. This book shows just how much this content weighed on the everyday lives of women. As a woman just reading the book I felt very triggered by all the talk of weight and counting calories. Bridget was complaining about her weight which is less than mine currently is. Overall I did not find the book funny or even lighthearted.

Content Warnings

julianapmeyer's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny relaxing fast-paced

3.5

Content Warnings

vivisms_82's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I mostly enjoyed this book and found myself laughing out loud at times. The narrator is absolutely marvellous in bringing all the characters to life! Bridget is 32 years old, likeable, and just like many of us stumbles her way through life and romantic relationships. HOWEVER, I did have some issues with this book; one in particular was her normalised, regular and excessive alcohol consumption which was kind of treated as no biggy and a bit of a "woopsy" when she consumed a lot, which was nearly ALL OF THE TIME. It seems to be used as a trivial and flippant way to make her seem relatable, you know "just a flawed young woman." When really she is an alcoholic.

**Book was first published in 1996 and should be noted that some dialogue and situations that were perhaps deemed passable and even considered humorous then are most definitely not now (thank goodness) ie derogatory slurs used to reference someone who is from Portugal, grossly inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power by bosses, very minimised abuse of alcohol and cigarettes

Content Warnings

maia313's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Having seen the film many times, this was a great read. Really funny, good relatability, doesn't take itself seriously. Fairly different from the film in that Mark Darcy is not in it as much, and

they don't properly end up together/kiss in the book.

Some parts slightly outdated, but interestingly so, as although not as PC with modern feminism, still quite relatable. A fun read.

Content Warnings