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

Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

15 reviews

julianapmeyer's review against another edition

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funny relaxing fast-paced

3.5

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vivisms_82's review against another edition

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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

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niamhlovesbooks28's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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clarney12's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

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amillii's review against another edition

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Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

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maryjohnstone's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced

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

2.25

I really thought that I would love this book since the movie is one of my favourites. But this version of Bridget is so intolerable and fatphobic. I understand that this book was written at a time where diet culture and fat shaming was common place but it made this story much less enjoyable. Even without that, Bridget is rude and entitled and only seems normal compared to her psychotic mother (like she's insane).

I was also upset by the lack of Darcy who was unbelievably dull compared to the aggressively vivid other characters. There was no room for development and their connection felt so forced since Fielding only really introduced him in the last three chapters. This would be fine if I liked this Bridget but I really didn't :(

I spent most of the book comparing it to some of my favourite media - Pride and Prejudice and the film which might not be a fair comparison but just watch these instead.

On a serious note, this book is incredibly triggering for anyone struggling with their weight since almost every 5 minutes Bridget is recording on her weight and calories and commenting on how disgusting it is. There is even a section where Bridget admits to forgetting that calories are necessary to survival if that gives an impression on how warped her mindset is. Luckily for me the numbers went right over my head so didn't bother me much or otherwise I would have DNFed.

As much as I hated this book, I cannot deny that the narrative was very vivid and I still love the story (just not the book).

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