book review the secret diary of adrian mole

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Swearing, rants, reviews, on every level, book review – the secret diary of adrian mole, aged 13 3/4 by sue townsend.

On January 1st 1981, Adrian Mole starts a diary. Adrian isn’t like every other British teenager: he’s an intellectual. He starts his diary as a way to convey his worries and frustrations with the world around him. His parents aren’t providing him with the life he deserves, the BBC keeps rejecting his poems, the love of his life keeps going off with other men, and nobody seems able to recognise his brilliance. Nigel is his only real friend and the only other person who pays him any real attention is the school bully. His home life isn’t much better as his parents are too busy arguing to notice him. Thankfully, he has his grandmother to provide him with a healthy meal and care for his numerous health issues. But when his parents split up, what will it mean for Adrian’s potential?

I wanted to like this book. I think it had a lot of comic potential thanks to its narcissistic and unreliable narrator. Adrian isn’t exactly a typical teenager but he has that all too familiar self-obsession. Adrian only sees the world as it relates to him and it causes him to paint very unkind views of his family. When his father struggles to pay the bills, Adrian is unsympathetic because, in his mind, his father should spend their money more wisely. The humour derives from his inability to read a situation as it really is and his misunderstandings are funny. At least at first.

The problem with the novel is that it is very one-note. The comedy never quite reaches beyond Adrian’s ego. The jokes are very much the same all the way through and there isn’t exactly a lot of different levels to enjoy. We don’t get an awful lot of emotion beyond indignation either. There is a sojourn in teen angst towards the end but it is all very superficial. I know that he was written as a hyperbolic figure but I feel as though he needed to be a little relatable. Narrators don’t need to be nice but they need to be engaging. Adrian’s shtick gets old very quickly.

Although, I can see how this would be a good book for a younger reader and regret not having read it at a younger age. There is definitely a sense of fun tied up within this novel and it is readable. I’m not always a fan of the diary format for a novel but the entries are brief and to the point. You get little bitesize chunks of silliness so you don’t get too bogged down in anything heavy. The book does touch on the difficult period in British history but, seen through Adrian’s eyes, it has a very different spin here. The unemployment and social difficulties are merely trivial compared to the things Adrian must go through. I wouldn’t say that this is necessarily a great reflection of what life was like for a teenager in Britain in the early 80s. However, there are bound to be elements to Adrian’s personality that resonate with everybody in some way.

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4 thoughts on “ book review – the secret diary of adrian mole, aged 13 3/4 by sue townsend ”.

I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s one of the greatest works in English literature, but it dominates its niche as few other books have. There is really nothing quite like it, though it has its host of imitators.

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That’s true. When you think of contemporary British coming of age novels, then this will most likely be near the top of the list.

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Wednesday 8 November 2017

Review: the secret diary of adrian mole aged 13 3/4.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend - review

Although this book was originally written by Sue Townsend in 1982, it remains a staple of every teenager's bookshelf to this day.

The book is written in a diary style by Adrian Mole, a thirteen year old boy who, although writes confidently, often misinterprets and does not understand the events that go on around him. The book follows him through the year of 1981 and a bit of 1982, starting with his new year's resolutions including "stopping squeezing my spots" and "vowing to never drink alcohol... after hearing disgusting noises from downstairs last night." Mole is a self-described intellectual who writes unreliably about the events he goes through and his troubles as an adolescent - resulting in a light-hearted and amusing book.

He writes bluntly about his parents' marital troubles and his own relationship with Pandora, a fellow Year 9 with beautiful "treacle hair": "Pandora and I are in love! It is official! She told Claire Nelson, who told Nigel, who told me." Adrian Mole also writes about his cringe-worthy poetry, his troubles at school, his acne problem, the Royal Wedding and his eighty-year old friend Bert, and numerous other events.

I would highly recommend this book. It is a hilarious book to read and is still relevant today. It is especially amusing if you are around Adrian's age (12-ish to 16-ish), because then you will really appreciate and understand when he says "Just my luck! Another spot on my chin!". It is not only witty, but deeply touching, too. Great as a stress reliever, this book will provide hours of entertainment for everyone.

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4

Author: Sue Townsend

Publisher: Penguin

The first book in the Adrian Mole series, this was a publishing sensation back in the 1980s, but still has the power to entertain pre-teen, teen and even adult readers, and make them double up with laughter.

Adrian Mole is an unforgettable character, but one that will resonate with many young people as they approach or reach puberty. Although aspects of the books have obviously dated a little, most of it remains refreshingly relevant.

Through Adrian's diary, we hear him speak openly about spots, girls, school and a troubling family life: all the time, convinced that he is a genius and that nobody in the world can possibly understand him.

As the series develops, the Adrian Mole books become increasingly satirical and poignant. However, they are all completely hilarious. A coming-of-age must-read.

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(i still read this even though im over the age) This book is interesting🤔

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4: Adrian Mole Book 1 (Adrian Mole, 1)- cover may vary Paperback – 19 Jan. 2012

'A satire of our times. Very funny indeed' Sunday Times 'My comfort read. The best diaries ever written - with apologies to Samuel Pepys, Bridget Jones and me' ADAM KAY FEATURED IN 'THE 100 BOOKS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD' BBC ARTS The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 is the first book in Sue Townsend's brilliantly funny Adrian Mole series. Friday January 2nd I felt rotten today. It's my mother's fault for singing 'My Way' at two o'clock in the morning at the top of the stairs. Just my luck to have a mother like her. There is a chance my parents could be alcoholics. Next year I could be in a children's home. Meet Adrian Mole, a hapless teenager providing an unabashed, pimples-and-all glimpse into adolescent life. Writing candidly about his parents' marital troubles, the dog, his life as a tortured poet and 'misunderstood intellectual', Adrian's painfully honest diary is still hilarious and compelling reading thirty years after it first appeared. _________ NOW A MAJOR MUSICAL 'I not only wept, I howled and hooted and had to get up and walk around the room and wipe my eyes so that I could go on reading' Tom Sharpe 'We laugh both at Mole and with him. A wonderful comic read, that, like all the best comedy, says something rather meaningful' Heat

• Book 1 of 8 Adrian Mole
• Print length 304 pages
• Language Bengali
• Publisher Penguin
• Publication date 19 Jan. 2012
• Dimensions 19.7 x 12.9 x 2.03 cm
• ISBN-10 9780141046426
• ISBN-13 978-0141046426
• See all details

Product description

About the author.

Sue Townsend was, and remains, Britain's favourite comic novelist. For over thirty years, after the publication of her instant and iconic bestseller The Secret Diaries of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ in 1982, she made us weep with laughter and pricked the nation's conscience. Seven further volumes of Adrian's diaries followed, and all were highly acclaimed bestsellers. She also published five other hugely popular novels - including The Queen and I and The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year - as well as writing numerous well-received plays. Remarkably, Sue did not learn to read until she was eight and left school with no qualifications. As beloved by critics as she was by readers the length and breadth of the nation, she chronicled the lives of ordinary people in Britain through times of upheaval and great social change. She lived in Leicester all her Life, dying in the city that she loved in 2014.

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0141046422
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin; 1st edition (19 Jan. 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ Bengali
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780141046426
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0141046426
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 19.7 x 12.9 x 2.03 cm
• 40 in Coming of Age Fiction for Young Adults
• 159 in Lawyers & Criminals Humour
• 1,529 in Humorous Fiction

About the author

Sue townsend.

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 72% 19% 6% 2% 2% 72%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 72% 19% 6% 2% 2% 19%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 72% 19% 6% 2% 2% 6%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 72% 19% 6% 2% 2% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 72% 19% 6% 2% 2% 2%

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Customers find the book genuinely funny and cleverly written. They also find the characters relatable, likeable, and adventurous. Readers describe the story as fun, easy, and a great read for anyone of any age.

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Customers find the book genuinely funny, light entertainment, and enjoyable. They also say it makes them smile and is cleverly written.

"...Sue Townsend was a brilliant humourist ." Read more

"...A must read for anybody, timeless, funny and the sort of humour you just don't get these days...." Read more

"A brilliant comedic piece of writing . A bit dated but still very funny and a must read classic" Read more

"This book was very interesting to read and was very funny . A good way to pass time, I would highly recommend this book to anyone really...." Read more

Customers find the characters in the book relatable, insightful, and touching at times. They also say Adrian is adventurous and curious about things.

"...also made me feel sympathy for Adrian Mole because he was a such believable character - a lot like other kid/adolescents I know...." Read more

"...Adrian is a very likeable character , so it's no effort at all, to read about his daily life, his good intentions, his guilt, loves and hates...." Read more

"...The book is full of colourful characters and Adrian Mole's thoughts made me laugh out loud in many occasions...." Read more

"...I love the writing style and Adrian Mole is a great character !..." Read more

Customers find the story fun and easy to read. They also say the narrative is simple and interesting to follow. Readers also mention that the book is a quick, lighthearted, and entertaining read.

"...A must read for anybody , timeless, funny and the sort of humour you just don't get these days...." Read more

"...A bit dated but still very funny and a must read classic" Read more

"I’m exited to read the next one. It was a great story and I like the way it is set in a diary it makes one’s life more realistic" Read more

"...It is very funny, well written and easy to read ." Read more

Customers find the book a great read for anyone of any age.

"...A book that will appeal to a wide ranging age group (even if it may be for different reasons) & I will now have to revisit the other Adrian Mole..." Read more

"...It is a good book for 10-14 year olds . I wouldn't read it again." Read more

"...However it is a brilliant read for all ages . Do buy it!" Read more

"A really great light hearted read easy read book Great for younger people to readEnjoyable - story written through a child life" Read more

Customers appreciate the excellent quality of the book.

"...it has no flaws at all !!" Read more

"...posted quickly and in great condition " Read more

"Love this book excellent quality " Read more

" Great condition ..." Read more

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1982

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Sue Townsend

The secret diary of adrian mole aged 13 3/4.

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Ages 133/4 Paperback – International Edition, November 24, 2009

• Reading age 12 - 14 years
• Book 1 of 8 Adrian Mole
• Print length 272 pages
• Language English
• Dimensions 5 x 0.65 x 7.8 inches
• Publisher Puffin
• Publication date November 24, 2009
• ISBN-10 9780141315980
• ISBN-13 978-0141315980
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0141315989
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Puffin; Re-issue edition (November 24, 2009)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780141315980
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0141315980
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 14 years
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.7 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.65 x 7.8 inches
• #5,009 in Teen & Young Adult Humorous Fiction
• #70,022 in Children's Humor
• #111,005 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction

About the author

Sue townsend.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 54% 30% 12% 2% 3% 54%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 54% 30% 12% 2% 3% 30%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 54% 30% 12% 2% 3% 12%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 54% 30% 12% 2% 3% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 54% 30% 12% 2% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the humor very funny and poignant. They also describe the book as a fantastic read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the humor in the book very funny, poignant, and ironic.

"...poetry and questions life and learns about love, this diary becomes a funny , poignant, self-indulgent, ironic reminder of what it feels like to be a..." Read more

"Saw recommendation in NYTimes that this was a great funny book . I bought one and was laughing out loud by the first few pages...." Read more

"Smart, funny . Told from the perspective of a young man on the spectrum, I would guess. A fun, quick read." Read more

"The headline says it all. The book is laugh out loud funny . Can’t wait to read the others in the series." Read more

Customers find the book fantastic, enjoyable, and appreciate the subtext. They also say it's a great buy.

"...I read the entire thing in two days and wanted more! Totally a great read for anyone who wants to have a giggle or two." Read more

"This book was one of the most enjoyable and refreshing books that I have read in a while...." Read more

"...We even followed Adrian into his 20's. Great book to let young guys know that all the crazy things they are thinking are normal, because Adrian..." Read more

"...Still enjoyed it, and appreciated the subtext that I missed before." Read more

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾

Adrian Mole is a 13-year-old boy. Adrian writes a diary about his school, his family and, of course, love. "There's a new girl in our class . . . I think I might love her. I am 13 ¾ years old, so I'm old enough for love!"

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Test Penguin Readers PDF 0.1MB

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With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction.

The Secret Life of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾, a Level 3 Reader, is A2 in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing first conditional, past continuous and present perfect simple for general experience. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages.

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