from James:

I can understand why this book is getting so many mixed reviews. For those who are long-standing Hornby fans, it probably doesn't deliver in the same way as his other titles. For one thing, this is a straight-ahead novel. No lengthy list of characters each telling a different part of the story; no flashbacks in the narrative. It's traditional storytelling with likeable characters and I'm okay with that. Not every book needs to be a challenge.

Even those who don't like this particular title will surely recognize that Hornby can craft a sentence and engage the reader. As always, there are plenty of references to pop culture and music as we follow the career of Sophia/Barbara from little Miss Blackpool to a bona fide BBC television star, a sort of slightly-later-day British version of Lucille Ball. The main story takes place in the late 60's.

Overall, I'd recommend Funny Girl, especially if you're not hung up on what you expect a Hornby book to be. ( )

In 1964, Barbara Parker is crowned Miss Blackpool, and immediately resigns her post to head to London and make it big as a TV comedian, which she does in fairly short order. The book tells the story of her TV career, along with her colleagues in producing her hit show ("Barbara (and Jim)"), their various affairs, successes, and failures. It's an enjoyable book, though for me the story didn't really amount to much; I kept reading to find if there was going to be much of a theme, or even a story beyond the story of her life. It fees like it captures the reality of British TV production in the mid 60s, but to me that wasn't really enough to drive it. Also, Hornby never really shows Barbara (later Sophie) being funny. Hornby keeps you reading, though through most of his characterizations. ( )

3.5 stars ( )

This was a perfectly entertaining book about the female star of a 60s BBC sitcom. It wasn't the best book I've read (Not even the best Nick Hornby book I've read) but it was fine.

There's nothing here to urge me to recommend this book to others but nothing to say "steer clear" either.

I suggest borrow instead of buy. Probably a great book for the beach or summer vacation.

( )

It's witty but I was ready for it to end well before it was over. ( )