Book Review: About a Boy

While I'm not sure whether I'm actually allowed to like any Hugh Grant movies and still maintain possession of my Y chromosome, I have to admit to really liking the movie About a Boy. I did wonder, however, if this might end up being somewhat of a problem when I read Nick Hornby's novel on which the movie was based.

Fortunately, this turned out not to be the case. The novel is almost identical in plot to the movie for about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through. The last section changes substantially from one to the other, but the tone and eventual conclusion are essentially the same. The characters are, for the most part, so similar to those in the movie that there was no interference between the two.

About a Boy reads like a dual coming of age story. Will, thirty-seven and independently wealthy, has yet to mature and realize that he is not the only person on Earth. Marcus, an even more awkward than normal adolescent, is just beginning to mature and realize the worth of thinking for one's self. We follow them in a dual-third person restricted perspective and see their growth and the impact they have on each others' lives.

Hornby has a dry, subtle humor that is easily enjoyed and has translated well to cinema on a couple of occasions (About a Boy, High Fidelity). The ease with which the reader can identify with each character increases the emotional involvement and makes the book an even more enjoyable read.

The verdict: I definitely recommend checking out this book. Anytime a book manages to have decent writing, characters that are good and believable, and happens to throw some humor into the mix for good measure, it will certainly be worth your time to read it.


Until later...