Funny Girl
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
480
Novel • Fiction
London • 1960s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby follows the journey of Barbara Parker, who renames herself Sophie Straw, as she moves from Blackpool to London in the 1960s, aspiring to become a television star like Lucille Ball. She navigates numerous challenges, auditions, and relationships, ultimately achieving success and facing personal and professional dilemmas, all set against the backdrop of the evolving entertainment industry. The novel involves themes of infidelity, pressure to conform, and personal realizations.
Humorous
Nostalgic
Romantic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
37,258 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nick Hornby's Funny Girl earns praise for capturing the charm of 1960s British television and delivering witty, engaging dialogue. Protagonist Barbara is compelling and endearing, reflecting aspirations and challenges of the era. Critics, however, point to uneven pacing and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it's a nostalgic and entertaining read with some structural flaws.
Readers who enjoy humorous, character-driven narratives set in the entertainment industry will love Nick Hornby's Funny Girl. Fans of Marian Keyes' The Mystery of Mercy Close or Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain will appreciate its wit, charm, and heartfelt exploration of ambition and identity within the 1960s TV world.
37,258 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
London • 1960s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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