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The Edge of Reason (Bridget Jones #2)

3.37 of 5 stars 3.37 · rating details · 43,565 ratings · 1,339 reviews

The Wilderness Years are over! But not for long. At the end of Bridget Jones's Diary, Bridget hiccuped off into the sunset with man-of-her-dreams Mark Darcy. Now, in The Edge of Reason, she discovers what it is like when you have the man of your dreams actually in your flat and he hasn't done the washing-up, not just the whole of this week, but ever.

Lurching through a mora...more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published February 1st 2001 by Penguin (Non-Classics) (first published 1999)

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Community Reviews

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Nov 19, 2007 Suzanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chicklit

The Colin Firth interview is hilarious! You just want to scream at Bridget to shut up and stop putting her foot in every time she opens her mouth! Just as wonderful as the first book!

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Aug 17, 2007 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: saw-the-movie

Not quite as good as the original, nonetheless, spending more time with Bridget and her friends as they count alcohol units and worry about what underpants to wear on a date is a pleasant diversion.

8 likes · like · see review

Jun 28, 2008 Lisa rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, shite, 2008

This book should be retitled as Bridget Jones: The Unnecessary Sequel. Bridget returns as the hapless and can't-get-it-together heroine with plenty of love, work and weight troubles. The first book has a happy ending and I thought that was the end of it. Since it's so successful, of course the author cannot resist conjuring contrived plot lines for Bridget's second adventure.

Bridget came across as charming and endearing in the first book but here she becomes annoying and irritating. I (or the r...more

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Nov 21, 2008 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2002, chicklit, fun, fiction

Not as good as the first but still worthy of attention.

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Feb 19, 2009 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

After finishing Bridget Jones's Diary for the second time, I turned my attention to Bridge Jones: The Edge of Reason, by Helen Fielding, which I'd never read before. I have to say that with both books, there were definitely laugh-out-loud moments, although there were more with Edge of Reason than Diary.

I'm embarrassed to admit it took me at least to the middle of the book to realize that this book was a take-off of Persuasion. And once again, I admire Ms. Fielding's facility in translating a cla...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Mia Parviainen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I loved the first "Bridget Jones" novel. Though we are separated culturally (I'm American, she's British), and by decades (she was 30 in the late 90s, and I'm still not there yet), there's something that I can totally identify with: the obsessive listing, calculating, searching for subtext, the self-deprecating. And, as a Jane Austen junkie, there's the wonderful parallel to Pride and Prejudice: the overbearing mother, falling for the wrong man, and finding that the right man (a Mr. Darcy--Mark...more I loved the first "Bridget Jones" novel. Though we are separated culturally (I'm American, she's British), and by decades (she was 30 in the late 90s, and I'm still not there yet), there's something that I can totally identify with: the obsessive listing, calculating, searching for subtext, the self-deprecating. And, as a Jane Austen junkie, there's the wonderful parallel to Pride and Prejudice: the overbearing mother, falling for the wrong man, and finding that the right man (a Mr. Darcy--Mark Darcy) was the guy who you thought you hated when you first met him. I feel like this book has less of that.

Fielding doesn't have an Austen-framework to borrow here--this is all strictly after what should be "happily ever after." Sometimes readers just don't want to see how the sausage of post-the-end-bliss is made. It's hard to see Bridget's connection with Mark Darcy go on the rocks. Sure, it's amusing to read her obsessive calculating of calories and justification of her reversion to bad habits. The return of Daniel Cleaver is equally amusing, and yet unsettling: didn't we determine that he was clearly sinister and a cad in the last book?

If Fielding does have any classical work to lean on, its Kipling's poem "If." I'm not a Kipling scholar, so I'm not sure if the poem's use is out of context. Part of me wonders what academics looking at it from a post-colonial perspective will do to it, especially as Bridget uses the poem for inspiration when things go wrong while in Thailand. Bridget is using the poem for inspiration while dealing with the dire possibility of spending life in a dank prison indefinitely; I'm imagining some politically correct scholar going ballistic over a light use of Kipling associated with a part of the world so heavily connected with colonialism.

In the end, I suppose I got what I liked about the first book: the neurotic ramblings, Bridget's honest imperfection, and the ultimate heroism of Mark Darcy. Still, this is not the sort of thing I want to read when Bridget and Mark should be living out their happily ever after--I can only wonder what Fielding has in store for the third installment. (less)

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Feb 07, 2013 Chase A rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, a fictional work of British literature by Helen Fielding, is a whirlwind of a romance set in the city of Notting Hill. Bridget, the calorie, cigarette, and alcohol obsessed thirty year old, finds herself in unfortunate relationships that hardly ever work out for her. But eventually, she finds the man of her dreams, Mark Darcy. It has been “four weeks and five days [that she has] been in a functional relationship with an adult male,” portraying that she is not a...more Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, a fictional work of British literature by Helen Fielding, is a whirlwind of a romance set in the city of Notting Hill. Bridget, the calorie, cigarette, and alcohol obsessed thirty year old, finds herself in unfortunate relationships that hardly ever work out for her. But eventually, she finds the man of her dreams, Mark Darcy. It has been “four weeks and five days [that she has] been in a functional relationship with an adult male,” portraying that she is not a crazy repulse of love (Fielding 3). But not everything goes in her favor throughout their relationship. Mark begins talking about a woman he works with more and more in front of Bridget, and Bridget becomes over-worried and extremely jealous. She constantly thinks the worst about her relationship with her perfect man. The two English soul mates seems like the perfect couple, however, with some bumps along the way, Mark and Bridget break up, which puts Bridget in a state of depression. Will Bridget ever convince Mark that he’s the only one she loves? Or will she never make it back together with Mark, the man of her dreams?
Helen Fielding makes the reader feel like they are one of Bridget’s best friends through all of her unmanageable boy troubles. Fielding wrote this book with an intention of making the characters easy to identify with and communicate with. Her writing, quick and relatable, helps the reader cultivate an understanding for Bridget and her “said-so”, irreplaceable, connection with Mark Darcy. There is no way you can not be fixated to this book and the dynamic characters placed in the British work.
In Bridget and Mark’s relationship, anything can be expected. The main point of the work is to point out that anyone can find love, even if it seems impossible. Bridget makes this clear, as someone who believes she is a repellant of love. No one ever knows what will happen between the two unpredictable characters, as a couple. However, if you want to know what the fate is of this couple, you will have to read Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. (less)

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Jan 20, 2013 Jennie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Weight: 867 lbs (due to entire Chipotle burrito bol still sitting in belly), cigarettes 0 (as don’t smoke), alcohol units 1 (responsible glass of red wine, for heart), calories 1557 (if Chipotle nutrition calculator can be trusted)

Have just finished reading Bridget Jones’s Diary: The Edge of Reason, aka BJD 2: THE DARCY STRIKES BACK. Still working out feelings re: sequel, as original was pure perfection, part of identity, Pride & Prejudice-related (so obviously superior to almost all other w...more Weight: 867 lbs (due to entire Chipotle burrito bol still sitting in belly), cigarettes 0 (as don’t smoke), alcohol units 1 (responsible glass of red wine, for heart), calories 1557 (if Chipotle nutrition calculator can be trusted)

Have just finished reading Bridget Jones’s Diary: The Edge of Reason, aka BJD 2: THE DARCY STRIKES BACK. Still working out feelings re: sequel, as original was pure perfection, part of identity, Pride & Prejudice-related (so obviously superior to almost all other works of fiction), etc. Am having trouble reckoning feelings for this novel, as trainwreck of a movie is hanging over head in manner of pinata filled with poo or old, stinky cheeses.

Shall not dwell on turd of a movie, however, flawed as it is, because love the lovely book! Like Bridget Jones’s Diary, sequel is based on Jane Austen novel, this time Persuasion. Had not read Persuasion until several years ago and ended up liking just as much (if not more? blasphemy!) as P&P. Naturally, Persuasion suffers from clear lack of Darcy, however Wentworth equally swoon-worthy, also Anne Elliot is obvious patron saint of Singletons everywhere, having been declared old spinster at virginal age of 27.

Our little Bridget is still struggling with job, money, romance, family (overbearing mother, drunken father), blah dee blah LIFE in usual ridiculous and fun manner. All old friends characters are back, including urban family (Jude, Shazzer, Tom), Marrieds (Smug and Otherwise), insane boss Richard Finch, delightful mess Daniel Cleaver, and of course Mark Darcy, with whom Bridget is now deeply in love. New characters join Bridget’s world in form of odious Rebecca, a jellyfish (aka frenemy) on the prowl for Bridget’s boyfriend, and friend Magda’s adorable moppets, created to make Bridget look alternately crazy and competent.

Do wish that book had not included any romantic turmoil for Bridget and Mark Darcy, however realize that there would have been conspicuous lack of plot otherwise. Could not even bring self to get worked up over ridiculousness of certain plotlines (Thai prison, hole in side of flat, stinky fish left in purse for weeks, what-have-you) because of love for all things Bridget and Darcy, also because of equally important happy ending (spoilers)! Suppose am typical girl that way, heart going all aflutter at any mention of Jones-Darcy reconciliation, evidence of Darcy-still-in-love, etc.

Recommend this book for all who enjoyed Bridget Jones’s Diary, or like well-done chick lit (still hate that hateful phrase, should stop using immediately) in general. Especially worth reading for special treat in sequel (as all sequels must one-up original) in form of Colin Firth (aka THE Mr. Darcy) being interviewed by Bridget Jones, which unfolds exactly as one would expect.

In short, sequel is v.g.(less)

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Dec 03, 2012 Rory rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's an unpopular feeling but I loved this book.

We all know that Bridget Jones's Diary ends with a happy ending of sorts, a feeling that everything is sorted out and people will just go about being happy... But I always have a hard time accepting that idea when a character is as over the top and flakey as the lovely Miss Jones.

And this book takes off and runs with the idea that there is no simple endings for these characters--they will still confuse, overthink and thrill each other as they go th...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Amber rated it 1 of 5 stars

Terrible story, terrible characters, terrible writing, TERRIBLE BOOK! I didn't think anything could be worse than the first Bridget Jones but I was wrong. I wish I could give less than a whole star. A third of a star. Bridget is stupid, annoying, anti-feminist, and extremely neurotic. She continually makes ridiculous decisions and mistakes. The author resorts to placing characters into far-out, unlikely situations (Thai prisons and elaborate death threats) out of nowhere for no reason whatsoever...more

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Aug 22, 2011 Jennefer rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: incompleted

I didn't like the first book as much as I enjoyed the movie but I wanted to read it anyway cause I love the movie - the characters were much more superficial and I couldn't relate to Bridget as much. The story about her mother was pretty crazy - totally unbelievable - they tamed it down for the movie.

Anyway I thought I would try out the 2nd book thinking maybe the character had grown some but she was still just as bad and annoying and her friends were worse - being married and a mom I was reall...more

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Jun 19, 2010 Devon Hernandez rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fits of uncontrollable laughter. That would describe me reading this book. What a great followup to the first one! For those of you who have only seen the movie and not read the book, warning: the movie script cuts quite a bit out, and changes quite a bit. For instance, the whole lesbian thing in the movie? Never happened. The "other woman" who Bridget thought was after Mark really was after Mark in the book. Daniel Cleaver barely makes an appearance, just a brief few times, literally only 3 bri...more

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May 09, 2010 Swissmiss rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The great thing about this book is that it completely preserved the tone, voice, characterizations, and humor of the first Bridget Jones book. It is easy to read but not dumbed-down. In fact, the nearly telegraphic style makes the reader work just a bit harder than she is used to, in order to divine the meaning. So that's all good. Why, then, have I given this sequel only three stars, where the first book received five?

There were three things that led me to this decision... and at one point, I w...more The great thing about this book is that it completely preserved the tone, voice, characterizations, and humor of the first Bridget Jones book. It is easy to read but not dumbed-down. In fact, the nearly telegraphic style makes the reader work just a bit harder than she is used to, in order to divine the meaning. So that's all good. Why, then, have I given this sequel only three stars, where the first book received five?

There were three things that led me to this decision... and at one point, I was even hovering at two stars, but there was some redemption toward the end.

First, I felt myself not liking Bridget much in certain parts. In the first book, although obviously flawed, she was still very likable, and even easy to identify with. I think that is in fact the main reason for the success of this series, that Bridget's personality and experiences strike a chord with an entire generation of women who see themselves in her. Well, when Bridget started dumping on Mark, just to please her girlfriends, and being inexcusably stupid, neglectful, and incompetent at work, she lost completely any sympathy she had with me. Bridget is at her best when being mortified at her mother bringing home a Kikuyu from her African safari, or suffering when she sees her boyfriend being fawned over by a gorgeous, rich, thin rival. Even when she pitches off-the-wall, slightly embarrassing or shallow ideas for Sit Up Britain, and things don't quite pan out the way she expected. But when she has a big interview with Colin Firth and acts like a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl (if that), and then doesn't even bother to write the article afterward, her unlucky bumbling turns into flat-out incompetence that makes me wonder what redeeming qualities she could possibly have. And she doesn't have a clue where Germany is? Germany!

Okay. Moving on. The next peeve I had was that it felt like the author was stretching too far, coming up with outlandish plots, possibly in order to make it play better on the big screen. Getting caught for drug-smuggling in Thailand is just so far out of the scope of a normal thirty-something single girl's experience that it just didn't fit for me. And then the whole stalker thing with the builder? It felt so last-minute and stuck together.

The last thing I didn't much like was the fact that Bridget never saw Mark's message on the back of the poem (and why would he have written on the back of a poem anyway? Surely there was a blank piece of paper around). I mean, come on, she was in a prison for a week with no other reading material, and she took the poem out and re-read it several times. She would have noticed something on the back. This may seem like a minor detail, but it was actually a pretty big point for drawing out the uncertainty over their relationship right up to the end. There were a couple of other things, too, like the fact that there was a gaping hole in the wall of Bridget's house for months, and no one said anything... and she didn't need to get a building permit for the addition, either. I just felt like there was too much suspension of disbelief necessary, that things could never have happened like that in the real world. That might not be a huge drawback for some books, but Bridget Jones' success banks on the reader being able to place themselves in Bridget's place, and for these things to actually happen to them (or someone they know, or someone who at least lives on the same planet).

Now, what is the redeeming quality that brought this back up from 2 stars? It's the fact that Bridget does actually seem to learn something. She actually does make some major changes in her life (throwing out all of her self-help books, quitting her job), and sees that she was wrong to treat Mark the way she did. She gains insight into her character and acts on that. I was also very touched by the mother-daughter scene near the end, where Bridget's mother actually seems to come down to Earth for a few minutes and gives some very good, profound advice.

So, in the end, I did like this book, and I can admire the author's skill in writing and creating a worthwhile piece of entertainment. (less)

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Sep 19, 2009 Maia rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: chick lit fans

Shelves: chick-lit-etc

It is unusual for a sequel to equal--far less rival or surpass--an original piece of fiction and yet here, in my opinion, Fielding succeeds on both ends.

As hysterically funny and original a novel Bridget Jones was, the continuation of Bridget's story--her search for love as a symbol of her post-feminist, post-modern search for herself--in 'The Edge of Reason' is actually more poignant, the writer's voice--and therefore, Bridget's voice--with greater depth. Perhaps what happens is that generally,...more

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Mar 11, 2009 Lilyrose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh my God! How funny can Helen Fielding get!!?? Bridget is in top form, embarrassing herself all the time and making way for some great moments. I laughed out loud, something I NEVER do, when I read the Colin Firth interview! I'm a journalist myself and so I could relate absolutely well to whatever Bridget was fumbling about and messing.

Be it fantasizing about Prince William or watching the 'Pride and Prejudice' Lake-Wet-White-Shirt- scene as a pain reliever, Bridget and her friends are super fu...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Megan F rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: humor, feminism, love-stories, chick-lit

I'd really give this 3 and a half stars, but it's not quite worthy of a four. I have to say I enjoyed the first one better, but this is a fair sequel. It definitely made me laugh out loud. Her and Mark Darcy's interactions are priceless. And Bridget is just such a ridiculous character. I guess I just found the plot a little... lackluster? I understood the allusions to Persuasion and appreciated them, but I liked the allusions to Pride and Prejudice in Bridget Jones' Diary better. Perhaps because...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Andreea Obreja rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-romanian

After not liking much the first one, I see no reason for which I laughed so hard at 'The Edge of Reason'.
I mean yes:
- this one is clearly more eventful
- as time passes an author is becoming increasingly better (supposedly)

TO BE CONTINUED (maintenant gotta watch the movie)

EDIT:DE CE? DE CE TREBUIE SA FACA FILMELE ATAT DE GRESITE?!
Nu ma mai uit niciodata la un film facut dupa o carte (doua dezamagiri in ultima saptamana). Poate doar dupa muuuult timp cand mi se face dor de personaje... Dar NU, n...more

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Jun 19, 2010 Christina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 09, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: v-funny, favorites

Makes me laugh out loud to the point of stomach-ache every time I read it. Also many elements of the plot are lovingly borrowed from Austen's Persuasion which allows me to feel wise and well-read. ("Ah yes! Here Fielding is cleverly echoing Louisa Musgrove's accident at Lyme Regis!" etc. etc.) Although it must be said that Bridget is a far more appealing heroine than Anne Elliot, who, let's be real, is a maudlin and manipulative wretch.

I do wonder why this book is dismissed as chick lit when Lu...more

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Aug 03, 2009 Kim rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, humorous

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 21, 2013 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars

GOOD THINGS: I didn't read the first book but, I find this one quite funny. Esp. the interview with Colin Firth ( if it was me I would having jumping up and down in happiness and ask even sillier questions :p ). I love Mark Darcy too, he seems to be the perfect guy that every girl want to have, not just Bridget or Rebecca.

BAD THINGS: I don't know what everyone else think but, the further the story goes, the more I think that BRIDGET IS MENTAL. Say Rebecca is a total cow, but really, she actuall...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Shweta Ganesh rated it 2 of 5 stars

So, I have not read the first book in the series which is probably why I read the entire book in Renee Zellweger's voice, in my head, of course. Now, that part with the intonations was v.g. (You'll get it if you've read the book or at least seen the movie)
But the book itself was far from V.G.
While Bridget herself seems to be an endearing character who does have the penchant to get into the weirdest of spots and scrapes, the plot just seemed too ludicrous to be even remotely believable. Now, I a...more

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Dec 23, 2011 PenNPaper52 rated it 3 of 5 stars

The continuing story of Bridget Jones and her diary saga was not really enticing as the first. There were moments when I had to literary drag myself to read about her moans and groans and whinnies... No woman whines so much as Bridget in my opinion. She got a perfectly good man and then her insecurities gets the better of her, namely Rebecca. She nearly gets raped by her previous boyfriend / boss, Daniel and ends up in a Thai jail for drug possession. This part of the book resembled so much the...more

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May 30, 2010 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen, persuasion

(Note: This review is by a person who has enjoyed viewing the movie on numerous occasions prior to having the pleasure of reading the novel. However, because the movie version and novel version are vastly different, there is likely to be very little partiality or prejudice in this review, if any).

In this gloriously funny sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, readers find themselves, once again, immersed in the chaotic and comedic world of Bridget Jones. If you expected Bridget to lose some of her neu...more (Note: This review is by a person who has enjoyed viewing the movie on numerous occasions prior to having the pleasure of reading the novel. However, because the movie version and novel version are vastly different, there is likely to be very little partiality or prejudice in this review, if any).

In this gloriously funny sequel to Bridget Jones's Diary, readers find themselves, once again, immersed in the chaotic and comedic world of Bridget Jones. If you expected Bridget to lose some of her neuroses or her proclivity of winding up in humiliating and awkward situations because she is now in a relationship with Mark Darcy, you were wrong my friend! Bridget is still Bridget, weighing herself daily and smoking too many cigarettes; but this time instead of obsessing about finding a boyfriend, she is consumed with doubts and insecurities about the relationship she is already in.

The signs are there... Mark Darcy is a commitment phobic! With the help of her relationship experts/best friends, Shazzer and Jude, Bridget's eyes are opened to the fact that her relationship with Mark is precariously hanging by a thread. She realizes that she is his “Just For Now Girl” and that he is probably thinking about sleeping with other women due to his “Mentionitis.” Not to mention that he is oblivious to this other woman's attempts to get her claws on him. After some unfortunate misunderstandings and misconceptions, Bridget decides the best thing for her to do is to “detach” from Mark Darcy. But when Mark no longer calls her and is rumored to be seeing this other woman, Bridget wonders if this “detachment” theory was a good idea after all...

For me, this is one of those times where I enjoyed the sequel more than the first novel. What I liked most about Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason is that there was more of the sexy and intelligent Mark Darcy! I was delighted that Mark Darcy's character was distinctly developed and received more page time in this novel. I greatly enjoyed how the reader was able to discover and perceive things about Mark Darcy that Bridget was completely unaware of (like his feelings for her).

Another aspect of this novel that I loved was the frequent use of references and plot devices borrowed from both Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. For example: Bridget being persuaded to break up with Mark by her friends; Mark's work colleague Giles Benwick (Captain Benwick) relying on self-help books (not poetry) to help him through his difficult divorce; and, Rebecca, the woman chasing after Mark, possessing some of Louisa Musgrove's flirtatiousness and stubborn willfulness.

I found Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason to be a delightfully and amusing sequel. If you have seen the film, be prepared for the book to be nothing like it. In my opinion, the book beats the pants off of the movie! I loved all the absurd and amusing escapades Bridget gets herself into, my favorite being the Colin Firth Interview. Eight brilliant pages of Bridget asking Colin Firth questions like: “How many takes diving into the lake did you have to do?” and “Do you think Mr. Darcy would have slept with Elizabeth Bennet before the wedding?” I highly recommend this novel!

Austenesque Reviews(less)

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Apr 05, 2013 Pam rated it 1 of 5 stars

It took me so long time to finish the book because I hated it. Totally and absolutely HATED it. Wanted to dispose of the book midway but convinced myself to go through it because I had flicker of hope that it might get better. But alas, I was so wrong. Bridget Jones must be one of the shallowest, most superficial characters I ever came across. One CANNOT have her life centered around losing weight and indulging in self pity for the simple reason that one has no boyfriend. Seriously, on nearly ev...more It took me so long time to finish the book because I hated it. Totally and absolutely HATED it. Wanted to dispose of the book midway but convinced myself to go through it because I had flicker of hope that it might get better. But alas, I was so wrong. Bridget Jones must be one of the shallowest, most superficial characters I ever came across. One CANNOT have her life centered around losing weight and indulging in self pity for the simple reason that one has no boyfriend. Seriously, on nearly every single page of the book, Bridget makes reference to the weight that she needs to lose, and the fear of dying single. What is so wrong with that I wonder if one has to end up with a total fuckwit, as she herself puts it? Her friends are no less shallow and except from drinking, smoking and talking about how to get your hands on a boyfriend, they do not have anything else to say. Bridget has a good job, which unfortunately she is bad at (but does not do anything to improve her performance) a flat, a car, friends, a loving family- that is, everything that a smart, modern, independent woman would like to achieve and be grateful for, but what does she do? Moan and whine that she has no man and this, she does throughout the book. I am very unforgiving I know, but there is only so much nonsense I can put up with from an apparently ‘modern and independent’ woman.
The book is also not funny in the least and there are a lot of cringe-moments. I gather that the author wanted to create the character of an average woman with whom many will recognize themselves, but this is sooo not the case.
I think it is important for me to point out here that I am NOT a man-hater, bra-burning feminist.
I do enjoy reading about the so called average women and on several occasions I do recognize myself in them- clumsily going through life and making the most of what is being thrown their way. In one way or the other, the women always endeavor to better their lives. However here Bridget permanently indulges in this self pity and you can’t help from feeling bored and angry with her.
Moreover Bridget’s mother comes as a racist. Sorry, but this is unacceptable. Bringing an “tribal man” from Africa to the UK and parading him like an object is NOT FUNNY. It’s racist AND nasty.
Helen Fielding based this book on Persuasion by Jane Austen- the same Jane Austen who through her books advocated the emancipation of women, and who chose to remain happily single rather than marry for convenience. As such, I am sure I will not be exaggerating if I say that Jane Austen must be incensed wherever she is.

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Jul 27, 2011 konstk rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Bridget Jones only

Отсутствие желания рубить курицу, несущую золотые яйца, вполне понятно. Именно оно стало причиной, к примеру, выхода полнометражного "Секса в большом городе" и - о, ужас! - "Секса в большом городе 2". Именно оно заставило продюсеров снять продолжение "Индианы Джонса" с прискорбно стареньким Харрисоном Фордом. И именно оно заставило Хелен Филдинг по горячим следам накатать еще одну книжку про злоключения Бриджит Джонс, обычной английской девушки.
Книга построена по тому же принципу, что и ее предш...more Отсутствие желания рубить курицу, несущую золотые яйца, вполне понятно. Именно оно стало причиной, к примеру, выхода полнометражного "Секса в большом городе" и - о, ужас! - "Секса в большом городе 2". Именно оно заставило продюсеров снять продолжение "Индианы Джонса" с прискорбно стареньким Харрисоном Фордом. И именно оно заставило Хелен Филдинг по горячим следам накатать еще одну книжку про злоключения Бриджит Джонс, обычной английской девушки.
Книга построена по тому же принципу, что и ее предшественница: дневник - он и в Африке дневник.
Однако, если первая часть была весьма событийна и довольно динамична, то здесь увесистая доля повествования посвящена попойкам и рассуждениям об отношениях между мужчинами и женщинами на уровне упоминаемых тут же псевдопсихологических руководств по межличностным отношениям.
Несколько оживляет роман его главы о Тайланде, но, увы, они лишь островок веселья и океане всеобщего уныния.
К прочтению эта книжка совершенно необязательна, поскольку все, что можно было узнать о женской логике, женском характере и всем остальном женском, было замечательно упомянуто в первой части. Однако, жаждущим еще одной встречи с Бриджит мимо "сиквела" проходить определенно не стоит. (less)

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Apr 25, 2009 PurplyCookie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, romance-novel

This is probably the one rare time I'd say that a book's sequel is much better than its predecessor.

In this continuation of her diary, Bridget again recounts the ups and downs of the single life, coupled by the indifference shown to her by Mark Darcy, her now established boyfriend. "Hurrah! The wilderness years are now over. For four weeks and five days now have been in functional relationship with adult male, thereby proving am not love pariah as recently feared." Add to Darcy's indifference...more This is probably the one rare time I'd say that a book's sequel is much better than its predecessor.

In this continuation of her diary, Bridget again recounts the ups and downs of the single life, coupled by the indifference shown to her by Mark Darcy, her now established boyfriend. "Hurrah! The wilderness years are now over. For four weeks and five days now have been in functional relationship with adult male, thereby proving am not love pariah as recently feared." Add to Darcy's indifference the arrival of Rebecca, who absolutely has no girlfriend code of ethics when it comes to poaching another woman's man.

Whole dating world is like hideous game of bluff and double bluff with men and women firing at each other from opposite lines of sandbags. Is as if there is a set of rules that you are supposed to be sticking to, but no one knows what they are so everyone just makes up their own. Then you end up getting chucked because you didn't follow the rules correctly, but how could you be expected to, when you didn't know what they were in the first place?

Everything else also proves to be topsy-turvy, as Bridget's mother has returned from a trip to Kenya with a young Masai in tow, to her father's consternation; her best friends Jude, Shazzer, and Tom are all trapped in dating hell themselves; her apartment has a gaping hole thanks to an unreliable carpenter; an ex-boyfriend (Daniel Cleaver) has just reentered her life; and now someone is sending Bridget death threats--could it be Mark Darcy as the detectives suspected?

Bridget is a slightly silly person, a bit on the unrealistic side (who knew that she had practically bought almost the entire section of self-help books of a bookstore?), but I suppose diaries (as the format of this novel proves) may include ones ultimate unrealistic fantasies (like being rescued by Colin Firth or Prince William). While Bridget is on the edge of reason, her on-again off-again boyfriend is the voice of reason and the perfect comic foil.

Book Details:

Title Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
Author Helen Fielding
Reviewed By Purplycookie(less)

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May 15, 2013 A.E. Shaw rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

The first half of this, I was really enjoying, wondering why I had such a dim recollection of it all. Then the second half goes bonkers, loses all the fun, and becomes, well...weird. I don't know if it's that it hasn't aged well, or if it's just not funny, or if it's not only not funny but uncomfortable, or if it's plain dull, but I found myself really wanting to just 'get through' reading it. Never a pleasant feeling to have, especially when I'm sure it ought to be better than I remember. Alas,...more

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Dec 16, 2010 Rachel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had read this years ago, but I needed some auditory distraction for a long drive a couple of weeks ago, and it was one of the books on cd that happened to be available at the library. I'm not a huge fan of books on tape, but I thought this lent itself really well to the medium.

For a while near the middle of the book, I had the smug [married!] idea that I might have achieved great maturity since reading it before, since I found myself rather impatient with poor airhead Bridget's neurotic, scatt...more

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Jul 07, 2010 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I didn't think I would enjoy this sequel as even though I liked the first one. After a few months since I finished reading it, it wasn't memorable as I forgot what made it so funny. That being said, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason was easy to read, relatable and genuinely funny. I actually laughed out loud more than once when I was reading the book - a true sentiment of an enjoyable story.

Although it's no literary novel and I wouldn't advice readers who prefer metaphors and symbolisms to carry...more

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About Helen Fielding

Helen Fielding (born 19 February 1958 in Morley, West Yorkshire) is an English author, best known as the author of the novel Bridget Jones's Diary (winner of the 1998 British Book of the Year award) and its sequel Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason. In 2003, she was listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy.

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Bridget Jones's Diary (Bridget Jones, #1)

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Quotes from The Edge of Reason

“Keep thinking back about what Mum said about being real and the Velveteen Rabbit book (though frankly have had enough trouble with rabbits in this particular house). My favorite book, she claims of which I have no memory was about how little kids get one toy that they love more than all the others, and even when its fur has been rubbed off, and it's gone saggy with bits missing, the little child still thinks it's the most beautiful toy in the world, and can't bear to be parted from it.

That's how it works, when people really love each other, Mum whispered on the way out in the Debenhams lift, as if she was confessing some hideous and embarrassing secret. But, the thing is, darling, it doesn't happen to ones who have sharp edges, or break if they get dropped, or ones made of silly synthetic stuff that doesn't last. You have to be brave and let the other person know who you are and what you feel.” — 68 people liked it

“9p.m. My flat. Feel very strange and empty. Is all very well thinking everything is going to be different when you come back but then it is all the same. Suppose I have to make it different. But what am I going to do with my life?
I know. Will eat some cheese.” — 60 people liked it

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The Edge of Reason (Bridget Jones #2)

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