The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend

You’ve probably heard of “The Secret (although not anymore it would seem) Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾” but I’ll review it anyway.

The diary covers the period January 1981 through to beginning of April 1982. Therefore Adrian was not 13 ¾ throughout the story (false advertising?); instead he was merely 13 ¾ at the beginning and 15 at the end. 

It is now 30 years since the diary’s release and apart from mentions to the price of things (£30,000 for a semi-detached house, if only) and the mention of certain politicians of the time it hasn’t really dated. Big events of the time are covered like the Royal wedding between Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Also the country is in a recession it seems which may have reflected the time period (I was born during the time period so can’t remember it but have been told that it was a recession).

Adrian Mole is funny because of his “woe is me” attitude to everything that happens to him. He is an intellectual too (self-classified). He also has an innocence, particularly at the beginning of the book, to what goes on around him that leads to some more funny moments.

All in all I think this book has already proved itself what with its many millions of sales. If I were to say it were rubbish then it wouldn’t matter, but I liked it and thoroughly recommend it to people after a laugh.


(Book was received through Amazon Vine and is available here)