The ever generous Beth Fedyn sent me the ARC of Funny Girl (it goes on sale tomorrow). Barbara Parker wins the Miss Blackpool beauty contest, but gives it all up to go to London to pursue a career as a comic actress. And, surprisingly, she succeeds. Barbara is changed into “Sophie Straw” by her agent. Sophie gets cast in a domestic TV comedy called Barbara (and Jim) that becomes an instant hit on the BBC TV channel in 1964. I enjoyed the way Nick Hornby presents the writing team who generates the funny scripts. Clearly, Hornby knows a few things about writing a script (he was nominated for an Oscar for the script for An Education). It wouldn’t surprise me to see a movie version of this book in a year or two. Funny Girl is fun and funny. GRADE: B+
But I’m guessing the movie version will not be called “Funny Girl”? I find it odd that Hornby (a writer whose non-fiction–especially about music–is much better than his fiction, imho) would choose a title that has such a large pre-existing cultural resonance. Perhaps just showing my age, but I can’t see that title without thinking of Barbra Streisand.
Deb, I had the same thought. FUNNY GIRL and Barbra Streisand are jointed forever. Hornby should have come up with a different title.
Ditto. No one who has seen the movie will think of anything else.
I agree with Deb on Hornby’s writing. I’ve enjoyed his collections of book review columns a lot too, as well as his FEVER PITCH, about his fanatical devotion to Arsenal. HIGH FIDELITY was my favorite of his novels, if for nothing else than his top 10 lists.
This one is on reserve at the library. And Beth sent me an ARC of Dave Barry’s new book (coming March 3), which was a lot of fun.
Jeff, Beth is the BEST! She always sends wonderful books.
Anxious to read this one. Have enjoyed his books very much. Can’t use FUNNY LADY either, I guess.
Patti, Detroit is buried under 16 inches of snow. We have about the same amount.
Did you get Big Orange some work, George?
Jeff, I spent an hour snowblowing with Big Orange. We had 3-foot snow drifts! And, it’s still snowing!
I have never read anything by Nick Hornby but I have heard that he’s a good writer.
Prashant, I’ve read a lot of Nick Hornby’s fiction and non-fiction over the years. Hornby is a versatile writer. And funny.
Odd tile, I agree. Something with Straw would have worked better. Surprised the editor didn’t change it.
Rick, my daughter is going to a Nick Hornby signing in Boston this week. I’ll ask her to see what Hornby says about the title.
Yet to read anything by Hornby but this does sound like fun – thanks George.
Sergio, I really enjoyed Hornby’s nonfiction collections. They’ve been collected in a new omnibus collection, TEN YEARS IN THE TUB. Very funny!