It's not the best Adrian Mole book, but even the worst Mole books are still good. It's slightly disjointed, but I put this down to the fact that it was first serialised in a newspaper before being collected and published as a volume. But this doesn't stop it being a funny read, even if slightly implausible (Adrian goes from being an offal chef in London to an unemployed single father in Leicester; why wouldn't Sharon and JoJo take their children away from the poverty they're living in). Anything that has the amazing Mole family in (especially Pauline) is never going to get less that 4 stars from me. Another entertaining trip to Ashby-de-la-Zouch with Adrian as a flustered father of two. Of specific note is an incredibly odd section two thirds in which acknowledges the TV adaptation of Adrian Mole The Cappuccino Years and the existence of Townsend as a failed writer. Sadly this peters out quickly before offering any real insight. The mentions of the late Geoffrey Perkins made me choke up a little although even Mole isn't too stupid to pass up a TV adaptation just because they've mistakenly assumed it to be a comedy....isn't he?
too many unknown British references. I felt I missed a lot. what I understood was funny!
—damon
Not as funny as her early Adrian Mole but it has its amusing points and a good storyline.
—jndjfndkdf
Mole, too devoted to his kids to find a job. An example to us all.
—Aimee45
A decent enough stop-gap 'till the next one comes out.
—emma
Still a loser: a tedious devotion.
—aninha
