While the casting of the film of the book has probably now generated as many column inches as Bridget Jones's Diary ever had before it was spirited off the pages of a national newspaper and onto the fast-track up the fiction bestseller lists, this new reading of the phenomenally successful debut novel, will no doubt add yet more fuel to the fire. In the great English v. American debate--if justice is what we're looking for--those film producer types will now be kicking themselves. For here, within these sceptred isles, in our very midst, is Ms Jones herself! Tracie Bennett, star of stage, screen and the box, breathes life, alcohol and cigarette smoke into the very heart of the thirtysomething single girl battling the biological clock.
In this audio version of the tale of the modern miss, Bridget's manhunt is gruelling--the rockiest of rides. Her first encounter with the mysterious Mark puts our sensitive heroine on quite the wrong track. And all thanks to a diamond-patterned golf jumper--who could be so shallow and judgmental? Well, there's Bridget of course, and her friends Jude, Shazzer and Tom, not to mention the "Smug Marrieds", and even her own mother, whose interests in Latino go way beyond a pair of maracas.

The diary style lends itself well to audio format. As her search for true love reaches its dizzy, near-farcical, climax, Ms Bennett (Bennett, Darcy... haven't I, wasn't there a...?) brings flesh to the bones of a disparate (and desperate) group of people in Bridget's life. For example, menopausal Mrs Jones and her dumped-on husband; the boss whose opinions of Bridget's publishing prowess stand little higher than a gardener thinks of slug's ability to enhance overall appearance of flower-bed; reluctant boyfriend who prefers to draw curtains and watch cricket all weekend than be seen in public with Bridget; television producer whose salacious interest in visually sensational involves Bridget and a fireman's pole.

A fun, frolicking listen, guaranteed to be lapped up by all single girls looking for Mr Right (or a Mr Darcy), and the "Smug Marrieds", eternally grateful it's all over now. --Carey Green

International bookray:

1. belly-dancer, Germany
2. boagat, Germany
3. schneefee, Germany
4. pixi1974, Germany
5. kanapoutz, France
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Found it in my letter box yesterday, will listen to it soon.

I have read the book in German, I saw the movie and have now completed my collection with this audiobook. Loved every minute of it. It was my first audiobook in English so I had to get used to the animated manner in which Tracie Bennett reads. The English say we Germans speak in a monotone. Now I think they may be right :-)

Bridget is with me now.

Edit: Very funny. I enjoyed it very much.
Tracie Bennett is a great reader.

The Diary is here!
I liked the movie, but the book really bored me. Let's see what the audiobook does :-D

Zimtzicke, I'm really happy you persuaded me to take part in this ray. Tracie Bennett is absolutely gorgeous!!!

25. Sep.:
pixi pm-ed me that she is currently in Chile (until friday), which fits my attitude of NOT queuing in the post-office this week any more - due to bad temper, headaches and a runny nose ;-) So Bridget will travel on next week.

Hello! Welcome Bridget! :-)
Thanks a lot for sending the audiobook!!!

Received the CD's today, thanks!

I read the book when it first came out, and how I laughed!
Somehow ten years later it's not as funny as it was, however, I really enjoyed this audio book, it was very lively and well read.
Amazing how now Bridget will always have the face of Renée (same goes with Daniel and Marc Darcy)!

The Audio Bookray carries on :

Soleilska (Switzerland)
Bookwormess (Finland)
Magmot (France)
Bacicoline (France)
Betje (the Netherlands)