Author Helen Fielding, the creator of the iconic character Bridget Jones, has revealed that the lovable heroine has found a new audience with Gen Z. Fielding shared her insights at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, expressing her delight in seeing young readers connect with Bridget’s trials and tribulations.
Fielding noted that today’s young women face more challenges than their counterparts did 30 years ago, making Bridget’s story even more relatable. She highlighted the emotional struggles and societal pressures that Gen Z faces, particularly in the age of social media and unrealistic beauty standards.
Despite some criticism of Bridget’s character as being neurotic and outdated, Fielding defended her creation, acknowledging that some aspects of the story may not have aged well. She emphasized that Bridget’s calorie counting, for example, was inspired by Fielding’s own diaries from university.
The enduring popularity of Bridget Jones is evident in the continued success of the novels and films. Fielding’s observations on the evolving audience for Bridget Jones shed light on the timeless appeal of the character and the universal themes of self-doubt and self-acceptance that resonate with readers of all ages.
