This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Monday 27th January
8.45am. In Coins Cafe having cappuccino, chocolate croissant, and a cigarette.
There is something rather touching about Bridget Jones sitting alone in Coins Cafe with a chocolate croissant, coffee and a fag in hand. During the first diary Bridget is running around looking for love, going for the wrong bloke – maybe because of her own insecurities – until, at the end of the year – and the diary – she finally, happily falls for Mark Darcy. Christmas jumper and all.
In Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason we are beginning a brand new year. Bridget and her new beau, Mark, have been together for four weeks. And during this time Bridget has been on her best behaviour as one often is at the start of a new relationship. She folds her clothes up at night, embarrassed into doing so by Mark folding up his own underpants. She doesn't spend too long in the bathroom. Or turn it into a gas chamber. And she doesn't smoke. Much.
During her life Bridget has been constantly inundated with the views of the people around her. They may love her unconditionally but her mother, for example, loves to strong arm her into events. And Shazzer has very forthright opinions – Bridget daren't admit to her that she was rather looking forward to a trip to the supermarket in order to cook Mark a meal. That wouldn't be very feminist of her – not according to Shazzer.
Sitting in that cafe is the only time Bridget can be Bridget. Left alone with her own thoughts. Having a fag, and a chocolate croissant – both of which will count towards her cigarette and calorie total at the beginning of each diary entry – and indulging in some Bridget Time.
Then her mother walks in.
Argh!
Once more this week, I am not bringing you a recipe. I truly believe that you should treat yourself (as Bridget does) in a cafe with a coffee and a croissant*. Of course, you should take either a dog-eared copy of Bridget Jones that you've had for years along with you or a copy of the book with the stylish new cover from Picador.
* Yes, okay, the picture is actually of a pain au chocolat. But it all tastes the same.