Sunniva
asked:
How is this not just Barbra Streisands "Funny Girl"?? It's the same concept, except it's set in London and the main character is really pretty instead of having to be funny to balance out not being the epitome of beauty... Can you read it without seeing the parallel/copying? Someone please explain this, so I can be assured Nick Hornby hasn't actually stolen the plot of a very famous film here
To answer questions about
Funny Girl,
please sign up.
Amy
Hi. I think that Hornby was very aware of that cliché and that's why he chose it. It was done on purpose because the whole idea about what goes on between the actors and writing team is cliché. The script they first work on is unoriginal and they are working through those ideas in a very bazaar way that's actually very funny. Therefore taking the cliché and using it as a comical tool. Well, That's my point of view. This story however seems quite different to Streisand's funny girl. In fact the opposite. Barbara is a beauty queen wanting to be a comedian whereas Fanny Brice was not good looking at all but wanted to be a serious actress.
Margaret
It's about British TV and the big changes taking place culturally in the 1960s. It's got nothing to do with the Streisand movie. It quite charming and has a lot of heart. No tragic romance here. Highly recommend it.
Lisa
Also, Funny Girl was based on real-life actress Fanny Brice and her tumultuous relationship with her gambling husband and trying to juggle her success with his failure, etc. The love story in Hornby's novel is very different and much more stable (once she finds her real love) and is a really admirable love story. I really recommend trying it out.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more