The third novel about Bridget Jones and her unsuccessful attempts in love life will be released this November, Sonny Mehta, publisher’s Chairman and Editor in Chief, revealed yesterday. Fielding’s third installment will return in a book, movie and possibly a musical version.
The charming British heroine, played by the American actress Renee Zellweger in the first two parts of the series, is returning as a modern, 21st century woman. She will be facing new difficulties in life and in love, exploring a new stage of life in present-day London. The entire new scenario for Bridget brings the question about her two rival admirers, Mark Darcy (Colin Ferth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Their appearance in the book, however, is still unclear, but everyone is certain Bridget will remain the same, although a little grown up, according to author Helen Fielding.
Bridget’s previous struggles included trying to reduce and stop alcohol and cigarettes, and of course fighting against extra weight. Thirteen years after the last appearance of the 30-something British singleton on paper, her life and battles will also be different. Many fans believe we’ll see Bridget as a mother, or online dating and chatting – something modern women do nowadays. But the new novel promises only one thing – excellent fun, a lot of romance and drama, and of course, great acting.
The successful series began in 1996 with the release of Bridget Jones’s Diary and its 1999 sequel Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. The first two books sold more than 15 million copies in 40 countries around the world and were inspiration for two big screen adaptations. Developing the contemporary connotations of the genre chick lit the novels, together with Sex and the City from 1996, contributed to the establishing of chick lit as an important trend in women’s literature and publishing in the late 90s.
Later this year the third Bridget Jones movie will be released although there is no exact date, as it’s still in development. The name of the movie was announced though – Bridget Jones’s Baby. The first edition of the third book will include 250,000 printed copies, and also e-books and audiobooks.
