PBS Books Readers Club welcomes beloved British author Helen Fielding to discuss her iconic novel Bridget Jones’s Diary–a witty, laugh-out-loud reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. This diary chronicles a single thirty-something navigating career mishaps, chaotic dating, and self-improvement goals in '90s London. 

As PBS Books celebrates Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, it’s the perfect time to revisit Fielding’s wildly popular twist on the Mr. Darcy love story. Nearly 30 years after its debut, Bridget Jones’s Diary remains a sharp, heartfelt look at the pressures women face from society–told through the voice of a heroine who’s as relatable as she is ridiculous.

Fielding reflects on the timeless themes that link Bridget to Elizabeth Bennet—romantic missteps, social expectations, and the search for self-respect and love on one’s own terms. Like Austen, she uses humor to challenge convention and reveal the strength in embracing who you really are.

Don’t miss out! Join the PBS Books Readers Club on August 27th at 8:00 pm (ET) 5:00 pm PST for a delightful conversation full of insight and humor with Helen Fielding as she reflects on her break-out novel and how it has evolved into a pop-culture icon.

Helen Fielding expresses, “Bridget is about the gap between how people feel they're expected to be and how they actually are. Pride and Prejudice is about, I think, the powerlessness economically of women at that time

PBS Watch-Alike 
Just like Bridget Jones’s Diary, PBS Masterpiece captures the wit, romance, and rebellious spirit of Jane Austen—perfect for celebrating her 250th birthday year. Start withMiss Austen, a moving drama about Jane’s sister Cassandra and the secret behind the destruction of Jane’s letters. Then unravel a mystery in Death Comes to Pemberly, where Elizabeth and Darcy’s quiet life is shaken by murder. And don’t miss Sanditon, Austen’s final, unfinished tale brought to life with seaside scandal and strong heroines. Watch these shows now on PBS, pbs.org or on the PBS app.

Coming in September-