High Fidelity author Nick Hornby: women's stories are more moving
Nick Hornby's latest book centres on the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s sitcom.
Bestselling U.K. author Nick Hornby ( High Fidelity, About a Boy, Fever Pitch) joins guest host Daniel Richler to discuss his latest novel, Funny Girl. The book follows the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s sitcom and intrepid young actress named Sophie Straw.
Set against the backdrop of Swinging London in the 1960s, Hornby's novel explores the disruptive power of vulgarity, pop culture's youth obsession and shifting attitudes towards women. Hornby also makes the case that the stories of female characters are more moving.
"A lot of male characters [are battling with] what's going on in their own heads ... whereas young women -- especially young women of previous times -- had all kinds of obstacles placed in their way."
Many of Hornby's previous books have been adapted into Hollywood movies. And in recent years, the author has turned his mind to writing adaptations, including screenplays for An Education and Wild.
Click here or on the listen button above to hear the full segment (audio runs 0:21:43).