BVBook Verdict
Essential Read

About a Boy

by Nick Hornby · 1998

Literary Fiction · ranked #155 in category

Will Freeman, a wealthy, commitment-phobic 36-year-old who has never grown up, begins attending a single parents' support group to meet women. He meets Marcus, an awkward twelve-year-old whose mother is depressed, and the two form an unlikely relationship that changes both of them. Hornby's novel is about maturity, responsibility and the unexpected routes to both.

UK visitors: Bookshop.org supports independent bookshops. All links open a search — never a specific listing. As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The verdict

Category
Literary Fiction
First published
1998 · 1990s
Author
Nick Hornby
Standing
Essential Read

About Literary Fiction

Literary fiction sits at the intersection of fine writing and serious storytelling — novels that reward attention and stay with you long after the last page. These are the books that alter your sense of what's possible in prose.

More by Nick Hornby

If you liked this

More literary fiction worth your shelf. See the full books like About a Boy list. Or try our book club guide.

Ready to read it?

Get About a Boy

As an Amazon Associate, Bookshop.org and CJ Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.

CJ Affiliate · Magzter

Between books? Read magazines too.

Book readers love Magzter — 10,000+ magazines and newspapers on any device, 50% off the annual GOLD plan.

Start Reading — 50% off Annual Plan →