Helen Fielding

Helen Fielding, renowned author and journalist, shares the delightful backstory of Bridget Jones, the iconic character she created. She reveals how Bridget was born from a need for anonymity and comic exaggeration in her weekly column. The infamous blue soup anecdote showcases real-life inspirations behind Bridget’s quirky diary entries. Fielding discusses the character's evolution across books and films, highlighting why her relatable struggles still resonate with today’s audiences, including Gen Z.

Helen Fielding, creator of the Bridget Jones novels, shares how Jane Austen's work influenced her writing style. Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, reveals insights from Austen's life that shaped her fiction. Kalika Sands from Sotheby's explores the value of rare Austen manuscripts. The discussion navigates marriage versus spinsterhood in Austen's time, and how her characters, like Mrs. Bennet, reflect societal pressures. Together, they celebrate the timeless themes of love and female autonomy in Austen's novels, proving her relevance endures.