The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole
by Sue Townsend
In this second instalment of teenager Adrian Mole’s diaries, the Mole family is in crisis and the country is beating the drum of war. While his parents have reconciled after both embarked on disastrous affairs, Adrian is shocked to learn of his mother’s pregnancy.
And even though at the mercy of his rampant hormones and the fickle whims of the divine Pandora, a victim of a broken home and his own tortured (though unrecognised) genius, Adrian continues valiantly to chronicle the pains and pleasures of a misspent adolescence.
Spring
Sunday April 4th
My father has sent a telegram to the War Office. He wants to take part in the war with Argentina. His telegram read:
qualified heating engineer stop a1 fitness stop offers himself in the service of his country stop ready for immediate mobilization
My mother says that my father will do anything to avoid working for Manpower Services as a canal bank renovator.
Featured in this book:
Letters by Adrian Mole
Essays by Adrian Mole
Poems by Adrian Mole
Other media
TV
The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole was broadcast in 1987, with six episodes shown on ITV. There was one significant cast change from The Secret Diary in that Julie Walters was replaced by Lulu for the role of Pauline Mole.
Praise for The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole:
Sunday ExpressFunny, moving and a poke in the eye for adult morality
Daily MirrorThe funniest, most bittersweet book you’re likely to read this year
Praise for The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole