“I am an intellectual, but at the same time I am very interested in clothes and pop music.” — Adrian Mole
January
Adrian Mole, a self-proclaimed intellectual, begins his diary at age 13¾. He documents his struggles with acne, unrequited love for Pandora Braithwaite, and his parents’ crumbling marriage. His father loses his job, and his mother starts an affair with their neighbor, Mr. Lucas.
February
Adrian’s parents separate, and he moves in with his father, who struggles with depression. Meanwhile, Adrian joins the school play to impress Pandora but ends up humiliated. He also worries about global politics, particularly the Falklands War, and his own existential crises.
March
Adrian’s mother leaves for good, and his father spirals further into despair. Adrian attempts poetry to express his angst but remains unnoticed by Pandora. He befriends Bert Baxter, an elderly socialist, and his cantankerous dog, Sabre, whom Adrian must walk as part of a school project.
April
Adrian’s father gets a job as a driver, and their financial situation improves slightly. Adrian continues pining for Pandora, who remains oblivious. He also grows closer to Bert, who offers him unconventional life advice. Meanwhile, Adrian’s mother announces she is pregnant with Mr. Lucas’s child.
May
Adrian’s father starts dating Doreen Slater, a woman Adrian despises. Pandora briefly notices Adrian, but their romance fizzles quickly. Adrian’s grandmother moves in to help with household duties, adding to the domestic chaos. He also worries about nuclear war and writes letters to world leaders.
June
Adrian’s mother gives birth to a baby girl, Rosie, and Adrian feels conflicted about his new half-sister. His father and Doreen’s relationship deepens, much to Adrian’s dismay. Meanwhile, Adrian’s schoolwork suffers as he obsesses over Pandora and his own perceived intellectualism.
July
Summer arrives, and Adrian’s life remains turbulent. His father proposes to Doreen, and Adrian begrudgingly accepts the engagement. Pandora starts dating a boy named Nigel, crushing Adrian’s hopes. He distracts himself by writing more poetry and spending time with Bert.
August
Adrian’s father and Doreen marry in a modest ceremony. Adrian remains miserable, convinced no one understands him. He briefly considers running away but abandons the idea. The diary ends with Adrian still grappling with adolescence, family drama, and unfulfilled dreams.
Key Ideas
- Adolescent angst and self-perception
- Family dysfunction and divorce
- Social class and economic struggles
- First love and unrequited feelings
- Political awareness in youth
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ (TV Series) | BBC adaptation starring Gian Sammarco |
| 2001 | The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ (Radio Drama) | BBC Radio 4 production |
Who should read this book?
- Teenagers navigating identity and family struggles
- Fans of humorous, diary-style fiction
- Readers who enjoy British coming-of-age stories