About a Boy

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This article is about the novel. For the film, see About a Boy (film); for the film's soundtrack album by Badly Drawn Boy, see About a Boy (soundtrack).

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About a Boy is a 1998 novel by British writer Nick Hornby. It was widely acclaimed for accurately rendering the thoughts and feelings of twelve year-old Marcus, who feels displaced and lonely in several ways. It is also the moving story of Will Freeman, an emotionally undeveloped man in his 30s coming to find meaning in his life, despite having never held a job and living off the sizable residuals of his father's one song, a one hit wonder about Santa Claus. The title is inspired by the Nirvana song, About a Girl. The book also makes many references to the band.

Plot summary

[Spoiler warningSpoiler warning]: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Looking for a real friend, Marcus Brewer thinks he has found one in 36-year-old Will Freeman, and subsequently makes various plans and schemes revolving around Will. Less than a year later - both Marcus and Will have matured, each in their own particular way. What is more, the two are going to stick together: Marcus, who was originally looking for a stepfather, has realized that Will can never be that, but that life goes on and may bring pleasant surprises at any moment; and Will has realized that it is possible to live a carefree life, bring joy to others and be happy at the same time. The root of all the trouble is a classic dysfunctional family of the 1990s.

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