Summary

The novel About a Boy by Nick Hornby begins with Marcus, a twelve-year-old boy, trying to find out whether his mother, Fiona, has broken up with her boyfriend. Marcus is curious about the reasons for their separation but finds it hard to grasp the complex dynamics of adult relationships. At school, Marcus is bullied and struggles to fit in, mostly because of Fiona’s unconventional views on popular culture which have left him clueless about the things other kids like.

Meanwhile, Will, a 36-year-old man living a carefree and jobless life, is determined to maintain his status as a cool bachelor. He avoids work and responsibilities, finding solace in distractions like TV, magazines, and music. One day, he sees an attractive woman in a record shop, and they briefly date each other. The woman is a single mother, and Will begins to enjoy how easy it is to impress women who have had terrible partners. Though he and the woman break up, Will wishes to date more single mothers. 

Fiona begins crying often, which worries Marcus. At school, the bullying continues, and no one wants to hang with Marcus for fear that they will also be targeted by the bullies. One day, Fiona has called in sick from work and is watching cartoons on the floor . Marcus does not understand what illness his mother has and tells her that she needs to take care of him properly. Fiona starts crying and then arranges for Marcus to go on a picnic with their friend Suzie and her daughter.

Will pretends to be a father to join a single parents’ group and meet more women he can date. A woman named Suzie catches his attention and the two of them make plans to meet later. Suzie and Will go to a picnic together along with Suzie’s daughter and Marcus. Will continues to pretend to be a single father, though he is worried he will be found out. Marcus accidentally kills a duck when he throws bread at its head and the picnic is cut short. When they go to Marcus’s flat, they find Fiona passed out on the floor after she overdosed on tablets, attempting to end her life. 

At the hospital, Fiona is stable and will be monitored overnight. Suzie offers to take care...