Susan Lillian Townsend was an English writer and humorist whose work encompasses novels, plays and works of journalism. She was best known for creating the character Adrian Mole. Townsend left school at the age of 14 and worked in a variety of jobs including packer for Birds Eye, a petrol station attendant and a receptionist. Working at a petrol station allowed her the chance to read between serving customers. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 shares many of its themes with other classic stories for young adults. It is written in Adrian's own voice and tracks his struggles through early teenage life, puberty, and first love. Adrian’s diary opens on New Year’s Day of his thirteenth year. From the opening lines, it is clear that he is a naïve and self-involved young adolescent. He has spots on his chin, and this adolescent preoccupation is of more importance to him than his mother’s affair with their neighbour, Mr Lucas. Adrian blindly accepts Mr Lucas’ interest in his mother as neighbourly kindness and concern, and he reports the fights between his mother and father with little understanding. Adrian decides to become an intellectual, and he submits some poems to the British Broadcasting Corporation. At school, he becomes interested in a new girl, Pandora. He joins the Good Samaritans, a school community service group, and is assigned to help Bert Baxter, an old-age pensioner. Enjoy free online English audiobook “The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4”, a breathtaking novel by Sue Townsend.
