About a Boy

Style and Technique

The novel "About a Boy" by Nick Hornby is written in a light, relaxed style that combines elements of humor and drama. The language is simple and accessible, making it appealing to a wide audience. Hornby uses irony and sarcasm to highlight the characters' inner struggles and social issues. The narrative structure alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters—Will and Marcus—allowing for a deeper understanding of their thoughts and feelings. The author skillfully uses dialogues to reveal character traits and advance the plot, as well as employs flashbacks to create context and backstory. Literary devices such as metaphors and hyperboles help convey the characters' emotional states and add depth to the narrative.