Adrian Mole’s Growing Pains: A Teenage Diary
Adrian Mole’s Summer Adventures
April 4th – 14th, 1982
Adrian Mole was building a model airplane when he decided to conduct an experiment: sniffing glue. The airplane stuck to his nose, and his father had to take him to the hospital. His nose was swollen because he discovered he was allergic to the glue. His classmate, Barry Kent, learned about the accident because his aunt worked as a cleaner at the hospital and spread the news at school.
Pandora, Adrian’s girlfriend, and he always kissed when they were together, but Adrian wanted more. She told him she wasn’t ready and that they would have to wait. Adrian’s dog was in love with a dog named Mitzi and constantly pursued her. Mitzi’s owner threatened to report the Mole family if they didn’t keep their dog away.
Adrian’s mother was depressed and behaved unusually. Adrian talked to his father about love, confused about how his father could have fallen for his perpetually sad mother. George Mole explained that when they were young, his mother had beautiful legs, which was why he fell in love with her. Adrian was surprised, as he loved Pandora for her intelligence.
April 15th – 22nd
Adrian woke up with a toothache. He begged his parents to take him to the hospital, but George Mole refused, blaming Adrian for missing his dental appointments. Adrian promised to attend all future checkups but changed his mind when the pain subsided the next day. However, when the pain returned, he had to visit the dentist, who extracted a tooth, leaving Adrian with a gap-toothed smile. His classmates mocked him, and Pandora became distant. He skipped school the following day.
Adrian wrote a letter to a magazine advisor named Clara, seeking guidance on his teenage problems, his relationship with Pandora, and his burgeoning sexual desires.
April 26th – May 15th
Adrian overheard a strange conversation between his parents about something being “positive.” The next day, he answered the phone and a woman told him his mother had a clinic appointment, but Adrian forgot to relay the message.
He received a reply from Clara, advising him to enjoy his teenage years. However, Pandora broke up with him due to his obsession with sex. Adrian wrote an apology letter, but she didn’t respond.
He ran into Doreen Slater (or “Stick Insect,” as he called her), his father’s girlfriend during his parents’ separation. She had gained considerable weight.
Adrian walked past Pandora’s house and saw a fancy dress party, feeling heartbroken that she seemed happy without him.
May 17th – June 1st
His parents asked if he wanted a sibling, and Adrian vehemently refused. They then revealed that his mother was pregnant. Adrian was initially distraught, imagining incessant crying, but later feigned happiness for his parents.
One sleepless night, he went for a walk, passed Pandora’s house, and cried. He missed her dearly. He then visited his elderly friends, Bert and Queenie Baxter, but they were asleep, so he returned home.
June 7th – 30th
Doreen Slater was also pregnant, and Adrian anxiously wondered who the father was, hoping it wasn’t his.
He met Courtney Elliot, the new postman, whose attire made him look more like a university professor. Courtney delivered a tax inquiry letter to George Mole.
The family discussed holiday destinations. George emphasized that this would be their last summer holiday for a while due to the baby. They wrote down their choices, and George’s suggestion won.
At school, the headmaster announced Prince William’s birth. Pandora’s impertinent question about the Royal Family landed her in solitary. Adrian wrote a supportive note mentioning his mother’s pregnancy, but Pandora responded coldly.
Resigned to Pandora’s rejection, Adrian’s friend Nigel arranged a blind date with Sharon Botts, who would do anything for money and a kilo of grapes. They were to meet at a roller-skating rink. Adrian worried about his “thing” being smaller than Nigel’s.
July 2nd – 15th
Nigel lent Adrian his roller skates. Adrian practiced and managed to skate while holding onto something. Sharon Botts was a skilled skater. Adrian tried to flirt and offered her the grapes, but she didn’t understand his intentions and continued skating. Adrian went home disappointed.
Bert Baxter called, frantic about Queenie’s health. Adrian and his parents rushed to the Baxters’ and called an ambulance. Queenie had a stroke and was hospitalized. Adrian helped Bert with housework daily.
Pandora visited Bert, having heard about Queenie from Adrian. Seeing Adrian ironing Bert’s clothes, Pandora was smitten by his newfound maturity. They spent time alone at Pandora’s, cuddling and watching TV. Pandora discussed her post-university plans, but her cigarette burned a hole in the bed.
July 16th – 24th
Stick Insect called the Moles’ house inquiring about George. Adrian saw his father and Doreen walking arm in arm, concerned about appearances given Doreen’s pregnancy. George later announced he was getting a vasectomy.
The family’s Skegness holiday was approaching. Adrian asked if Pandora could join, and George agreed, provided she paid her share.
Adrian visited his grandmother (who was already baking the Christmas cake), continued helping Bert, and went shopping with his mother.
July 26th – August 4th
George Mole received a warning letter from his boss about his reduced work output. George started working longer hours.
The Moles visited Pandora’s family to discuss house-sitting duties for Bert while they were on holiday. Pandora’s father refused to fund her Skegness trip, and Pandora had no savings. Adrian would vacation with his family alone.
Mrs. Mole proudly displayed her growing bump, much to Adrian’s embarrassment.
They stayed at “Rio Grande,” a house owned by the miserly Bernard Porke, where rooms were rented to different families. Porke fined them for late arrival, the beds were uncomfortable, breakfast was meager, and Adrian constantly missed Pandora.