Getting an education from Hornby

By Jan Gilbert

An Education stars Rosamund Pike and Carey Mulligan

When Cambridge graduate Nick Hornby taught English at Parkside Community College, he had no idea that one day pupils would be studying his novels.

It all started in 1992 with Hornby's autobiographical tale Fever Pitch, a story of football fandom.

For his latest film, An Education, Hornby has adapted another author's world for the cinema.

Based on a memoir by journalist Lynn Barber, An Education is set in Twickenham in 1961.

It tells the story of Jenny, a schoolgirl torn between studying for a place at Oxford University, and enjoying what she sees as the more glamorous education offered by a charismatic older man.

It follows Hornby's previous big-screen adaptations including Fever Pitch (1997 & 2005), High Fidelity (2000), and About a Boy (2002).

The film is already attracting Oscar buzz for its star Carey Mulligan (Pride and Prejudice), who was 22 years old when she played the part of 16-year-old Jenny.

Film journalist Jan Gilbert caught up with Hornby to find out more about his own experiences of education, his love of Cambridge United, and why Carey Mulligan is the new Kate Winslet.

An Education is in cinemas now.

Jan Gilbert is a journalist and broadcaster. You can hear her weekly movie reviews on Antonia Brickell's Drive show on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. For more details see the link on the right.