Nick Hornby's Funny Lady-Not Funny, Fresh Or Entertaining

British novelist Nick Hornby is a best selling author.  His acclaimed works ABOUT a BOY & HIGH FIDELITY were both made into successful movies.  FUNNY LADY is a departure from his other comedic novels.  In his current novel, Hornby is more ambitious in scope.  The novel traces the origins of British comedy & political norms from the 1960's to the present.  Hornby outlines how & what conventions were shattered.  This is admirable, however, the novel reads more like a thesis regarding  groundbreaking television sitcoms once considered shocking and now appear merely tame or lame.  Also noted are politcal changes involving homosexuality, women's rights, class system and racial integration.  Funny Lady refers to Barbara who in the early 60's knew she wanted more than her provincial life. Through  spunk & hard work, she made a name for herself in entertainment. While references are made to I LOVE LUCY, it brought to mind the Dick Van Dyke show. Barbara like Rose Marie were the only females contribuing to a comedy show. I was also reminded of Archie Bunker, the lovable working class bigot.  "The BBC believed that comedy was the enemy."  Hornby has documented a pivotal epoch that today no longer shocks.  The novel has historic intellectual roughage but is lacking in delightful enjoyment.