About a writer

A Long Way Down, which came out in March, is the fourth of Nick Hornby’s books to reach the big screen.

Crossing the Culture Rachel Helen Smith

First there was the semi-autobiographical Fever Pitch, in which Colin Firth played a fanatical Arsenal supporter. (An American version was also released featuring Drew Barrymore and the Boston Red Sox.) Then came High Fidelity, in which music-lover Rob reflects on a string of failed relationships. About A Boy featured the laddish Will, played by Hugh Grant, who befriends a young boy with a troubled home life. Now A Long Way Down presents an unlikely foursome as they contemplate suicide. With subjects like these, it’s little wonder Hornby is known for his dry, dark humour.