Review of 'One Day'

One Day by David Nicholls

one_day.jpg On 15th of July 1988 Emma and Dexter on the night of their graduation strike up a relationship that would change their lives forever. Each chapter is on the same day, July 15th, every year as we follow their story. Dexter's rise to fame (or infamy) as a television personality and his eventual fall from public failure. Emma's unsatisfying employment at a fast food restaurant leading to an unhappy marriage followed by eventual satisfaction in a career as a writer. Though separate they are never far from each other's hearts as we the reader hope for the happy ending they deserve with each other.

An interesting conceit with the same day of the year for each chapter “One Day” is poignant and ever so slightly sad. These two people that are obviously destined for each other denying it and leading a largely depressing life apart. Dexter never really appealed as a character but Emma as the underdog was always who I wanted to see succeed. The story is told with a great deal of realism, never hiding from the often grim reality of life and circumstance. Sure, it is not full of action but it is most definitely full of life and love.

Easy to read and a poignant tale of modern life. Often touching and very moving in parts, “One Day” is a good book to sit back and enjoy.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2018-03-24


Genre: General Fiction

Publisher: Hodder

Publication Date: 2009

ISBN: 9780340896983