Review: One Day by David Nicholls
Reviewed by Poppy J.
One Day begins In Edinburgh in July of 1988 where Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley are graduating from college. The novel chronicles the story of the two characters as they begin their adult lives after what appears to be a one-time fling. Emma loves Dexter and makes her intentions plain. The book allows the readers to check in with the “couple” every July 15; the story begins in London, but the pair moves around the globe as the book progresses.
The two have hit or miss episodes during their relationship: they almost get together for good, but something always stands in the way. For example, Emma finds herself working in a play, and Dexter goes to India. His intent is to meet Emma there but the plans get thwarted. The two later meet in Geneva but love is not in the air. One of them eventually falls for someone else, and all appears to be lost.
Emma and Dexter do care for each other, even when one of them cares more than the other. As they both approach middle age, Dexter’s fame in the television industry changes his attitude towards life, as does Emma’s lack of success. The story is contemporary in that it shows two people from different social backgrounds and how they manage their feelings for each other over time. However, it also has the classical underpinnings of a couple who share a physical, emotional and spiritual connection, but all at different and mixed times throughout the “life” of their complicated relationship. Their feelings reflect their other lives, and it is interesting to watch how these feelings and emotions change over time. One Day is a good read for any age.
After a decade of working in several NYC law departments and teaching, Poppy decided she enjoyed writing full-time. She currently works as a freelance writing consultant, and lives with her husband and sons on the East Coast.
Review copy was provided free of any obligation by Vintage. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.
Category: Contemporary, Gift Ideas, Great Fiction, Literature & Fiction, Romance
I missed another one! I was curious about the review so I checked here.
I like that this book shows the characters evolving with time. People do not stay the same.
Now, I am eager for this book to come in the mail!
Carol Wong
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Sounds like this story may have its roots in SAME TIME NEXT YEAR. It is a good story line that can be developed many ways.
sounds a sweet story.
another book to my TBR
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This is another one that sounds really good! This reminds me of Ross and Rachel from Friends in that they get together and fall apart over and over while always remaining friends. I just added this to my wishlist….it is really getting too big
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