One Day by David Nicholls is a poignant love story that follows the lives of two characters, Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley, through snapshots on the same day each year over a span of twenty years. The unique narrative structure allows the reader to witness the evolution of their relationship, capturing the highs and lows, the missed opportunities, and the enduring bond between the protagonists. The book explores themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and the passage of time, offering a bittersweet portrayal of life's complexities.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes of alcoholism, depression, heartbreak, and unexpected tragedy, which may be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
The romantic connection between Dexter and Emma is central to the plot, evolving and shifting dramatically over time.
From The Publisher:
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE starring ANNE HATHAWAY and JIM STURGESS
It's 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day-July 15th-of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.
"One of the most hilarious and emotionally riveting love stories you'll ever encounter." -People
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Ratings (37)
Incredible (7) | |
Loved It (11) | |
Liked It (12) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (71):
Read It (41) | |
Want To Read (23) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (6) |
5 comment(s)
3.7 stars. An very readable and fast read. I enjoyed reading it but wasn't emotionally moved by it. But I rarley get that way with book.
One Day is a heart-wrenching and beautifully constructed novel that follows the lives of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew over the course of 20 years. The narrative revisits the characters on the same date — July 15th — each year, capturing snapshots of their evolving friendship, love, and life’s unpredictable turns. Nicholls expertly weaves themes of unrequited love, personal growth, and missed opportunities, making readers reflect on the fragility and complexity of human relationships. Emma, ambitious and idealistic, contrasts with Dexter, a charming but self-destructive man, yet their bond remains undeniable through life’s challenges. Their chemistry and misunderstandings resonate deeply, showcasing the tension between what we want and what life delivers. Nicholls’s writing is sharp, witty, and poignant, balancing humor with deep emotional impact. The novel’s structure of revisiting the same day year after year adds a unique rhythm, making the passage of time feel both immediate and relentless. One Day captures the essence of longing, regret, and the hope that love, though delayed, can eventually find its way.
Down-to-earth/real life romance. Not a happily ever after book, but it is satisfying and heart-felt.
DNF it at about 30%.
What a frustrating story! The cover says: "Twenty Years, Two People." And that's exactly what the story is about. About two people who could have been together earlier, but for twenty years their life paths were moving away.
Emma and Dexter sleep together at the end of school. And then we observe their lives, with all the joyful and sad moments, good and bad choices, where one of them tries to connect with the other from time to time, but either it's not the right moment or fate doesn't allow them to. It is a story about their separate lives.
I know after reading this book, we are to conclude that they were not meant to meet sooner. That they must have experienced many things in their lives before the time was right. But, Jesus Christ, it was extremely frustrating for me to read about this. All the times they failed to meet really annoyed me.
I am rather surprised that I managed to read so much. I thought I wouldn't finish this book after chapter two. Both main characters were annoying to me. Then the story got a little more interesting. But still not enough for me to finish this book. Others are waiting in line, there's no point in wasting my time on this one.
Em and Dex, Dex and Em. Two people that we catch up with every year on exactly the same day. Angels do exist.
What can you read after
One Day?
About the Author:
David Nicholls trained as an actor before making the switch to writing. He is the author of the novels A Question of Attraction, Starter for Ten, and The Understudy. Nicholls has also written many screenplays for film and television, including the feature film adaptation of Starter…
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