One Day
by David Nicholls
Publisher: Vintage
Publication Date: May 24, 2011 (reprint)
ISBN: 9780307946713
448 Pages
Fiction
I read One Day during the summer and time got away from me before I could get a review written. The story has a “When Harry Met Sally” appeal in that you get to see how the two main characters’ friendship develops over the years; peeking into their lives on one day (July 15th) each year.
The story starts on the first day that Dexter and Emma spend together, and each chapter after that picks up their story on that day the following year. It is a story of friendship, and how it can change over time, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. Dexter and Emma develop one of those rare friendships in which one person knows the other so well that they see through all of the posturing and can call them out when they are being ridiculous or lying to themselves.
The best part of their story is the anticipation – not knowing if or when they will ever see that their friendship could be so much more. I haven’t seen the movie, but it was easy for me to see how Anne Hathaway would be great in Emma’s role. I would love to hear feedback from anyone who has seen the movie and read the book as to which is better.
I could give huge spoilers here, but that would rob you of the full emotional experience of the story. I will say this though – have some Kleenex handy for the ending. Oh, and be aware that there are sex scenes and swearing in the book. I didn’t have any issues with it, but I loaned my copy to a friend who was turned off by the content (she much prefers Christian fiction).
Overall I enjoyed the character development and was so invested in the lives of Emma and Dexter that the ending, which I never saw coming, was quite powerful. I highly recommend this book to those who like stories of life-long friendship and love.
Rating: 4/5
I received a free copy of this book for review.
© 2012, At Home With Books. All rights reserved.
This has been on my to read list ever since the movie came out! In fact I didn’t see the movie as I wanted to read the book first. Will pik it up soon.
I loved this and cried for ages afterwards! But I’ve heard Anne Hathaway doesn’t do a good job with the movie.
I did like this one, but have to admit that I much preferred Starter For Ten. Dexter is quite annoying, isn’t he?
I’m glad that you enjoyed this one. I have the ebook but I haven’t read it yet. Now, I want to read it soon.
On my tbr pile – I WILL get around to reading this. Thanks for a great review Alyce, I’m now more determined than ever to make a start on this one.
I loved this book. It just felt so…familiar to me. It did have a Harry Sally feel to it, which may be why it resonated with me so. I did not see the movie however. It got horrid reviews, and I’ll just say this…that movie poster is awful. I would boycott the movie based on that fact alone.
I did see the ending coming because someone kind of hinted at it. That didn’t keep me from thinking the book was great. I’ve heard the movie’s not so hot.
I was so frustrated by this one because I felt like Dexter was incredibly selfish and Emma deserved more. I liked aspects of it, but the way he treated everyone around him ruined it for me.
I LOVED this book when I read it last summer. I didn’t see that ending coming either. I couldn’t wait to see the movie because I have an inappropriate crush on Jim Sturgess since he was so adorable in Across the Universe. BUT the film was horrible. Dex is not very likeable for most of the book as well as the film. You just want to shake him.
And Anne Hathaway was incredibly miscast as Em. I say read the book, savor the book, forget the movie.
Ditto – 1000%!
I gave this one twenty pages and then tossed it. I know many really liked it, but some hated it so with the mixed reviews, I had no problem tossing it. I have desire to see the movie either. I don’t care for Hathaway!
I am so-oo pleased to find someone else who feels the same way as I do about this book. I bought it because of the hype and really thought I was in for a good read but I have to say, I found it difficult to continue to the end. I didn’t like either character at all; Em, too wet and Dexter, spoilt, rich brat and I really felt angry at his treatment of his baby. I just didn’t care about them and so couldn’t care less whether they got together or not. As for this being a book to re-read, I don’t think so! Mine went straight to the charity shop.
The ending surprised me too. I didn’t have my tissues handy and I needed them.
Oh dear, tissues needed, I think I may need to read this one. I’m reading weird stuff now, off my shelves.
I know the movie didn’t get good reviews, so I’m assuming the book was better. (No real surprise, probably.)
I enjoyed reading One Day and recommended it to my friends to read. I read also an interview of David Nicholls. The author likes Chrales Dickens and his favorite story is Great Expectations. There is a certain similarity in the the ending of One Day and Great Expectations. I have not seen the movie.
I have heard lots about this book, but I still feel no pressing desire to read it or see the movie…
I started this book after reading all the rave reviews and just was not impressed. Not sure why. Guess I best skip the movie too…
It’s that reader’s investment in a character, as you say, that writers long for.
I only saw the movie, I didn’t read the book yet, and the movie dragged a bit for me. I guessed the ending and said “what if” to my husband, and then when I was right he told me I ruined the movie, even though it was he usually does at every movie. I hadn’t read a hint about it beforehand though, just and idea I got.
I’ve seen that this one has gotten mixed reviews, but it sounds really good to me. Your review definitely makes me want to give it a try!!
Loved your review! I really think this book sounds interesting, and Im anxious to read it. =)
I just recently read another glowing review of this one and put it on hold at my library. I’m looking forward to experiencing the story!
Thanks for the warning about the sex scenes. I’ve got a copy of One Day that I snatched at the library sale. I’ll get to it, but I won’t hurry and I’ll toss it like Ti if it doesn’t thrill me.
I read this at the start of last year before I believe the book became very popular. I really enjoyed it. Dexter’s flawed but relatively endearing character made their relationship believable. They could not be together until he had begun to amend some of his ways, yet the brevity of their time together was fairly predictable. I must confess I had a couple of late nights reading this, positively wolfed it down and finished it within a few days. It is not the most perfectly written or thought provoking book I have ever read, but as a piece of literature which is fairly plot-driven with some relatable characters, it does a good job.
I would not so wholeheartedly recommend the film. Anne Hathaway’s Yorkshire accent was grating at best and it did not pay homage to the intricacies of their relationship. To be fair, it’s a lot of substance to try and cram in to two hours.