One day by David Nicholls

Review by Shalevska Elena

David Nicholls crafts a beautiful love story about two people who are so different that
they really only have one thing in common: they are both mad for each other. The frustrating
thing is though, that however much these two people love each other, they maintain a "friends
only" status throughout most of the book. What starts out as a possible love affair after just
graduating college, Emma and Dexter's chemistry and attraction falls through the cracks as the
years pass. Distance, missed opportunities, and even a letter that never gets sent, are all
obstacles that ultimately determine their romantic fate and and life that they may have led
together when they were young. Each character experiences struggles, dysfunctional
relationships, setbacks, and successes and eventually it is clear that life is passing them by
because their true soul mate is not truly in their life.

Like most page-turners, the dialogue is snappy, the ruminations are written like people
talk, and the story is mostly plot-driven in a sea of Omigodwhathappensnext adrenaline. Yet, as
accessible as it is, the writing style is not ultimately shallow. Nicholls's descriptions never risk
distracting the reader from the plot, but they decorate it very well.

Is it real literature, though? Well. it is no Shakespeare, that’s for sure, but it’ll do when
looking for a fast-paced, quick read with charismatic protagonists trying to find their way (back)
together.