One Day

 

"One Day" thankfully restored my faith in literature after experiencing the horrendous "Half of a Yellow Sun" and you can read all about that in my previous post. The story is witty, funny, gut wrenching, romantic and clever. We follow the lives of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, whom meet on the night of their graduation after sleeping together. Somewhat irrelevant but Emma has a first in English and History and Dexter has a two-two in Anthropology. Emma is clever, funny, chubby and wears glasses. Dexter is arrogant, handsome and somewhat charming. They seem an unlikely couple at first but they become friends after their night together and things stem from there.

 

Every year they seem to meet each other on the same night they met. Oddly, they seem unphased by this and retain their friendship. I won't spoil the book but they are clearly attracted to one another. Dexter describes Emma as "sexy" and Emma describes him as "handsome" so we know where they're both coming from. Dexter becomes a well known TV presenter whilst Emma sails through jobs at Mexican restaurants and schools before becoming a writer.

 

The writing is dynamic and not at all boring. You feel as if you know the personalities of the characters very well and understand what they're feeling. The setting often alters, from Leeds to Oxfordshire to Paris and even Greece. The sexual tension between the two of them is evident throughout and is covered somewhat by their constant jokes but is apparent through their incessant flirting and tinges of jealousy when the other has a partner. Dexter and Emma both grow as characters, him becoming more mature and sensitive whilst she comes out of her shell and grows confidence. This is honestly a brilliant read and it the time flies when you delve into this brilliant novel. 4 stars!