Nicholls, David *1966

One Day, 2009 - Information about the Book

  • General Information
    • Each chapter covers the lives of the two protagonists on 15 July, St Swithin's Day, for 20 years.
    • Information from Wikipedia

    • The novel’s unique structure, revisiting the same day each year for 20 years, was inspired by a passage in Thomas Hardy’s "Tess of the d’Urbervilles," which Nicholls encountered as a teenager.

      Additionally, Nicholls’ background as a screenwriter and his reflections on human connection shaped the emotional depth of the story. He described wanting to explore themes of loneliness and self-awareness, which were heightened by his own feelings during periods of isolation.

      Nicholls's ability to balance humor with heartbreak is based on his own life experiences. He has noted that this blend of tones was inspired by moments in his life where laughter and tears coexisted, much like in "One Day."

      Developed by AI
  • Facts
    • Awards: The novel received significant acclaim and several awards. Most notably, it won the Galaxy Book of the Year Award in 2010.

    • Loneliness and Human Connection
      The novel poignantly depicts the loneliness experienced by Emma and Dexter, despite their close friendship. Their inability to fully express their feelings for each other leaves them unfulfilled, highlighting the importance of human connection and love in overcoming loneliness.

      Fate and Timing
      The story unfolds on the same date (July 15th) each year, emphasizing the role of fate and timing in shaping relationships and life trajectories. The recurring date serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of opportunities and the unpredictability of life's events.

      Character Development and Growth
      By revisiting Emma and Dexter annually, Nicholls skillfully portrays their personal growth and evolution over two decades. The characters grapple with societal expectations, unfulfilled ambitions, and the compromises life demands, allowing readers to witness their transformation and resilience.

      Love and Relationships
      At its core, "One Day" is a poignant exploration of love and the complexities of romantic relationships. The novel questions whether love alone is enough for happiness and examines the challenges couples face in sustaining a deep connection over time.

      Social Commentary
      Through Emma and Dexter's experiences, Nicholls provides insightful social commentary on various aspects of modern life, including gender roles, societal pressures, and the pursuit of success and fulfillment.

      By employing the innovative structure of revisiting the characters on the same date each year, Nicholls crafts a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels, exploring profound themes of human existence with wit, honesty, and emotional depth.

      Developed by Perplexity AI


    • "One Day" has received a mix of reviews and has been generally well-received by readers and critics alike.

      The novel is often praised for its emotional depth. It effectively captures the ups and downs of life, love, and friendship over two decades.

      Nicholls's writing style, characterized by wit, humor, and poignant observations, has been appreciated.

      Overall, "One Day" is regarded as a compelling and moving read, with a significant impact on contemporary romantic fiction. Its blend of humor and poignancy, along with a unique narrative approach, has made it a memorable and beloved novel for many.

      Developed by ChatGPT AI

    • Reader Rating:
  • Author
    • How Nicolls chose the names of the characters. BBC; August 26, 2015
    • David Nicholls talks about love, friendship and the upcoming film adaption of "One Day". Plus three other author talks.
    • David Nicholls Reveals How the Book Changed His Life!
  • Commentary
    • David Nicholls’ One Day is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and the passage of time. The novel’s structure—revisiting the lives of Emma and Dexter on the same date over 20 years—beautifully captures the ebb and flow of their relationship. This format not only highlights the unpredictability of life but also underscores how fleeting moments can define us.

      Emma’s wit and ambition contrast sharply with Dexter’s charm and recklessness, creating a dynamic that feels authentic and deeply human. Nicholls masterfully portrays their growth, mistakes, and missed opportunities, making their journey both relatable and heart-wrenching. The themes of timing and fate resonate throughout, reminding readers that love is often as much about when as it is about who.

      The novel’s emotional depth is amplified by its bittersweet ending, which lingers long after the final page. One Day is a celebration of life’s imperfections—a story that reminds us to cherish the present while embracing life’s uncertainties.

      Developed by AI
  • Reviews
    • Review: "The point of the book is that each chapter gives us a snapshot update of the same two people on the same day every year." The Guardian; August 24, 2011
    • Review: "How Nicholls manages to describe Emma’s struggles in her early twenties and Dexter’s struggles in his early thirties is incredible and real." Nika Grizila
  • Explanations
    • Summer readings: "The language is gloriously of its time (everything is "larky" or "s'alright"); the story scattered with coincidence and irony, as life often is." The Guardian; August 8, 2011
    • Writing the British love story that's left the world heartbroken: "Nicholls was writing a BBC television adaptation of Tess of the d'Urbervilles when he was reminded of a passage in Thomas Hardy's novel that had impressed him when he first read it as a teenager." BBC; April 23, 2024
    • How One Day became the literary phenomenon of the Noughties: "So what made the book such a staggering success? Fundamentally it’s a love story, full of will-they won’t-they (should they even?) tension." Independent; February 8, 2024