One Day

By: David Nicholls

Narrated by: Anna Bentinck

Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • Dexter and Emma must face the nature of love and even life itself in this page-turning story filled with "heart-melting romance" (Elle). One of the most "emotionally riveting love stories you’ll ever encounter" (People).

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.

"[A] surprisingly deep romance...so thoroughly satisfying." —Entertainment Weekly

©2010 David Nicholls (P)2010 Random House

Critic reviews

"[An] instant classic....One of the most hilarious and emotionally riveting love stories you’ll ever encounter." (People)

“Big, absorbing, smart, fantastically readable." (Nick Hornby)

"[Nicholls] has a gift for zeitgeist description and emotional empathy that's wholly his own.... [A] light but surprisingly deep romance...thoroughly satisfying." (Entertainment Weekly)

Heartbreaking and very...human

I had seen the movie before listening to this book, and found it absolutely engrossing all the same. The writing is very good, and I was really pleased that the narrator's performance seemed to perfectly convey the tone and emotions that are described, down to the well-timed pauses. Highly recommend to anyone that likes epic love stories.

Interesting Characters, Disappointing Ending

What was most disappointing about David Nicholls’s story?

The last chapter and ending. So as not to give anything away, I had expected so much more from the tension which built throughout the book.

Which character – as performed by Anna Bentinck – was your favorite?

Emma Morley by far.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, though the characters were interesting and their relationship compelling, nothing became so emotional I felt any tug on my heartstrings.

Quite liked it!

The story is somewhat reminiscent of my own, but with myself in the role of idiot. Maybe because of this the ending hit me quite hard. I saw it coming, but still feel haunted. I'm off to go be really nice to my husband!

Good Novel

Hello Readers,
This book was 1 that I couldn't put down. I kept wanting to know more about all the chericters that were in the book. I love the authors history of the 3 countries as well. I was a little dissapointed where the ending was concerned, but over all, it was a wonderful book.

This should win an award

I have listened to hundreds of audio books. The narrator on this one deserves an award ; her performance throughout, covering as it did a wide range of accents, was stellar. I have actually never heard anything so good in all my years of listening.

You must hear this

This is one of those books that seems made to be listened to, or perhaps it's just that Anna Bentinck is such a skilled narrator. David Nicholls' painfully ironic, hilarious, sad and finally redemptive comedy of manners couldn't possibly come off as well in print. I don't believe I could've caught on how desperately unfunny Ian is without Anna Bentinck's dopey voices. A printed page could never convey the lightness or bitterness or love of the banter between great friends.

I'm ten years older than the characters in the novel, and thought at first I would not be interested. I might not have read the novel, but the narrator pulled me in. Her tone, her facility with accents, even her pace seem perfect for this novel. Bentnick pauses and alters the volume of her voice just enough to allow a listener to follow the shifts in time that give structure to Nicholls' plot. The story itself is grounded in a particular time and place, yet Nicholls touches universal longings. I am impressed with Nicholls' ability to be absolutely honest without making the reader cringe. His language is spare and direct. He writes so beautifully I can almost forgive him for murder.

Brilliant Writing

I'm rather shocked by the number of reviews that call this novel funny. I found it insightful, realistic and searing, but funny? Well, perhaps it's a particularly dark, British humor. This is the story of Emma, a sweet, smart girl who lacks self-confidence, and Dexter, a narcissistic alcoholic. I think Nicholls did a tremendous job of delineating the characters and providing a believable progression from the hopes and affectations of one's early twenties to the disillusionment and acceptance of the late thirties/early forties. I might have chosen a different path at the end, but I've also (unfortunately) had a couple of similar circumstances and can relate to the characters. They're believable. This is far from lightweight fare. It's a dual character study, and it's not always clear whether you should be rooting for the two protagonists to get together, or to hope that Emma can resist Dexter's self-absorbed nonsense. If you're into the typical Romance plot-line, or expecting a plot-driven book, don't bother. If you like character studies, this is right up your alley.

Sweet love story!

Loved this book so very much! Might seem long but it goes by so fast!

Whining of Dexter

I thought it was very good. But one of the main characters was a whining, feeble young man. Dislikable and droll.

10/10! Love both show and book!

I’m dead. This story broke me. Even though I watched the show first I’m still bawling my eyes out!