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)

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!

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!

Whining of Dexter

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

Just So-So

This book was ok, nothing really special or exciting. I thought the characters were mostly unlikeable. The ending was awful and didn't really fit with the initial vibe of the book. Although this isn't the worst book I've read/listened to I certainly can't recommend it either.

loved this book

What a surprisingly great book! This will be in my list of favorites! With a unique story-line and unexpected turns, you have never read anything like it, I can assure you. At first, I wasn't sure how the jumping feel of the book would feel more than one or two jumps in (taking one day a year for many years), being afraid it would feel a bit like Ground Hog's Day. Pleasantly, though, it is nothing like that, and continues to be fresh throughout. Fun, shallow, deep, heartwarming...all in one.

wow...this book hit me hard and ruined my weekend

I gotta say, i loved this book so much and was affected by it all weekend, but not in an uplifting good way. It isn't a simple "romance" book - it is a powerful view of 2 peoples lives that will linger with you long long long after you finish it...i'm a 42 year old male and i sat in my car after i finished it and fought back the tears.

For those that didn't like the "ending" (although it is about 3/4 of the way through that it really changes) then i would say, look at the story as a whole - look at the way she created a view of lives and the effect of love and friendship...you can't help but admire the story even if you don't agree with the direction the author took it...

This story is still with me months after listening

I have to say first that I am not the type to write a review online very often. But something about this story and its characters compels me to write. I listened to this book months ago, but still think about it. I can picture myself part of the story, which is a talent most authors don't have. The reader, Anna Bentinck, was fantastic, adding even more depth to the already involving storyline. I can still hear her voice in my head... Now that there will be a movie, I am left wondering... Can it possibly be as good as the book? Can they even come close to the character development? Do yourself a favor and listen to this first. You won't regret it. (You may need tissues for some parts)

Frustrating - Not really a love story

I was in the mood for a good love story, this was not it. I read the whole book so I liked it enough but it was really frustrating. I wish they would have put the end in the beginning. I would have bought into their desire for each other more. It was hard for me to believe they were not getting together for all those years. Hard to buy that they were so close but never said anything. I liked her but she drove me crazy at times being overly whiny. Much of the time it was pretty depressing as well. Not sure I can recommend.

The reader was fantastic however. Bravo for all the different accents and nuances to each characters mood.