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)

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.

Beautiful Story

Would you consider the audio edition of One Day to be better than the print version?

I only listened to it.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a very romantic story.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I think that I really never related the person that narrated the story to the book. Her voice even though it is sweet, it is shaky and monotonous.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

SPOILER ALERT: towards the end when they were finally closer, it really killed me!

Any additional comments?

At the beginning of the book it was hard to connect with the story for me, I wasn't very engaged to it and even got a little distracted; but overall I would recommend it, because it is a beautiful story and has a great message.

Great Story!!! Not so good narrator.

I loved this story. It was great and it really showed how both characters grew over the years. Great writing. I did not care for the narrator, though. I felt like other than Em and Dex, all of the characters, particularly the ex girlfriend that became famous and Em's ex flatmate, souded the same or near to the same. Whenever these characters would come into play, I would find myself fast forwarding to avoid hearing her rendition of their voices. I am sure she is a great narrator and I loved when she spoke for Em and Dex, but the rest of the characters she performed were not that great, I'm afraid.

Exquisite

Gentle, witty and deeply moving. Content insightful and empathetic. Delivery subtle and varied. just breath-taking.

One Day review

Book was great. Emotional and vivid, however, a slow start and slightly disjointed, at times. Would have been better to read this book, rather than listen, to keep timeline in order. Narration of female characters (other than main character, Em) was extremely annoying- the voices she used were grating. Overall narration was fine.

What A Day!

Firstly, Anna Bentinck's narration is beyond incredible. David Nicholls has written a lovely eloquent novel and Anna Bentinck's gorgeous voice and keen reading skills takes the words and story to a whole other level.
You will fall in love with Dex & Em and root for them at every bittersweet turn.

I still crying

Beautiful story. I listen to this version after seeing the series of Netflix. I recreated the scenes, the characters and both are heartbreaking, beautiful and maybe romantic. Great performance of the speaker, make the different voices of each character.

Wonderful

Narrator was great. The different voices made a difference. Story was beautiful, touching, heartfelt. Enjoyed how it spanned over the years.