A review by idk_indigo
One Day by David Nicholls

emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I'm trying to figure out how to word what I liked/didn't like about this book without saying just, "It's painfully obvious that this was written by a man" because, like, men can write good books too and in fairness, this was a good book. But it was painfully obvious that this was written by a man.

My favorite part of this book was definitely the format; I loved that it told a story from a singular day per year in the lives of Dex and Em. It was a really cool way to show how they were growing throughout the years as well as the development of their friendship and eventual relationship. Plus, in the end when we finally got a second day, it was really sweet.

I also appreciated that the characters were so unlikeable relatable. The inner monologues that the audience got to see was interesting, and also reflected who they were at the time as well as their flaws (eg., a persistent lack of confidence from Emma, the underlying addiction from Dexter). Seeing their inner thoughts, then seeing how they were with other friends or partners, then seeing how they were with each other, it was quite beautiful. 

I loved the ending, despite it being
depressing as fuck. While I don't think it was "necessary," per se, as pointless deaths never are, I think it was what the book was about. It wasn't a comedy or even a romance, it was a tragedy. And it was oh-so-pointless, hence why it happens when they are finally happy.


What I didn't like so much was the writing style. I don't know how to explain it but it was almost exhausting at times. Overly wordy, plus the descriptions of things were weird/ridiculous, and especially the descriptions of the women Dexter dated. Suki Meadows was done so dirty. And Tilly. God I wanted to gag whenever Tilly was brought up. Men love to talk about how fat women are without actually using the word fat. Emma was forced to stumble into Tilly's humungous, gigantic, gargantuan bras because Tilly insisted on washing them in the sink. She has such colossal, enormous, elephantine (thank you, thesaurus.com) titties and dons them in boring beige bras that are just strewn all about the flat. 

And ugh, Emma is such an anomaly, she does hate to talk about children and diapers and spit up and bottles. She hates watching her friends' kids, when the time comes she
hates watching Jasmine, too, ugh looking after a kid who's not hers
but also ugh it's all she's ever wanted. Anyways. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings