One Day by David Nicholls garners praise for its compelling character development and emotional depth, capturing the essence of a complex, enduring relationship. Critics appreciate the engaging narrative structure, though some feel the pacing lags at times. While the sentimental tone appeals to many, a few find the story's outcome predictable. Overall, it's a heartfelt read.

Readers who enjoy One Day by David Nicholls typically appreciate contemporary romance blended with humor and poignant life reflections. Fans of books like Me Before You by Jojo Moyes or The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger would find its episodic narrative and deep character connections engaging and emotionally resonant.

One Day by David Nicholls follows the evolving relationship of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew over two decades, revisiting them each year on July 15, starting from their graduation day in 1988. The novel explores their personal growth, career developments, and the eventual blossoming of their romance, highlighting the intricate dynamics of relationships and the nature of life. The text references alcohol misuse and substance use disorder.

Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Melancholic / Romantic / Contemplative

- One Day was adapted into a successful feature film in 2011, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, directed by Lone Scherfig.
- The structure of One Day uniquely follows the lives of its main characters over the course of two decades, with each chapter set on the same calendar date each year.
- David Nicholls, the author of One Day, won the Galaxy Book of the Year Award in 2010 for this novel, highlighting its popularity and critical acclaim.

**Emma Morley**  
Emma is an idealistic graduate with high aspirations, known for her outspoken political beliefs and vibrant personality. Over the years, she faces the challenges of adulthood while pursuing her dream of becoming a successful novelist.

**Dexter Mayhew**  
Dexter comes from a wealthy family and is characterized by his desire for fame and wealth, leading him to success in television. He experiences significant personal growth, navigating relationships and career challenges.

**Ian Whitehead**  
Ian is a comedy-aspiring colleague and former boyfriend of Emma, known for his corny humor and immature demeanor. Over time, he matures, finding stability in a new career and personal life.

**Sylvie Cope**  
Sylvie is Dexter's beautiful, affluent wife, who faces challenges in marriage and parenthood. Her journey involves dealing with personal and relational difficulties, ultimately contributing to Dexter’s character development.

David Nicholls

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore One Day reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read One Day | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore One Day and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

One Day Summary and Study Guide

Background

One Day Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1988-1992, Early Twenties”

Part 1 One Day Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1993-1995, Late Twenties”

Part 2 One Day Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “1996-2001, Early Thirties”

Part 3 One Day Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “2002-2005, Late Thirties”

Part 4 One Day Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Three Anniversaries”

Part 5 One Day Part 5 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

One Day Character Analysis

theme

Themes

One Day Themes

Symbols & Motifs

One Day Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

One Day Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

One Day Essay Topics

One Day

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read One Day?

Reading Age

Book Details