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One Day: Now a major Netflix series Paperback – 4 Feb. 2010
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***Out now: David Nicholls's new novel YOU ARE HERE***
THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER, NOW A MAJOR NETFLIX SERIES
'A wonderful, wonderful book'
THE TIMES
'Perfect'
NEW YORK TIMES
'A modern classic'
DAILY MIRROR
'You'd be hard pressed to find a sharper, sweeter romantic comedy'
INDEPENDENT
'Big, absorbing, smart, fantastically readable'
NICK HORNBY
TWENTY YEARS, TWO PEOPLE, ONE DAY
15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways.
So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that?
And every year that follows?
ONE OF BRITAIN'S MOST ACCLAIMED WRITERS
'One of the most astute chroniclers of England as it is now'
FINANCIAL TIMES
'An uncanny ability to make us laugh out loud, but also care passionately about his characters'
DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Nicholls writes with such tender precision about love'
THE TIMES
'No one else writes novels that are both relatable and revelatory in the way he does'
EVENING STANDARD
'Genuinely brilliant'
NEW STATESMAN
- Print length448 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSceptre
- Publication date4 Feb. 2010
- Dimensions13.8 x 2.9 x 19.7 cm
- ISBN-100340896981
- ISBN-13978-0340896983
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From the Publisher

Product description
Review
Big, absorbing, smart, fantastically readable -- Nick Hornby
A wonderful, wonderful book ― The Times
I finished it last night and I'm still quite wobbly and affected by it. It was BRILLIANT . . . the jealousy nearly made me puke. I wish I'd written this book -- Marian Keyes
A genuine tear-jerker as well as laugh-out-loud funny -- Books of the Year ― Independent on Sunday
This perfectly executed novel is a reminder that reading can be the finest entertainment there is ― Guardian
The book I go back to time and time again is One Day by David Nicholls. I read it every couple of years. It's perfect -- Dolly Alderton, author of GHOSTS
A modern classic ― Prime
One of the most tear-jerking novels ever written ― YOU Magazine
I couldn't think of anyone who wouldn't love this book -- Simon Mayo Books Panel, BBC Radio Five Live
Re-reading One Day by David Nicholls is another version of putting on a Nora Ephron movie. It never gets old because the pleasure and comfort is in the language and the observations and the characters -- Maggie Shipstead, author of GREAT CIRCLE
One Daychanged my life -- Pandora Sykes, author of HOW DO WE KNOW WE'RE DOING IT RIGHT
Captivating ― Hello
You'd be hard pressed to find a sharper, sweeter romantic comedy ― Independent
David Nicholls portrays the bittersweet experience of being a young man so brilliantly ― iNews
A total treat . . . by turns bittersweet, funny, touching and sad, but always Nicholls's wonderfully observant and wry touch shines through. A way-we-live-now parable about relationships, disappointments, friendship and expectations; a novel utterly comfortable in its own skin -- Kate Mosse ― The Times
An off-kilter romantic comedy with charm to spare ― Harper's Bazaar
It's rare to find a novel which ranges over the recent past with such authority, and even rarer to find one in which the two leading characters are drawn with such solidity, such painful fidelity to real life that you really do put the book down with the hallucinatory feeling that they've become as well known to you as your closest friends -- Jonathan Coe, Books of the Year ― Guardian
Nicholls has a gimlet eye for period detail . . . A beguiling read ― Observer
A totally brilliant book about the heartbreaking gap between the way we were and the way we are . . . the best weird love story since The Time Traveller's Wife. Every reader will fall in love with it. And every writer will wish they had written it -- Tony Parsons, author of THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR
Who doesn't relish a love story with the right amount of heart-melting romance, disappointment, regret, and huge doses of disenchantment about growing up and growing old between quarrelling meant-to-be lovers? -- Top 10 Summer Books ― Elle
As a study of what we once were and what we can become, it's masterfully realised ― Esquire
A brilliantly funny and moving will-they, won't-they romance tracing a relationship on the same day each day for two decades ― Heat
With a nod to When Harry Met Sally, this funny, emotionally engaging third novel from David Nicholls traces the unlikely relationship between Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew . . . Told with toe-curlingly accurate insight and touching observation ― Daily Mail
Nicholls captures superbly the ennui of post graduation . . . The writing is almost faultless, there's a great feeling for the period and it's eminently readable ― Herald
Nicholls has a gift for zeitgeist description and emotional empathy that's wholly his own . . . [A] light but surprisingly deep romance so thoroughly satisfying ― Entertainment Weekly
David Nicholls's One Day needs a special mention for its perfect encapsulation of Edinburgh's university experience. The novel takes place mostly in London but its two main characters meet as students here and almost - but not quite - fall for each other. Therein lies the tale ― New York Times
A pleasingly collaborative reading experience ― Financial Times
The funniest, loveliest book I've read in ages. Most of all it is horribly, cringingly, absolutely 100% honest and true to life: I lived every page -- Jenny Colgan, author of DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME?
The ultimate zeitgeist love story for anyone who ever wanted someone they couldn't have -- Adele Parks, author of ONE LAST SECRET
Warm-hearted, funny, endearing ― Sydney Morning Herald
Page by page, the funniest book of the year ― Uncut
Perfect for the beach or summer in the city ― In Style
A delicious love story ― Sunday Herald
A smart comedy, packed with the mistakes, mismatches and meandering conversations that make up real life ― Marie Claire
A modern fairy tale, slickly put together. A gifted story-teller with lots of technical savvy ― Scottish Review of Books
A compulsive read you'll want to devour in one sitting ― Woman
A cross between Jonathan Coe and Nick Hornby, this is romantic, sharp and very English ― Scotsman
Nicholls' unmatchable gift for dialogue and romantic plotting ― Evening Standard
An unputdownable romance for the 21st century ― She
We could fill a page with descriptive proclamations of its brilliance, but we'll stick with intoxicating, engrossing and verging on genius. If this has never graced your bedside table, then go directly to the nearest bookshop, purchase one copy and start 2010 with a read that has taken the literary world by storm ― Daily Record
A moving and feel-good read. Nicholls is an expert at capturing that essence of young adulthood, first love, heartbreak, and the tangled, complicated course of romance . . . Deserves to be the must-read hit of the summer. ― News of the World
Nicholls captures superbly the ennui of post graduation . . . The writing is almost faultless, there's a great feeling for the period and it's eminently readable. ― Herald
You're gripped from the opening pages . . . Nicholls, author of STARTER FOR TEN, writes faultless, engaging dialogue and keeps up a cracking pace. You will find this hard to put down ― Psychologies
An edgy romantic tale ― Woman & Home
Book Description
The multi-million copy bestselling novel that brilliantly captures the experiences of a generation.
From beloved author David Nicholls.
From the Back Cover
About the Author
David Nicholls is the bestselling author of Starter for Ten, The Understudy, One Day, Us, Sweet Sorrow and You Are Here. One Day was published in 2009 to extraordinary critical acclaim: translated into 40 languages, it became a global bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide. His fourth novel, Us, was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction.
On screen, David has written adaptations of Far from the Madding Crowd, When Did You Last See Your Father? and Great Expectations, as well as of his own novels, Starter for Ten, One Day and Us. His adaptation of Edward St Aubyn's Patrick Melrose, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was nominated for an Emmy and won him a BAFTA for best writer. The Netflix adaptation of One Day was executive-produced by David.
Product details
- Publisher : Sceptre; 1st edition (4 Feb. 2010)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 448 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0340896981
- ISBN-13 : 978-0340896983
- Dimensions : 13.8 x 2.9 x 19.7 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 1,498 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 43 in Film & Television Tie-In
- 78 in Love, Sex & Marriage Humour
- 397 in Humorous Fiction
- Customer reviews:
About the author

David Nicholls is the bestselling author of Starter for Ten, The Understudy, One Day, Us, Sweet Sorrow and now You Are Here. One Day was published in 2009 to extraordinary critical acclaim: translated into 40 languages, it became a global bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide. His fourth novel, Us, was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction.
On screen, David has written adaptations of Far from the Madding Crowd, When Did You Last See Your Father? and Great Expectations, as well as of his own novels, Starter for Ten, One Day and Us. His adaptation of Edward St Aubyn's Patrick Melrose, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was nominated for an Emmy and won him a BAFTA for best writer.
He is also the Executive Producer and a contributing screenwriter on a new Netflix adaptation of One Day. His latest novel, You Are Here, will be published in spring 2024.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings, help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and captivating. They describe the pacing as poignant and moving, with a well-written narrative that flows smoothly. The humor is described as funny and entertaining. Readers appreciate the engaging characters with unique personalities and flaws. Overall, they find the story realistic and true to life.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book. They find the premise and epigraphs from Dickens great. The series is wonderful, with an excellent writing style and engaging characters.
"...I absolutely loved this book, and the Netflix adaptation is a perfect companion to it. Five stars for this unforgettable love story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" Read more
"...book needs to be sensational to get 5 stars, for me this was merely very good...." Read more
"Book always better than film" Read more
"...Because there were definitely a few promising / intriguing scenes in series (e.g. the episode where Dexter finally (albeit a bit meanly) stands up..." Read more
Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They describe it as an absorbing story with poignant moments. The book is described as moving and touching, tugging at their heartstrings. Readers feel the characters' pain, happiness, sadness, and grief.
"David Nicholls' One Day is a stunning and emotional novel that takes you through the highs and lows of a long-term relationship in the most..." Read more
"This is a beautiful love story between Emma and Dexter who meet at the end of their university studies...." Read more
"...It sat so well as I am a generation younger than the female protagonist yet I identified, and there was the social commentary that made it..." Read more
"...Just absolutely awful. No redeeming qualities whatsoever..." Read more
Customers find the book well-written with beautiful dialogue and a clever way of telling a story spanning two people's lives over 20 years. They appreciate the clear storytelling and visualizing the book as a screenplay. The time jumps, non-linear storytelling, and details from the book are appreciated by readers.
"...The storytelling is so compelling, with each chapter focusing on the same date every year, showing how the characters change and evolve...." Read more
"...not LOL funny but a nice understated cynical wit mostly spoken in a Yorkshire accent, which worked well for me and probably the main thing that..." Read more
"...The writing itself is not bad (hence the three stars), it just lacked depth in most parts, and like I've said, a few recycled jokes and material..." Read more
"...Well written by the author and I think it it is definitely more suited to younger readers but I did really enjoy it." Read more
Customers find the book humorous and entertaining. They appreciate the witty dialogue and find it humorous in parts. The writing is described as warm, witty, and well-observed.
"...It’s a brilliant concept that keeps you hooked and really makes you think about life choices and the paths we take...." Read more
"...And it is witty, not LOL funny but a nice understated cynical wit mostly spoken in a Yorkshire accent, which worked well for me and probably the..." Read more
"...in so many ways - it is intelligent, it is charming and it will draw you in...." Read more
"Enjoyable but for the jumping back in time which I always want to skip read to get back to present...." Read more
Customers find the characters well-developed with perfect personalities and characteristics. They appreciate the dialogue between the main characters and find them nice. Overall, readers love the book and fall in love with the characters.
"...In fact, he's likeable period. HE actually seems like a nice person, who gets carried away with the glitz and glamour of working in the media..." Read more
"...opposites but somehow they seemed to work they were certainly interesting characters who over the years of meeting on the 15th of July finally find..." Read more
"...remover- this first impression is fitting since the characters are fraught with so many clichés that they look like cartoons at times...." Read more
"...Overall I loved this book, fell in love with dex and em and became immersed in their mismatched worlds, highly recommend this marmite book 🌟🌟🌟🌟..." Read more
Customers find the story realistic and true to life. They appreciate the unusual structure that works well to tell the story over a long period of time. The overall plot is lovely and traditional, with detailed characterisation for the genre. The return to Edinburgh narrative is perfect and poignant, and the portrait of life in Britain over the last 20 years is cleverly put together. Overall, readers find the book haunting and one of those great books.
"...their lives intertwine over the years is both heartbreaking and incredibly real—it’s hard not to get invested in their journey...." Read more
"...to finding two people you instantly clicked with, and the honesty of human relationships...." Read more
"...details have been changed from the book, but they had a much better impact for the series, especially with the main characters...." Read more
"...this book, fell in love with dex and em and became immersed in their mismatched worlds, highly recommend this marmite book 🌟🌟🌟🌟..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the plot twists. Some find the story entertaining with many twists and turns, coming to an unexpected conclusion. Others feel the story is predictable, with a surprise twist at the end that some readers didn't see coming.
"...this one sits above the Larsson triology in so many ways - it is intelligent, it is charming and it will draw you in...." Read more
"...but for me a more assured, more consistent and sharper observer of our times as measured out in everyday lives...." Read more
"...Far from serving any meaningful purpose, this twist is thoroughly unpleasant, probably stolen from somewhere (that city of angels movie) and seems..." Read more
"...apart, the tale moves with grace and humour through subtle and unexpected turns...." Read more
Customers find the plot predictable and lacks depth. They find the last few chapters struggle to keep their interest, and the ending is pointless. The book is repetitive and drawn out for them, making it difficult to get into.
"...writing itself is not bad (hence the three stars), it just lacked depth in most parts, and like I've said, a few recycled jokes and material from..." Read more
"...I did find it a little too long, and then rather hurried towards the end...." Read more
"...I just found myself getting a little fed up with it. The progress of the plot is so utterly, teeth-gnashingly predictable that the ending couldn't..." Read more
"...It is over 400 pages long but only took me just over a week to read all of it...." Read more
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Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 March 2025David Nicholls' One Day is a stunning and emotional novel that takes you through the highs and lows of a long-term relationship in the most unexpected ways. Following Dexter and Emma over the course of 20 years, this book is a masterful exploration of love, fate, and timing. The way their lives intertwine over the years is both heartbreaking and incredibly real—it’s hard not to get invested in their journey.
The storytelling is so compelling, with each chapter focusing on the same date every year, showing how the characters change and evolve. It’s a brilliant concept that keeps you hooked and really makes you think about life choices and the paths we take. The relationship between Dexter and Emma feels incredibly authentic, with both characters having their flaws and struggles.
I was completely moved by the ending—it truly stayed with me long after I finished reading. If you love a thought-provoking, emotional story about life, love, and missed opportunities, One Day is a must-read. I absolutely loved this book, and the Netflix adaptation is a perfect companion to it.
Five stars for this unforgettable love story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2024Like many others I read this because of the hype around the Netflix series; it seemed unavoidable. I would need to watch it or be left out of too many conversations; I dislike watching something based on a book without first seeing the source material. So I had to read it.
I struggled through the first half which felt like that well worn RomCom yarn. Boy meets girl, they are in denial that they are in love, their individual fortunes wax and wane in perfect asymmetry, they each experience failed relationships in a sequence that ensures they are never both single at the same time, at times they are either each other's best friends or the unspoken tension between them blows them apart. And it is witty, not LOL funny but a nice understated cynical wit mostly spoken in a Yorkshire accent, which worked well for me and probably the main thing that kept me going through the first half. But it all seems to march slowly towards that inevitable conclusion that they will be together at the end…
Well that isn’t quite what happens, it wobbles significantly from the standard story (no spoilers if you are interested read it yourself).
The most obvious first difference from the standard is that it is spread out over a long time and told through the events of a single day each year. This does give the story from the start an edge, the frustration of their situation hurts more as it just takes so long and you need to do some work filling in the gaps.
However the big difference from the standard comes after halfway through when it goes too dark for a light hearted read. One of the protagonist’s life takes a very uncomfortable downward spiral.
And then there is the end… No spoilers, other than it is very good.
For me it misses 5 stars because the first half just annoyed me. By halfway I had my 2-star review headed “over hyped RomCom” (no question mark) ready in my mind. This may be unfair as that distinct change in tone is one of the qualities but overall a book needs to be sensational to get 5 stars, for me this was merely very good.
I have now seen the series and it does the book justice, the body language of the protagonists is exceptional (although I think they needed to make Dex physically age more). Very glad I read it first.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 March 2025Book always better than film
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 January 2025This is a beautiful love story between Emma and Dexter who meet at the end of their university studies. They meet fleetingly, sleep together, and it is truly love at first sight. Their connection is so strong that despite going their separate ways after their brief night of passion, they keep in touch and update each other on what they are doing in life. When they meet again, their lifestyles have gone in very different directions and somehow, they don’t seem to be able to rekindle their love affair. The timing is always wrong. But eventually, they can resume their love story…until a tragic and unexpected event takes place.
This book is beautifully written and the idea to update the reader on the same day of the year, 15th of July (hence the title “One Day”), is pure genius. 15th of July is of course, the day Emna and Dexter met. This book really moved me, a must read.
Top reviews from other countries
- Shabnam RezaeiReviewed in Canada on 17 December 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Best novel
I’ve watched the series, I’ve watched the movie but this book is different. It feels like you’re living the story
-
Cesar espinalReviewed in Mexico on 23 October 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Hermoso
Gran historia
- KenzaReviewed in Belgium on 4 March 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Absolutely loved the series and I'm stoked to be reading it now. Pretty sure I'll love it.
- Sumit BasuReviewed in India on 4 January 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars A very special book
I have given the book 5 stars because of the overwhelming effect it created on me. This literary journey features our main characters on a fixed day for twenty years : a very unique way to portray the different attributes of friendship and other emotions.
The strongest point of this book is the characters, not only the main characters the other smaller characters who create the perfect foil to the plot.
I will not discuss the storyline as I firmly believe that this is going to act as a spoiler : but I have liked the way the author has delineated how friendship evolves over time. The book also shows that being true to ourself, accepting each other and by sharing meaningful experience relationship is surely going to cast a different meaning on life.
A beautiful book and of course a must read.
- The hedgehogReviewed in Sweden on 19 November 2024
3.0 out of 5 stars It’s ok
It’s a good book but not as good as the series.