Previously released as "A Thousand Small
Explosions" The One is based around five different people from all walks
of life who take a DNA test to discover who they are genetically Matched to
following a discovery that who we are meant to be with is all down to our
genes.
A very modern book, both in its content – social media, on-line
dating, the Shard and in its writing style –
short snappy chapters making it very easy to read during the daily commute. Constant
cliff hangers entice the reader to just read the next part to see what
happens. With its fast moving tempo, various view points and twisting and
turning plot I was given the impression I was reading a book very much written
for a modern reader on a Kindle or with a Netflicks series in mind. Even the
name change seemed a deliberate shift to more modern.
I didn’t love the very modern feel to the book but that is
totally a me thing and no criticism of Marr. I did think however that five
characters was at least a character too far. Although the 'main' characters
consisted of Ellie, Christopher, Mandy, Nick and the one I can never remember
the name of, each character had a Match which made ten characters not including the
supporting cast. Such a long cast list meant you didn’t get time to know the
characters very well, the plot moved too quickly and therefore everything felt
superficial. At the end of every cliff hanger it felt like you had to go
through all four remaining characters to get to the next instalment which meant
I frequently lost tabs with who was who. Hence I still can't remember the name
of the fifth one.
The group also felt the book suffered from a superficial-ness resulting in us not caring about the characters. It's a shame as we all agreed the concept and some of the points hinted at were interesting, they were just simply not developed or given the chance to shine.
The group also felt the book suffered from a superficial-ness resulting in us not caring about the characters. It's a shame as we all agreed the concept and some of the points hinted at were interesting, they were just simply not developed or given the chance to shine.
I did read it quite quickly though and compared to what I have been reading recently (I'm still suffering from Bleak House ) it was a pleasant change to not have to think too hard about the plot.
For me the most disappointing part of the book was the ending, I found the twists and turns became quite unbelievable with one member of the group likening it to a half past three channel 5 movie. Indeed (spoiler alert) when describing out loud how a man who was not gay, met his male Match, got his fiancée pregnant, discovered the child was not his but nevertheless took it half way across the world to live happily ever after with his male Match or how a woman who had never met her Match was persuaded by his mother to have his baby from a frozen sperm sample it does sound very channel 5 esque.
It scored 4.5 For me the most disappointing part of the book was the ending, I found the twists and turns became quite unbelievable with one member of the group likening it to a half past three channel 5 movie. Indeed (spoiler alert) when describing out loud how a man who was not gay, met his male Match, got his fiancée pregnant, discovered the child was not his but nevertheless took it half way across the world to live happily ever after with his male Match or how a woman who had never met her Match was persuaded by his mother to have his baby from a frozen sperm sample it does sound very channel 5 esque.
If you liked The One (or if you didn't and want to find something better) I recommend The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett. It's not as modern
but provides a deeper look at love from various view points.
Our next book is This is going to hurt by Adam Kay.
Our next book is This is going to hurt by Adam Kay.
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