Book Reviews

‘The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.’ Alan Bennett

“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

The One Plus One - Jojo Moyes



Jess Thomas is a single mum, working hard both as a cleaner and barmaid to make ends meet, caring for her young daughter Tanzie, a prodigious maths talent, and for shy bullied teenager Nicky, her absent husband’s son from a previous relationship, to whom Jess is the nearest thing to a stable parent. Affluent Ed Nicholls has a high flying career running a very successful software company with University friend Ronan, but an unfortunate encounter with a woman from his past is about to bring Ed’s world crashing down around him. Jess and Ed’s paths are destined to collide; what is surprising, funny, poignant and uplifting is how wonderfully this plays out.

I devoured this new tale from Jojo Moyes, it was a real delight to read. By turns a funny, sweet, honest and tender portrait of modern life in Britain; concerned with families, work, money and the lack of it, insider trading, and ultimately, heartfelt romantic love. It feels that this author lives and breathes her characters; the result is they feel so vivid, rounded and real to the reader; a sense greatened by including some chapters from each of four different perspectives. All five of the main protagonists are beautifully drawn, youngsters Tanzie and Nicky in particular. And Norman the dog is adorable! Aspects of the scenario reminded me a little of the lovely film Little Miss Sunshine.

Jojo Moyes has written another absolute winner here – marvellous, eloquent modern fiction.


Source - Lovereading Review Panel
Published by Penguin - 27th February 2014
View other reviews on Lovereading 
Visit the author's website here and find her on twitter here

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16 comments:

  1. Brian Joseph20 November 2013 at 10:32

    Based upon your commentary it sounds as if this avoids the pitfalls of similar books as it portrays seemingly real people with real problems. I also always like animals in stories.

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    1. Lindsay23 November 2013 at 21:18

      Thanks for commenting. Re animals - I like that too Brian, depending on how they are portrayed.

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  2. JoAnn20 November 2013 at 13:33

    I'm finally reading JoJo Moyes! Started Me Before You yesterday and love it already. Have a feeling I'll be reading her other books soon. This sounds like another winner.

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    1. Lindsay23 November 2013 at 21:19

      Thanks for commenting JoAnn. It was only last year that I first read one of her books. I think this is my favourite of the three I've read. I hope you enjoy your reading.

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  3. Felicity Grace Terry20 November 2013 at 14:12

    Keen to read more of this author - I loved her Ship Of Brides - I'll be sure to keep a look out for this. Great review, thanks.

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    1. Lindsay23 November 2013 at 21:19

      I haven't read that one Tracy but I like the sound of the story. Thanks very much for commenting.

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  4. So many books, so little time20 November 2013 at 20:49

    I totally agree with everything you said Lyns, totally loved it. Great review as always lovey, hope your well.

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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    1. Lindsay23 November 2013 at 21:20

      Thanks for commenting Lainy. I'm ok thanks, bit of worry with a poorly pet (not the pup) but ok just now. I hope you are well too.

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  5. Laurel-Rain Snow21 November 2013 at 00:07

    I love this author, and didn't know about this one...so off I go to find it! Thanks for your thoughts....

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    1. Lindsay23 November 2013 at 21:20

      It is out here in the UK after Christmas I believe. Good to hear you are a fan. Thanks for commenting.

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  6. Anne Williams21 November 2013 at 13:14

    Totally with you on this one Lindsay, and so glad to see your review as I was absolutely dying to get mine out there too! A x

    http://beingannereading.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/review-one-plus-one-by-jojo-moyes.html

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    1. Lindsay23 November 2013 at 21:21

      Thanks for commenting Anne. I've been waiting to publish my review as lovereading asked we wait until mid November.

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  7. Beadyjan21 November 2013 at 16:45

    Could not agree more - terrific book

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    1. Lindsay23 November 2013 at 21:21

      Thanks for commenting Janet, glad you loved this one too.

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  8. LindyLouMac24 November 2013 at 15:21

    Having read Jojo Moyes in the past and based on your review, I will be adding this one to my wishlist.

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  9. Teena in Toronto21 June 2014 at 16:57

    I finished it last night and enjoyed it :)

    http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/06/book-one-plus-one-2014-jojo-moyes.html

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