Book Review: One? by Jennifer L Cahill

It’s London in the mid-noughties before Facebook, iPhones and ubiquitous wifi.
Zara has just moved to London for her first real job and struggles to find her feet in a big city with no instruction manual.

Penelope works night and day in an investment bank with little or no time for love. At twenty-eight she is positively ancient as far as her mother is concerned and the pressure is on for her to settle down as the big 3-0 is looming.

Charlie spends night and day with his band who are constantly teetering on the verge of greatness. Richard has relocated to London from his castle in Scotland in search of the one, and Alyx is barely in one place long enough to hold down a relationship let alone think about the future.

One? follows the highs and lows of a group of twenty-somethings living in leafy SW4.

First thing I want to mention is the amazing cover on this novel. At first glance, it seems simple and beautiful but there are so many layers to it. Look at it long enough and you’ll see what I mean.

One? primarily follows Penelope and Zara as they navigate themselves through 90’s London joined by a few people along the way.

The characters have unique voices. All have their own personal goals, triumphs and struggles. They are all developed well as is the plot. I was desperate to know what would become of them all.

I could identify so much with these two ladies especially. I found myself moving to London in my early twenties having never been away from home before so Zara’s feeling seemed partially familiar. The overwhelming feeling of being alone in a big city.

Oh the nostalgia I felt with this book. The time before Facebook (I am so pleased to have grown up without that,) Twitter, smartphones, streaming and the ‘instant’ lifestyle. A time when you had to go to the video shop to rent a film and not everything was technology based. I loved this aspect of it.

I adored these two women. In all honesty, each character brought something.

The writing style is effortless. It is told from multiple viewpoints. These do change mid chapter but it’s easy enough to keep up with.

There’s not much more I can say without spoiling the book for people who want to read it.

One? is about finding love in a big city but for me, it was also about self discovery too. It’s a little gem of a book that deserves all the praise it gets.

It’s a novel I am going to be recommending to people and I look forward to what comes next for Jennifer L Cahlill.

About Jennifer: 

Jennifer writes contemporary fiction and tries to capture the essence of a place and time in her books. Above all, her aim is to make you laugh, and hopefully learn a little, as you recognise yourself, your friends and your exes in her books. She loves hearing from her readers. 

Visit her website: www.JenniferLCahill.com
Twitter: @JLCAuthor

One? was published by Clink Street Publishing in June 2018

Click to view on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40358551-one 

Amazon :https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Jennifer-L-Cahill-ebook/dp/B07D3GHXDL

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.