Friday, February 28, 2014

Review: The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 26th February 2014
Pages: 528
Book Source: Penguin Books Aust & NetGalley

Synopsis: Suppose your life sucks. Your husband has done a vanishing act, your stepson is being bullied and your daughter has a once in a lifetime opportunity . . . that you can't afford to pay for.

So imagine you found and kept some money that didn't belong to you, knowing it would pay for your daughter's happiness.

But how do you cope with the shame? Especially when the man you've lied to decides to help you out in your hour of need . . .

Jess is in hell - Ed has saved her family - but is their happiness worth a lifetime's soul-searching?


My Thoughts:
I was introduced to Jojo Moyes with Me Before You. The One Plus One took my Jojo Moyes love to a whole new level. Maybe it's as simple as right-book-right-time ... you know the kind? I loved it and I'm not even sure I can put into words why, it just spoke to me. 

Jess is a single mum with two jobs, doing it really tough, struggling daily to make ends meet. There's her kids, 8 year old maths prodigy Tanzie and bullied teenage stepson Nicky and let's not forget Norman, smelly, slobbering, loyal Norman. I adored Norman. 

Then there's Ed, wealthy, privileged businessman facing financial ruin, his life in the toilet.  

Fast forward ... 
Ed and one luxury car plus Jess, two kids and big, stinky dog on a road trip to Aberdeen, Scotland for Tanzie to participate in a maths tournament which will hopefully change her life. Barfing, dog farts, dry sandwiches, awkward silences, unlikely bonds, shared secrets, it's a disaster of monumental proportions that had me alternatively laughing and holding back tears. 

Given the very topical social issues and the Thomas family's sorrows and trials you'd think this would be a depressing story but far from it, it's uplifting without being cliched. I'm sure due in part to Jess's almost unfailing positive outlook and Jojo Moyes' beautifully poetic writing. 

I cried ... ok I might have sobbed; I'm a sucker for big, smelly doggy hero's like Norman. The One Plus One encompasses the meaning of family and belonging, it's a story of love, resilience, determination and second chances. 

A favourite this year :)

Connect with Jojo Moyes

Purchase The One Plus One



17 comments:

  1. Danggit!!!!! I was hoping you didn't like this one!! Blasted ... I am on a book spending freeze right now ... ughhhhhhhhh!!! I MUST HAVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha I have to know whether you love it as much as moi`

      Delete
  2. Great review! I've enjoyed other books by Jo Jo Moyes and this one sounds just as good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pat, if you're a Jojo Moyes fan, I'm sure you'll love this one too!

      Delete
  3. Oh fantastic. I see Jojo Moyes is interviewed at back of Australian Women's Weekly - at least in the NZ edition. I must read her, however not just yet as books are ganging up on me! Too many coming to publishing date or arrived at the library!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you Kathryn, not enough hours in the day. Just in case you missed it ... I loved this one!!! haha. Ooh thanks for the heads up, I'll check out the interview, I have no idea whether the Aussie & NZ edition is the same but I'll have a look next time I'm in Woolies :)

      Delete
  4. I am so glad to see that people are enjoying this one. I haven't read it yet, but I will!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can't wait to see what you think Marg. It was very different to Me Before You but I just fell in love with it. I think I'll read The Girl You Left Behind next :)

      Delete
  5. One day, but you have me worried about Norman!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha Norman was awesome, don't be a chicken Stacy ;)

      Delete
  6. I loved this book too and similarly I can't accurately say why except that it was the perfect read while I was ill, the characters were loveable and I was willing everything to work out in a way I haven't done for ages! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wasn't it a treat, glad you loved it too. Heading over to check out your review :)

      Delete
  7. I have pre-ordered this one, and I can't wait! I'm so glad you loved it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope you love it too Laurel, I'll keep an eye out for your review :)

      Delete
  8. Great review! I've beenn eyeing Jojo Moyes' books for a while, but now I really want to read her books.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to leave some comment love, I'm a 'comment back' kinda girl. Don't forget to check the 'Notify me' box