I have a wish list of books a mile long and every now and then, when I spot one that takes my eye I reserve it from the local library. I have had The One Plus One on reserve for a few weeks now (I was position 32 of 51). When Mumsnet sent an email offering 10 bloggers the opportunity to read and review the book I sent my email off, fully expecting to hear nothing further.
When I received an email on Monday saying I had been selected I was thrilled. I was less thrilled when I saw that the review should be published by 20 August, and even less thrilled when the book arrived and saw it was a little over 500 pages. I just didn't think I would find the time to read it.... It has taken me a month to get through the third Bridget Jones book.... how would I find time for this one?
Well... as you probably guessed I have read it in pretty quick fashion... three sittings in fact! I'm ashamed to say I haven't read any of JoJo Moyes' work before... she's one of those authors who I have been aware of, but never really picked up on.
The One Plus One tells the story of Jess, a young single mum who is desperately trying to make ends meet... but failing miserably. Her husband left her (his depression made it seem the best option for all concerned if he moved out) and his son (sulky teenager who doesn't fit in) and their daughter (maths prodigy). The story follows her desperate plight to better her and her families chances, against all the things that life seems to throw at her. She is the eternal optimist, believing that if you do the right thing, then things will turn out right for you.
Alongside Jess' story is that of Ed Nicholls - IT whizz who, in a moment of naivety finds himself charged with insider trading and facing a rather long prison sentence.
Jess and Ed find their lives collide and culminate in a rather long trip to Scotland to ensure that Tanzie (Jess' daughter) gets to the Maths Olympiad - where if she wins, she will secure the money needed to send her to the local private school.... the only place that will cater for her maths knowledge and who are already making every effort to ensure she joins the school.
The style that Moyes writes with is so easy to read... I literally couldn't put it down and was desperate to see how the stories panned out. There are twists and turns throughout, but all are believable and you find yourself really warming to each of the characters. Moyes really is a gifted writer as she perfectly captures the chaos of family life and you can feel the financial precipice that Jess is on. Her actions on paper seem reckless, but you truly understand why she does what she does. It's also interesting to see the same section of the story from the viewpoint of each of the four main characters. I really liked that touch and it helped to get a sense of how they all interacted.
The way that she illustrates what those on the different ends of the financial scales think are truths about each other is brilliant (for example when Ed suggests they get McDonalds rather than more of Jess' home made sandwiches). Each character is likeable and believable and at times you're holding your breath, wondering what will happen next, and the next second you realise a rogue tear has escaped! Moyes has expertly captured the essence of each of the characters.
I really can't say enough about this book - it's romantic fiction at it's absolute best, and I'm so impressed byt it that today I picked up another JoJo Moyes book - and I will be starting it tonight.
It's rare that I fall in love with a romance book - I often find them superficial and far fetched - but with this one Moyes has a classic, she has captured all the characters perfectly; their weaknesses, vulnerabilities and flaws and developed them into strong, loveable individuals. I almost want a second book to see where they all are five years down the line!
All in all a winner that keeps you coming back for more.
The One Plus One is the MumsNet Book club book for September - why not take a look at what the other bloggers made of it and join in too?
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