Anna McPartlin, Irish author of Pack Up The Moon, returned
in October with her latest book, The One I Love. I had not read any of Anna's
novels before this, and admittedly I'm not one for overly romantic stories. Had
I seen this in the local Waterstones on a regular day of book shopping I probably
would not have picked it up. However, after reading this novel and being hooked
on it since page one, I can honestly say that I love Anna's work and would
definitely, definitely be on the lookout for more like this. This book is not
simply about romance; it's about those in your life that mean the most - the people
you're willing to fight for.
The One I Love focuses on friendship. Four strangers, from different families, different backgrounds and each having their own life story to share, are thrown together accidentally in a lift one night. When their situation leads to a friendship, it's one that neither Tom, Elle, Jane Leslie can be without as they all work together. Tom's wife Alexandra disappeared one morning and was never heard from again, and devastated Tom is still determined to find her. Handing out fliers outside a local gig may be a long shot, but Tom will stop at nothing to find his missing wife.
At the gig he finds himself caught in the lift with Jane and her younger sister Elle. Artist Elle is considered a genius, whereas sister Jane, despite her brainpower and teenage aspirations, was forced to give up her dreams when she fell pregnant at seventeen. Alexandra was Jane's friend at school, before Jane's friends deserted her and moved on to the next stages of their lives without the worry of bringing up a child. So when the sisters hear of Alexandra's disappearance, they're just as determined to aid in finding her.
Meanwhile Leslie, having lost her entire family to cancer, is living in worry. Known as a loner, Leslie is desperate to find friends, even a man, and live her life despite the worry of the disease claiming her life too.
Each of the new-found friends has their own problem; Elle with her issues of depression, Jane still feeling isolated, Leslie battling with the gene that haunts her. And of course, Tom and his missing wife. As they all get together, the friendships start to bloom, and they stick together through the most disastrous of times, showing that true friends stay together whatever happens, and will help each other until the very end.
The book begins with a series of letters, which grip you from the start. The letters introduce you to the characters before the real story begins.
Without giving too much away, I can honestly say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I read the entire novel in a day, quite simply because it's so addictive and finishing every chapter leaves you desperate to find out what happens next. The life of each of the characters is a different, equally intriguing story, and each ties in to the plot of Alexandra's disappearance.
The One I Love is a fantastic book, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone!
Rating: 5/5
