One Day

One Day (2009) is a romance novel by British novelist and screenwriter David Nicholls.

The novel traces the relationship of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew across two decades, beginning on their graduation day—July 15, 1988. Each year, on the same date, the story revisits them, chronicling the evolution of their friendship, the progression of their careers, and the eventual blossoming of their romance. Emma later dies on July 15. One Day explores themes of personal growth, the intricate dynamics of relationships, and the nature of life.

One Day was honored as the 2010 Galaxy Book of the Year. Nicholls later adapted the novel into a screenplay—the film, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, was released in August 2011. Additionally, a television series adaptation premiered on Netflix on February 8, 2024.

This guide refers to the 2019 e-book edition of One Day by Hodder & Stoughton.

Content Warning: This guide and source material contain references to alcohol misuse and substance use disorder.

Plot Summary

Narrated from a third-person perspective, switching between Emma and Dexter’s viewpoints, the novel begins on July 15, 1988—St. Swithin’s Day. After four years of college, Emma and Dexter graduate from the University of Edinburgh.