In the midst of a One Day obsession infusing popular culture once again thanks to the excellent new Netflix series, renowned British author David Nicholls dropped his latest release, You Are Here. This new offering contains much more of the author’s signature British banter, authentic characters and frank, honest dialogue.
But, I’m not sure it will appeal to exactly the same market. Our protagonists in You Are Here are approaching middle age; Marnie and Michael are in their late thirties and early forties, respectively. Both recovering from difficult relationships, they find themselves at a lonely crossroads in their lives.
The two protagonists are confident, well-rounded and successful in their own ways – but they’re at a point where it’s difficult to forge new relationships – whether that’s friendship or more – both settled into their routines and comfortable in their way of life. Cue an opportunity to take them out of their comfort zone – as the story opens a mutual friend invites the two on a weekend walking break, hiking the English Lake District.
The majority of the story takes place over the course of around a week. The group meet, and slowly dissipate, until it’s just the two who remain. And so they walk, and talk, and that’s most of the book.
In this way, it’s extremely different to Nicholls’ most prevalent work, One Day, as this story covers a short amount of time with protagonists at different points in their lives. But, the author still has the same subtle touch when it comes to bringing a relationship to life, in a slow, awkward manner which makes it feel all too real. This time, it has the bonus of a beautiful backdrop to enjoy the journey.
I really enjoyed reading about these characters both separately and together. Even their relatively mundane jobs are brought to life under the author’s steer, from Marnie diligently copy-editing an erotica novel full of unrealistic orgies, to geography teacher Michael’s passion for rocks and walls. Their awkward mannerisms and they way they struggled to express their feelings felt authentic, unlike the insta-love often found in romance novels.
“If only there was something humans could do, a system of mutually comprehended sounds and gestures to express thoughts and feelings.”
Ultimately, this is a quiet, unassuming and wistful novel with a message of hope for finding love against the odds. It’s not unlike the other releases from this author I’ve read, but without the gut-punching drama of some. Instead, You Are Here is imbued with a quiet melancholy, accompanied by the steady beat of a long walk.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. 4/5.
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