One by John Marrs
It’s been a demanding time, domestically, in the last few weeks, and I have also just finished reading an intelligent, complex sci fi novel whilst working my way through a footnote-heavy, academic book defending British colonialism. I decided, therefore, to give my brain a rest. In quick time, and without my usual level of pre-research, I chose One. The reviews enthused about its twists and turns and page turning quality, and the short blurb about the book’s central conceit drew me in. The Mcguffin is simple: it’s our familiar, contemporary world but a scientific breakthrough has changed everything – for a small charge a company will supply you with a DNA test that enables you to find a match with just the right person for you, your genetic soul mate, the One. The world is now split between those who have taken the test and linked up with their match and those who decide to follow the traditional route for finding a partner. Now people can choose certainty or take a chance.
It’s a great set up for a novel but perhaps too fanciful an idea. Well, perhaps, but as I approach my old age, I expect in my dotage to be transported by a driverless car, have my incontinence cleared up by a robot and read fantastic novels written by AI. So, perhaps it doesn’t seem quite a credibility stretch.
It’s a deceptively easy book to read because it is split into short chapters following five characters – Ellie, Nick, Jade, Christopher and Mandy – very different people who have taken the test for a variety of different reasons, with significant consequences for them all. Their stories never quite come together but that is because Marrs wants to explore different reactions to, and consequences from, finding the One. To make that constantly gripping, it is vital that each of the five characters are fully realised and engage the readers’ interest; and Marrs succeeds in doing that.
It would be easy to let a spoiler slip out so I’ll stick to generalities and say that we see positive and negative consequences for the characters from taking the test and contacting their match. The negative consequences include thriller elements that arise from one of the characters and there is also an interesting consideration of the ethical and philosophical questions that arise from the genetic test.
It’s fair to say that I saw some of the twists and turns coming and some were wrong-footing. However, because Marrs and the reader invest in the characters all of the plot developments land. Yes, this may be a superior beach read but, hey, that’s what I wanted and this book delivers.