The One by John Marrs Published by Hanover Square Press on March 1, 2018
Pages: 416
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How far would you go to find The One?
A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner the one you are genetically made for.
That’s the promise made by Match Your DNA. A decade ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless relationships and upended the traditional ideas of dating, romance and love.
Now five very different people have received the notification that they’ve been “Matched.” They’re each about to meet their one true love. But “happily ever after” isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others…
A word-of-mouth hit in the United Kingdom, The One is a fascinating novel that shows how even the simplest discoveries can have complicated consequences.
Bantering Books Review
Have you ever had a book not sit right with you? Or just feel off?
This describes my experience with The One, the uber-popular, best-selling novel by John Marrs. Because while I read it, a knot of discontent formed and grew ever larger in my stomach as I slowly became sickened by the unfolding story.
The source of the stomach knot? The female characterization. Which is hugely problematic, seeing as the novel stars a female-centric cast.
Stereotypical and shallow is how I would describe it. And so very one-sided. Nearly all the women are framed as unstable and immoral, yet we are somehow led to feel pity for the two male leads, both of whom commit equally grievous and/or far worse acts. The double standard is laughable.
Whore is even flung about on one occasion. I truly despise that word.
I can see why the novel is a favorite of so many, though. The premise is fun – five people meet their perfect, DNA-matched life partners by swabbing their cheeks – and the story is undeniably wild. Marrs for sure knows how to thrill and shock, which makes for some entertaining and fast-paced reading.
But sadly, The One did nothing more than leave a bad taste in my mouth – and the bitterness of it still lingers.
