One Plus One

Summary

The novel «One Plus One» by Jojo Moyes tells the story of Jess Thomas, a single mother struggling to make ends meet while raising two children: Tanzie, a math prodigy, and her stepson Nicky, who is bullied at school. Jess's life takes a turn when she meets Ed Nicholls, a successful businessman going through a personal crisis. Together, they embark on a journey to take Tanzie to a math competition, facing various challenges and trials along the way. Gradually, feelings develop between Jess and Ed, and they begin to realize that despite their differences, they can become a family. The novel explores themes of love, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit, showing how unexpected encounters can change lives for the better.

Main Ideas

• The strength of family and the importance of supporting each other in tough times
• Overcoming life's challenges and striving for a better future
• Unexpected friendships and love that arise between people from different social backgrounds
• The impact of financial struggles on family life and ways to overcome them
• Personal growth and changes that occur with the characters throughout their journey
• The importance of honesty and trust in relationships
• The power of optimism and belief in a better future despite difficulties

Main Characters and Their Development

• Jess Thomas - a single mother who tries her hardest to provide for her children. She is optimistic and determined despite the challenges she faces. Throughout the book, Jess learns to accept help from others and realizes that sometimes it's okay to be vulnerable.
• Ed Nicholls - a successful businessman who finds himself in a difficult situation due to a mistake at work. At the beginning of the book, he is withdrawn and focused on his own problems, but as the story progresses, Ed becomes more open and caring, helping Jess and her family.
• Tanzie - Jess's daughter, a talented and intelligent girl who strives for success in mathematics. She faces challenges at school due to her talent, but with the support of her family and Ed, she gains confidence in herself.
• Nicky - Jess's stepson, who suffers from bullying at school. He is withdrawn and lacks self-confidence, but with the support of Jess and Ed, he begins to accept himself and gains confidence.
• Norman - a large and good-natured dog who accompanies the family on their journey. He symbolizes loyalty and support, helping to unite all the characters.

Interesting Facts

• The book tells the story of an unconventional family consisting of single mother Jess, her daughter Tanzie, and stepson Nicky, who set out on a journey to change their lives.
• One of the key themes of the book is social inequality and the struggle to survive in difficult economic conditions.
• The story shows how a chance encounter with successful businessman Ed Nicholls changes the lives of the main characters and helps them overcome difficulties.
• The book addresses the issue of bullying that Nicky faces at school and shows how family support helps him deal with this problem.
• The narrative is told from the perspectives of several characters, allowing for a deeper understanding of their inner worlds and motivations.

Book Review

The novel «One Plus One» by Jojo Moyes has received positive reviews from critics for its touching and inspiring story. The book tells the story of single mother Jess Thomas, who tries her hardest to provide for her children. Critics note that Moyes masterfully creates character portraits, making them vivid and realistic. Special attention is given to the development of the relationship between Jess and Ed Nicholls, a successful businessman who unexpectedly becomes involved in Jess's family life. Their journey together becomes not only physical but also emotional, allowing each character to reassess their life priorities. Critics highlight that Moyes successfully combines humor and drama, creating a story that touches on important themes such as family, love, and the struggle for a better future. Despite the predictability of some plot lines, the book evokes genuine emotions and leaves a warm aftertaste.