It’s been a while since i read an Amanda Prowse book. The last one was Women like Us, which was her memoirs, and so I couldn’t wait to dive back into her stories. Having already read Christmas for One, An Ordinary Life to name but a few I already had a good grasp of her writing, but this one gripped me, especially as it’s about how the main protagonist copes when her life is dramatically changed, which I can relate to given recent events.
Edith Madeleine, or Madeline to most people, grew up in a tower block with her mum and dad in the middle of a council estate in London. But she longs for a better life and is determined to make sure she doesn’t live her whole life like her parents. But, when a major life event occurs, she is knocked off course, and whether she wants it to or not, it drastically changes her life. For the better? For the worse? Only time can tell.
This story is told in multiple timelines of Madeline’s life which I love and is something we have seen before in Waiting to Begin which once again is executed so superbly to give the reader a more indepth insight into the characters life.
This One Life is about exactly what it’s called. It’s about how you live this one life we have and the decisions we make, which can completely change the trajectory you were on before, but that it needn’t be a bad thing. Life is full of twists and turns just like a book, and Madeline’s life is no exception. Her desire, her determination to have money and live a life of luxury, at times, blindsides her to her own happiness and the potential joy she could be feeling if she let herself enjoy moments and events, even if they weren’t in her original plan.
This One Life highlights the importance of being able to remain flexible and open-minded even when life throws you a major curve ball you don’t believe you can recover from. Having recently been made redundant, I needed this book more than I realised. It helped me remember to accept that life doesn’t always go to plan no matter how committed you are, but it’s not always as dire as you first believe. Out of what you believe is bad news, happier, better times can occur if you embrace them and accept the change.
Although Madeline’s life changes were much more extreme, they still rocked her life and knocked her off course and put her on a slightly different path in life. But her commitment and at times obstinate attitude of the direction she needs to go in life stopped her seeing the other paths she could take and how this one life isn’t just black and white. We all know there are lots of grey areas in life and there are ways to have both the world she wants and remain a part of her old life.
Amanda Prowse has been called the Queen of Family Drama, and she has once again thoroughly earned this title. This was an emotional, thought-provoking, moving read, which I would highly recommend, especially if you are going through a lot of changes in life as it will certainly help you gain perspective.
From family drama, fights, romances, and relationships, This One Life has it all, just like real life, and it was such a beautiful read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – an emotional, thought-provoking read, beautifully crafted, and written with love.
Do you enjoy family dramas? Which is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.
Much love ❤️
Lizzieslittlebooknook 