The One

by Russell Beneke

A year after losing the only girl he ever loved to her overnight fame, a dream-driven, struggling New York City novelist cannot write or move on with his life. But when he learns the girl he loved is living in Sydney, Australia, he abandons everything and moves there to find her, convinced he can win her back if they see each other again. Though his search initially leads to dead-ends, depleting what little money he has and leaving him on the brink, the journey invigorates his writing, spawning chapters like he has never composed, ones that allow him to discover the reality of who he is and the universe he is experiencing. However, the story he tells about his life begins to consume him, limiting who he can become and his potential for new happiness in Australia. And thus a war begins as his mind tries to convince his heart to give up looking for the girl he used to know, a pursuit that has only brought him disappointment and pain. But love is the greatest dare, a lure into the abyss, a dream he cannot resist following until the very end. What emerges is a bold, ominous, cerebral, emotional, and ultimately triumphant story about who we are and why we are, one that blows apart the pervasive illusions that lead us to despair. This highly accessible, innovative and thought-provoking novel lays bare the deadly yet transformative power of the one thing we all want—love.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

338 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2012

Reviews

[Michele Whitecotton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story was a complete waste of two days of my life. It should have been called "Get Over It". This man made some of the poorest life choices imaginable, it's no wonder she ran all over the world trying to get away from this creepy stalker. Hated it!!!

[Amy Rollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I do know the author so my opinion is not going to be completely objective. We used to hang out in his NYC apartment, smoke pot, and have long philosophical discussions. He is an incredibly smart and perceptive person. I've wanted to read something he's written since we met. We fell out of touch a few years ago, so I was pleasantly surprised when I received the email announcing the release of The One. (I was unaware he had previously published Throw This Away In a Beautiful Way, but will surely be reading it in the near future.)

That being said, if I didn't like the book I wouldn't be writing a review.

The writing is good, better than I expected. His intelligence is obvious, yet accessible. The philosophical parables interspersed throughout the novel strengthen the story in a lovely way. The existential questions are interesting: happiness found within vs. without, whether having the thing you love is for better or for worse, and various other threads about the experience of being alive. The central theme of love and heartbreak is, of course, relatable. The characters surrounding the protagonist tell him over and over to forget her and move on. Yet he doesn't because he can't. We all have to do things on our own time, learning lessons our own way. What's that they say? Knowledge becomes wisdom through personal experience.

Most people would not chase a lost love halfway across the world. While I did start to feel a bit creeped out putting myself in Elysia's shoes, I realized that was a surface reaction. They had something special, but were inconvenienced because of location. Russell made his best and bravest attempts to break down the barrier of distance. In effect, he did what most people are too complacent to do: he gave her his heart. She threw it on the ground to stomp all over it.

[DCT · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I liked or loathed this story. This is the first book that has left me not knowing what I really felt about it. There is no doubt that this author is extremely talented in prose and story telling. There were many elements that were so beautifully written, it truly made me feel as though I was right there. But the story of Russell's mission/quest to reunite with Elysia was truly sad to me; I just couldn't buy into it and I just couldn't engage myself into it. I kept finding myself cringing at his numerous attempts to recapture what he once had with her, it was just too much; enough already. Many times I'd find myself rooting for the underdog, wanting him to win the prize and obtain his hearts desire, but after the 3rd or so attempt it was just too desperate and difficult to "watch" or read as the case maybe. By the time I got to the end of his self discovery, I was exhausted. Wow?

[Jo Notary]

682kb, A year after losing the only girl he ever loved to her overnight fame, a struggling New York City novelist cannot write or move on with his life. But when he learns the girl he loved is living in Sydney, Australia, he abandons everything and moves there to find her. Though his search leads to dead-ends, depleting what little money he, the journey invigorates his writing. What emerges is a bold, ominous, cerebral, emotional, and ultimately triumphant story about who we are and why we are, one that blows apart the pervasive illusions that lead us to despair. This highly accessible, innovative and thought-provoking novel lays bare the deadly yet transformative power of the one thing we all want 14love.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the story was kind of interesting as a work of fiction, but once I realized that this is basically Russell Beneke's memoirs of his obsession and chase of Australian celebrity Rachael Finch I started to get the creepy vibe. He could have done a much better job of masking her true identity (a very quick Google search will confirm whom he is writing about). I am not sure if Mr. Beneke wrote this book to be read by the public, or if it is intended to be a last-ditch effort to 'win-back' Rachael.

[Mel burge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the different perspective this author showed in a non tradional kind of way with a love story. Hard to tell at times if non fiction verses fiction but in any event Mr. Beneke showed and told a story that mosst of us at one point in time of our lives only dreamnt about doing to chase our dream of that one love that always held heart in a most special way. I loved how the ending was not what we are use to in most love stories.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the stupidest stories I have ever read. It's a tale of unrequited love, poor choices and better living through chemistry. I had a really hard time liking or admiring any of the characters which makes it really hard for me to enjoy the book. I though about giving it two stars because I actually read it all the way through. I couldn't help but hope that the author would give me something to chew on at the end. Which, sadly, he didn't.

This was not a free book for nothing.

[Yvonna · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a waste of time! I must be an idiot for finishing this dreadful story! I'd be interested in his benefactor, and how he wasted his money on this loser who lives his life wrapped around some selfish woman.

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe I finished it, it really was not worth the time.

[Carla Roehl-steinhaus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh, what to say? I like the authors style of writing but this story is pathetic! I mean gag me with a spoon pathetic!!