The One

 

By John Marrs

Review

A scientific discovery has been made that can match your DNA with that of your perfect partner. It has revolutionised how to find a soulmate. A simple swab is all it takes. However, there are downsides — the breakup of innumerable 'unmatched' relationships and the loss of traditional methods of falling in love. The story follows five people as they set out to find 'the one' and the consequences that follow.

While I loved the idea of DNA matching and the slippery slope it led towards, I found the book rather long-winded. Don't get me wrong, it was a marvellous character-driven novel (if you like that sort of thing) but I found myself wishing it would hurry up and get to the crux of the five protagonists' stories.

The jumping around between characters with alternating chapters was confusing at times; especially with five separate stories unfolding. I do like that format but feel it only works well with fewer characters. Yes, I enjoyed the book but it was a bit of a slog if I'm perfectly honest.

★★★☆☆

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey
• Publication Year: 2017
• Author: John Marrs
• Genre: Thriller, Science Fiction

Synopsis

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’re 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…