Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
From the moment the Fitzmaurice family steps onto the page, One of Us feels like a slow, tightening coil of privilege, ambition and unresolved grudges. Elizabeth Day brings together old friends, old wounds and old scandals in a way that immediately sets the stage for betrayal. At the heart of the novel is Martin, a man once inseparable from Ben Fitzmaurice until a disastrous 40th birthday party shattered their friendship. Seven years later, the unexpected invitation back into Ben’s world reads like a trap and a temptation. Ben is now a rising political star, rumoured to be the next Prime Minister, and the Fitzmaurice dynasty appears dazzling from a distance yet deeply fractured at its core. The set up is rich with tension, creating the sense that every returning character carries both an agenda and a secret.

✅ What I Liked:
The character work is the novel’s strongest asset. Day gives each member of the Fitzmaurice clan a distinct emotional burden, from Serena’s quiet suffocation within her polished life to Cosima’s rebellious fight against the very system that built her family. Martin’s simmering resentment is compelling and uncomfortable, making him an excellent lens through which to view the family’s cracks. Fliss’s death, hovering like a shadow over everyone left behind, adds a powerful emotional weight and a lingering sense of mystery. The political backdrop feels authentic without overwhelming the interpersonal drama. I also loved how the story lets privilege rot from the inside, revealing hypocrisy, fragile loyalty and the consequences of unchecked power.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The pacing occasionally lingers, particularly in the sections dealing with political manoeuvring, and the constant shifts between perspectives may briefly pull some readers out of the moment. There are also points where Martin’s motivations feel slightly repetitive, although this does reflect his fixation on revenge. A few threads feel intentionally ambiguous, which works thematically but may leave readers wanting clearer closure.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy novels that blend political ambition, family dysfunction and psychological tension, this is an excellent choice. The story feels timely, grounded in the realities of modern British power structures while remaining intimate enough to invest emotionally in the characters. Readers who love multi-layered narratives filled with secrets, shifting alliances and moral ambiguity will find this deeply satisfying. It is perfect for anyone who wants their fiction to explore the messy human cost of power.

💭 Final Thoughts:
One of Us is sharp, atmospheric and quietly devastating. Elizabeth Day weaves together betrayal, loyalty, privilege and revenge into a story that feels both contemporary and timeless. The Fitzmaurice family is captivating in its dysfunction, and Martin’s return to their orbit triggers a gripping unravelling that holds your attention to the final page. It is the sort of novel that lingers, leaving you thinking about who gets to belong, who pays the price for power and what loyalty truly means.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A taut, character-driven political drama simmering with secrets