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Een van ons
Martin en Ben waren jarenlang beste vrienden, tot Ben Martins leven ruïneerde. Als Martin na zeven jaar stilte een uitnodiging ontvangt om terug te keren naar de familie Fitzmaurice, kan hij de kans om wraak te nemen dus niet weerstaan.
Ben wordt inmiddels getipt als de volgende premier. Maar Martin ziet wel wat zwakke plekken: Bens vrouw, bij wie het bevoorrechte bestaan begint te wringen. Hun dochter, die vecht tegen alles waar haar ouders voor staan. Een in ongenade gevallen parlementslid, vastbesloten om zijn comeback te maken. En Bens zus, wier
vroegtijdige dood veel vragen oproept.
Martin en Ben worden gedwongen onder ogen te zien wat liefde werkelijk betekent, als familie, macht en loyaliteit op het spel staan.
In dit onweerstaanbare verhaal over bedrog, oude banden en verzwegen schandalen wordt een gegoede Britse familie geconfronteerd met de consequenties van privilege en de prijs van macht.
Een van ons is het langverwachte vervolg op de bestseller Het feest.
Ben wordt inmiddels getipt als de volgende premier. Maar Martin ziet wel wat zwakke plekken: Bens vrouw, bij wie het bevoorrechte bestaan begint te wringen. Hun dochter, die vecht tegen alles waar haar ouders voor staan. Een in ongenade gevallen parlementslid, vastbesloten om zijn comeback te maken. En Bens zus, wier
vroegtijdige dood veel vragen oproept.
Martin en Ben worden gedwongen onder ogen te zien wat liefde werkelijk betekent, als familie, macht en loyaliteit op het spel staan.
In dit onweerstaanbare verhaal over bedrog, oude banden en verzwegen schandalen wordt een gegoede Britse familie geconfronteerd met de consequenties van privilege en de prijs van macht.
Een van ons is het langverwachte vervolg op de bestseller Het feest.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2025
1333 people are currently reading
38392 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Day
20 books1,928 followersElizabeth Day is the author of The Party and other books, as well as one of the most influential podcasters at work today. Her show, How to Fail, has become a go-to hitmaker, launching authors such as Meg Mason and Glennon Doyle onto the bestseller list in the UK. She divides her time between London and Los Angeles.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 614 reviews
June 13, 2025
Art lecturer Martin Gilmour is forced to attend therapy sessions for his inadvertent use of a word deemed unacceptable by one of his students. He’s not happy about it and makes that abundantly clear, in fact, he’s a bubbling cauldron of fury, resentment, jealousy – you name it. Some of Martin’s many issues emanate from Ben Fitzmaurice, an old school friend for whom he does a massive favour years ago and then is unceremoniously dropped from the inner sanctum at Ben’s 40th birthday party. To his great surprise, seven years on, he receives an invitation from the Fitzmaurice clan which may provide an opportunity for revenge, to put a spoke in the wheel of Ben’s meteoric rise through the political ranks. Then there’s aristocratic Serena, Ben‘s wife, who is slipping into the menopause with increasing disillusion about pretty much everything. Their eldest daughter, 17 year old Cosima is an environmental activist with which her troubled Aunt Fliss sympathises but her parents less so. Finally, there’s disgraced MP Richard Take whose desire/need for a comeback takes him into less than salubrious territory but it’s fair to say he requires a reinvention. Their stories intertwine as their lives dramatically unravel as buried secrets come to the surface while ‘flexible truths’ reveal their actual truth. Each story blends and melds seamlessly. It’s a day of reckoning with multiple onlookers.
Witty, hilarious, juicy, salacious, delicious, ambitious, obnoxious, treacherous and perhaps forgiveness? I just love the tone that Elizabeth Day strikes in her novels and it’s just so cleverly simple. The insertion of maybe a couple of words and you have irony, humour, devastating wit or perception but frequently humour and it’s the sending up kind with nails hit firmly on heads. The end result is highly entertaining with a frequent chuckle or a nod in agreement.
This is a novel about privilege, the “ruling classes”, it’s about power and greed and what that can mean and lead to, it’s about climbing the greasy pole of politics and about betrayal and revenge. It’s impressive and powerful, fantastically observed with pinpoint characterisation though few are likeable. Martin is a complex man and hard to weigh up, is he a yes man or an avenging angel? I grow to like him and also Cosima whose heart is in the right place even if her tactics aren’t. It’s perfectly pitched and paced, extremely insightful and with moments of tension. I really like the ending as everything comes at a price.
Overall, it’s a highly entertaining read from beginning to end and one I can recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to 4th Estate for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Witty, hilarious, juicy, salacious, delicious, ambitious, obnoxious, treacherous and perhaps forgiveness? I just love the tone that Elizabeth Day strikes in her novels and it’s just so cleverly simple. The insertion of maybe a couple of words and you have irony, humour, devastating wit or perception but frequently humour and it’s the sending up kind with nails hit firmly on heads. The end result is highly entertaining with a frequent chuckle or a nod in agreement.
This is a novel about privilege, the “ruling classes”, it’s about power and greed and what that can mean and lead to, it’s about climbing the greasy pole of politics and about betrayal and revenge. It’s impressive and powerful, fantastically observed with pinpoint characterisation though few are likeable. Martin is a complex man and hard to weigh up, is he a yes man or an avenging angel? I grow to like him and also Cosima whose heart is in the right place even if her tactics aren’t. It’s perfectly pitched and paced, extremely insightful and with moments of tension. I really like the ending as everything comes at a price.
Overall, it’s a highly entertaining read from beginning to end and one I can recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to 4th Estate for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
March 8, 2026
A nuanced tale of class, identity, friendship, and privilege, One of Us also delivered quite the takedown of the British elite. Scathing and critical yet with a dark comedic edge, it not only took a hard look at the aristocracy, but the political system as well. It was the way it was done, though, that made this book shine. You see, by weaving together the multiple perspectives of this morally corrupt crew, their scandals, betrayals, and frauds were slowly and enticingly pulled out one by one. A brilliant character study of rich men behaving badly as they hopefully—but rarely—learn right from wrong, I was swept up in the words as this timely exposé of power and wealth hit all the right chords. Just be forewarned that it was far more of a women’s-slash-literary fiction mashup than a mystery or a thriller. That being said, it was also a one-sitting read.
The only piece to this sharp, witty read that wasn’t an utter home run was the slow pace throughout the first two-thirds of the novel. Establishing the backgrounds for these complex yet mostly unlikeable characters, it helped me connect to them despite their narcissistic ways. You see, with a heavy dose of biting social commentary alongside the delicious juicy drama, their long-buried secrets and well-hidden lies revealed a deeply observant look at the damaging effects of the abuse of power. Pitch perfect, evenly paced, and with surprisingly tense moments here and there, I was kind of shocked how much I enjoyed this one by the end. After all, it’s a genre rarely found on my shelves, but thanks to the giggle-worthy one-liners, thought-provoking themes, and on-point characterizations, it was ultimately a win. Rating of 4 stars.
P.S. Just a heads up that this book is technically a sequel. Considering that I didn’t realize that fact until after I flipped the last page, I think that it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, if you love following character development over the course of a series, perhaps read The Party before diving into this one. After all, the finale makes me think there just might be another book coming soon.
SYNOPSIS:
When Fliss, the eccentric grown daughter of the powerful Fitzmaurice clan, is found dead on beach in Bali, what seems like a tragic accident stirs more suspicion than closure for those who’ve traded favors with—and within—her family for decades.
There is Ben, Fliss’s brother, eager to minimize his sister’s passing, since it’s suddenly clear he’s next in line to be Prime Minister. And Martin—Ben’s erstwhile best friend—who is just happy that Fliss’s memorial gives him the chance to re-enter the Fitzmaurice orbit, seeking revenge and acceptance. He can’t help but notice that Ben’s wife, Serena, seems to have discovered in middle age that her privileged existence is more like a gilded cage. Or that Ben and Serena’s daughter Cosima has become an environmental activist fighting against everything her parents seem to stand for—a pivot her late aunt would’ve applauded. Where does Richard Take—Ben's disgraced colleague, determined to make his big comeback, fit in? And circling them all is Andrew Jarvis and his money: Has he been their loyal hero, or the one who has thrown his weight around just to keep them all in check?
Thank you Elizabeth Day and Viking Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 24, 2026
Content warning: eating disorder, infidelity, sex, outing, homophobia, drug use, addiction/alcoholism, rape, suicide, mention of: incest/molestation
The only piece to this sharp, witty read that wasn’t an utter home run was the slow pace throughout the first two-thirds of the novel. Establishing the backgrounds for these complex yet mostly unlikeable characters, it helped me connect to them despite their narcissistic ways. You see, with a heavy dose of biting social commentary alongside the delicious juicy drama, their long-buried secrets and well-hidden lies revealed a deeply observant look at the damaging effects of the abuse of power. Pitch perfect, evenly paced, and with surprisingly tense moments here and there, I was kind of shocked how much I enjoyed this one by the end. After all, it’s a genre rarely found on my shelves, but thanks to the giggle-worthy one-liners, thought-provoking themes, and on-point characterizations, it was ultimately a win. Rating of 4 stars.
P.S. Just a heads up that this book is technically a sequel. Considering that I didn’t realize that fact until after I flipped the last page, I think that it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, if you love following character development over the course of a series, perhaps read The Party before diving into this one. After all, the finale makes me think there just might be another book coming soon.
SYNOPSIS:
When Fliss, the eccentric grown daughter of the powerful Fitzmaurice clan, is found dead on beach in Bali, what seems like a tragic accident stirs more suspicion than closure for those who’ve traded favors with—and within—her family for decades.
There is Ben, Fliss’s brother, eager to minimize his sister’s passing, since it’s suddenly clear he’s next in line to be Prime Minister. And Martin—Ben’s erstwhile best friend—who is just happy that Fliss’s memorial gives him the chance to re-enter the Fitzmaurice orbit, seeking revenge and acceptance. He can’t help but notice that Ben’s wife, Serena, seems to have discovered in middle age that her privileged existence is more like a gilded cage. Or that Ben and Serena’s daughter Cosima has become an environmental activist fighting against everything her parents seem to stand for—a pivot her late aunt would’ve applauded. Where does Richard Take—Ben's disgraced colleague, determined to make his big comeback, fit in? And circling them all is Andrew Jarvis and his money: Has he been their loyal hero, or the one who has thrown his weight around just to keep them all in check?
Thank you Elizabeth Day and Viking Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 24, 2026
Content warning: eating disorder, infidelity, sex, outing, homophobia, drug use, addiction/alcoholism, rape, suicide, mention of: incest/molestation
March 9, 2026
Elizabeth Day returns us to the world of the Fitzmaurice family, and Martin, the estranged friend of the family, after the conclusion of The Party (a 5 star book for me).
I'm going to hold off on a re-cap of the story. There are a lot of moving players and parts and I'm completely dumfounded on how to summarize it.
High society and right-wing conservative politics hold very little interest for me yet I requested this sequel having loved the first so much. A testament to Day's exquisite writing to be sure. Of course all the gossip and salacious details can certainly captivate an audience, me included.
My biggest complaint? I read The Party in 2018 and here, finally, the follow up in 2026. My old brain worried I would be lost but I needn't have worried. I was easily brought back into the fray of old money elite's and their scandalous behavior.
The ending, while satisfying in and of itself, is a bit of a cliffhanger. One that I'm eager to sink my teeth into but I beg of you, Elizabeth Day - please don't make me wait so long this time around. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for my complimentary copy.
I'm going to hold off on a re-cap of the story. There are a lot of moving players and parts and I'm completely dumfounded on how to summarize it.
High society and right-wing conservative politics hold very little interest for me yet I requested this sequel having loved the first so much. A testament to Day's exquisite writing to be sure. Of course all the gossip and salacious details can certainly captivate an audience, me included.
My biggest complaint? I read The Party in 2018 and here, finally, the follow up in 2026. My old brain worried I would be lost but I needn't have worried. I was easily brought back into the fray of old money elite's and their scandalous behavior.
The ending, while satisfying in and of itself, is a bit of a cliffhanger. One that I'm eager to sink my teeth into but I beg of you, Elizabeth Day - please don't make me wait so long this time around. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for my complimentary copy.
January 6, 2026
This is the sequel to 'The Party ' which I read a couple of years ago. In that book, the protagonist Martin Gilmour, had to reassess his relationship with his 'best friend' at university, Ben Fitzmaurice, and learn the consequences of trying to fit into a class structure he clearly did not belong to.
In 'One of us' the time frame has moved forward 20 plus years and the story brings us up to date with how Martin and other key characters from the first book have survived and developed since then.
Set against a backdrop of corruption and scandal within the British political system, each of the characters narrates their own chapters to explain their individual viewpoints about how they feel about everyone else.
The story is full of double-dealing, betrayal, adultery and revenge as ambitious men in powerful positions act in their own best interests to get to the top. Will they get away with everything though? Especially as everyone bears a grudge against someone in their group. Bad men acting very badly. Great storytelling and a well written book. Recommended for readers who enjoy political intrigue and clever plot twists. Although this is a sequel, it can be read as a standalone novel.
In 'One of us' the time frame has moved forward 20 plus years and the story brings us up to date with how Martin and other key characters from the first book have survived and developed since then.
Set against a backdrop of corruption and scandal within the British political system, each of the characters narrates their own chapters to explain their individual viewpoints about how they feel about everyone else.
The story is full of double-dealing, betrayal, adultery and revenge as ambitious men in powerful positions act in their own best interests to get to the top. Will they get away with everything though? Especially as everyone bears a grudge against someone in their group. Bad men acting very badly. Great storytelling and a well written book. Recommended for readers who enjoy political intrigue and clever plot twists. Although this is a sequel, it can be read as a standalone novel.
July 17, 2025
This is my first read of Elizabeth Day and I have to say I enjoyed the experience overall.
One Of Us is the story of a family of privilege in modern day England and their dysfunction as they bury secrets and use the class system to its full to try and attain absolute power, a power in its search alone that corrupts and suppresses the skeletons in their closets. That is of course until events conspire for those who feel wronged to plot a path for their downfall.
This one is told from multiple characters points of view and, going into it blind I was unsure of where it was going and what it was going to be. Initially very witty and funny, it seemed like a little humorous dig at the obvious class system in England that is still so prevalent with some less than savoury characters peppering the story.
But as we get to know them and the story evolves so does the tone as it goes down a darker path and suddenly becomes more “real”.
It’s a weird one. It’s a cast of unlikeable, self absorbed characters that are totally narcissistic and with whom you spend the whole book with. It’s tonally a little uneven, changing from straight up humour to very serious and disturbing topics while shining a light on that class system and how power corrupts. It shouldn’t really work but it somehow does. You still feel like an outsider looking in when spending time with these characters rather than being invested in them and their stories but at the same time I found it hard to put the book down, I needed to find out what happened next.
So it’s an oddity. One that’s hard to put a badge on but I thought it was a great and interesting read and one that I had a really fun time reading.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
One Of Us is the story of a family of privilege in modern day England and their dysfunction as they bury secrets and use the class system to its full to try and attain absolute power, a power in its search alone that corrupts and suppresses the skeletons in their closets. That is of course until events conspire for those who feel wronged to plot a path for their downfall.
This one is told from multiple characters points of view and, going into it blind I was unsure of where it was going and what it was going to be. Initially very witty and funny, it seemed like a little humorous dig at the obvious class system in England that is still so prevalent with some less than savoury characters peppering the story.
But as we get to know them and the story evolves so does the tone as it goes down a darker path and suddenly becomes more “real”.
It’s a weird one. It’s a cast of unlikeable, self absorbed characters that are totally narcissistic and with whom you spend the whole book with. It’s tonally a little uneven, changing from straight up humour to very serious and disturbing topics while shining a light on that class system and how power corrupts. It shouldn’t really work but it somehow does. You still feel like an outsider looking in when spending time with these characters rather than being invested in them and their stories but at the same time I found it hard to put the book down, I needed to find out what happened next.
So it’s an oddity. One that’s hard to put a badge on but I thought it was a great and interesting read and one that I had a really fun time reading.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
July 15, 2025
While I can absolutely appreciate why so many have rated One of Us so highly, I personally found it quite dull. Day is a fantastic, witty writer but reading about a bunch of unlikeable (with the exception of Fliss and Cosmina), privileged characters who always seem to come out on top regardless of what they did felt too close to reality for me to get much enjoyment out of. I loved Magpie from the author and it was much more my reading style so perhaps a case of wrong reader, wrong book on this occasion.
November 9, 2025
3.5 / 5.0
It’s a pleasant read from start to finish, it had a steady pace and logical plot. However it does touch upon SA and right- wing type politics with some transphobic comments at points (so if that’s not your cup of tea this book probably isn’t it). It’s all high class and upper Echleon member of society type vibes set in the UK, specifically in London and Cambridge. The book is centred around secretly, betrayal, suicide and politics- but I wouldn’t say this book is thrilling or suspense at all. It’s a slow steady paced book but there isn’t many twists. It’s an ok book, I didn’t know what to expect but didn’t have a bad experience reading it’s ok. It’s a short read, but there is a lot of words on one page!
The book is centred around several characters all with a past and an agenda. We meet Martin and Ben who were best mates for decades until the terrible events at Ben’s 40th birthday party which tore their friendship apart. Martin receives an invitation to the dazzling Fitzmaurice family after been shunted 7 years ago but he can’t resist the chance for revenge. Ben wants to be the next prime minster but Martin he a few tricks up his sleeve. We then meet a few other interesting characters and family dynamics which includes his wife serena, his daughter Cosima who is an environmental activist and the disgraced MP Richard Take - but then there’s Fliss the family’s balck sheep who’s death sparked more confusion then closure. It’s a book full of interwoven stories and we progressively see the unravelling of secrets held onto for years!
It’s an ok mild read, it’s not that bad but it’s very bland- but digestible.
It’s a pleasant read from start to finish, it had a steady pace and logical plot. However it does touch upon SA and right- wing type politics with some transphobic comments at points (so if that’s not your cup of tea this book probably isn’t it). It’s all high class and upper Echleon member of society type vibes set in the UK, specifically in London and Cambridge. The book is centred around secretly, betrayal, suicide and politics- but I wouldn’t say this book is thrilling or suspense at all. It’s a slow steady paced book but there isn’t many twists. It’s an ok book, I didn’t know what to expect but didn’t have a bad experience reading it’s ok. It’s a short read, but there is a lot of words on one page!
The book is centred around several characters all with a past and an agenda. We meet Martin and Ben who were best mates for decades until the terrible events at Ben’s 40th birthday party which tore their friendship apart. Martin receives an invitation to the dazzling Fitzmaurice family after been shunted 7 years ago but he can’t resist the chance for revenge. Ben wants to be the next prime minster but Martin he a few tricks up his sleeve. We then meet a few other interesting characters and family dynamics which includes his wife serena, his daughter Cosima who is an environmental activist and the disgraced MP Richard Take - but then there’s Fliss the family’s balck sheep who’s death sparked more confusion then closure. It’s a book full of interwoven stories and we progressively see the unravelling of secrets held onto for years!
It’s an ok mild read, it’s not that bad but it’s very bland- but digestible.
December 5, 2025
Have really loved Day’s books in the past, but unfortunately for me this was like Anatomy of a Scandal, but if it was boring. There’s too much going on and none of it is spicy enough.
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December 23, 2025This was incredible and funny!! When I began reading One of Us, I had no idea that this was a sequel. This reads like a standalone, so you don't have to read the first book (I came to know it is a sequel when I checked the book online). It deals with timely issues (rich establishment families, political corruption, sexual abuse, dysfunctional families and environmental activists). The characters—Martin who harbors old resentments, Ben who is touted as the next PM, Jarvis who is a womanizer with lots of money invested in political campaigns, Richard Take who is a disgraced MP trying to connect with the Tiktok gen, Cosima the activist daughter who is against everything her family stands for, Serena the unhappy wife who feels suffocated—are well crafted that it is a joy to read them. Also, great dialogue! I read this book after a dry patch with books and i am glad I picked it up. Very funny, very engaging, and also leaves you thinking about our world shaped by powerful men.
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I have to read Book 1 at some point, mainly because Elizabeth Day knows how to write great characters
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I have to read Book 1 at some point, mainly because Elizabeth Day knows how to write great characters
December 22, 2025
Oscillating between 2.5 and 3 stars.
Zero fresh air in this, although the writing wasn’t bad. Best I can say is that it’s a boring version of Saltburn.
Zero fresh air in this, although the writing wasn’t bad. Best I can say is that it’s a boring version of Saltburn.
September 22, 2025
This is my first book of Elizabeth Day and i did not enjoyed it all 😭 For me, it is a quite dull read or actually im not into the politicians related.
For those who enjoy the genre of thriller and mystery in political views, definitely you will enjoy this book because i found that the premise was quite interesting.
It is about the desperation beneath the privilage in politics life in Fritzmaurice’s family. A story where everyone include the family & friends who has a secret and something to hide and lose.
For those who enjoy the genre of thriller and mystery in political views, definitely you will enjoy this book because i found that the premise was quite interesting.
It is about the desperation beneath the privilage in politics life in Fritzmaurice’s family. A story where everyone include the family & friends who has a secret and something to hide and lose.
October 1, 2025
So fantastically dull. Who wants to escape in a book only find it is a parody of British politics and posh toffs.
Really tried, but there was nothing of interest here. Dislikeable characters and no plotline. Too many narrators and all a headache. How did Day stay awake writing such average "meh" pages? Did not finish. Not for me. Thoroughly disappointed. Note for author: Please don't just write for the sake of it and because you can.
Lastly, who wants to read about privileged white men or rich kids going vegan for a week?!
Really tried, but there was nothing of interest here. Dislikeable characters and no plotline. Too many narrators and all a headache. How did Day stay awake writing such average "meh" pages? Did not finish. Not for me. Thoroughly disappointed. Note for author: Please don't just write for the sake of it and because you can.
Lastly, who wants to read about privileged white men or rich kids going vegan for a week?!
October 4, 2025
A juicy tale but despised all the characters, they’re all twats
January 8, 2026
Men? Being bad?? Shocked.
June 10, 2025
Elizabeth Day's One of Us is a story of power, politics and privilege ... and how, even in the seemingly tightest of circles, buried secrets have a habit of rising to the surface.
This novel has 4 narrators: Serena (wife of high-flying Tory MP Ben Fitzmaurice, a man who is touted as the next PM), Martin (an old schoolfriend of Ben's, and someone who has spent his life craving acceptance from the glittering Fitzmaurice family), Richard, a disgraced Tory MP (strange how those words so easily slide together, isn't it?) and Cosima, Ben and Serena's oldest child, who is starting to see through the chipped varnish of her parents' lives.
First off, this book is genuinely hilarious. The social references, the killer one-liners, the pin-point walk-on characters ... the cultural observations and exploration of the absurdity of human behaviour in this book is just so incredibly funny (there is a line about a Le Creuset saucepan that made me laugh so much I had to put the book down until it was all out of my system). I also found the themes of acceptance in the story incredibly moving and if you too have struggled with the toilet/pardon/serviette v loo/what/napkin dilemma of life, you are going to very hard relate to one of these characters.
However, and this is a very big however, as delightfully witty and moving as this book is, it has a very dark and powerful (and exceptionally timely) centre ... because this is also a story about the abuse of power, about corruption and exploitation, and it's down to Elizabeth's skill as a writer that it manages to convey those brutally important themes whilst still being very (very) entertaining.
One of Us continues with the story of characters we first met in Elizabeth's 2017 novel The Party. However, you do not have to have read The Party to enjoy One of Us (although I would highly recommend you do, it's equally brilliant).
One of Us is published at the end of September. A very big thank you to 4th Estate for very generously sending me a proof. It's an absolute joy. Hilariously funny, yet also deeply powerful. A rare and compelling combination.
This novel has 4 narrators: Serena (wife of high-flying Tory MP Ben Fitzmaurice, a man who is touted as the next PM), Martin (an old schoolfriend of Ben's, and someone who has spent his life craving acceptance from the glittering Fitzmaurice family), Richard, a disgraced Tory MP (strange how those words so easily slide together, isn't it?) and Cosima, Ben and Serena's oldest child, who is starting to see through the chipped varnish of her parents' lives.
First off, this book is genuinely hilarious. The social references, the killer one-liners, the pin-point walk-on characters ... the cultural observations and exploration of the absurdity of human behaviour in this book is just so incredibly funny (there is a line about a Le Creuset saucepan that made me laugh so much I had to put the book down until it was all out of my system). I also found the themes of acceptance in the story incredibly moving and if you too have struggled with the toilet/pardon/serviette v loo/what/napkin dilemma of life, you are going to very hard relate to one of these characters.
However, and this is a very big however, as delightfully witty and moving as this book is, it has a very dark and powerful (and exceptionally timely) centre ... because this is also a story about the abuse of power, about corruption and exploitation, and it's down to Elizabeth's skill as a writer that it manages to convey those brutally important themes whilst still being very (very) entertaining.
One of Us continues with the story of characters we first met in Elizabeth's 2017 novel The Party. However, you do not have to have read The Party to enjoy One of Us (although I would highly recommend you do, it's equally brilliant).
One of Us is published at the end of September. A very big thank you to 4th Estate for very generously sending me a proof. It's an absolute joy. Hilariously funny, yet also deeply powerful. A rare and compelling combination.
March 11, 2026
3.5 rounded up (an overall very fun story, but some parts dragged). For fans of Succession, White Lotus, and Belle Burden’s STRANGERS - basically, if unlikeable wealthy people behaving horribly to each other and grappling with finding meaning in their lives intrigues, then ONE OF US delivers!
October 22, 2025
I loved Elizabeth Day's The Party and this juicy tale continues the story of Martin and Ben. I perhaps didn't love this one quite as much but it still kept me completely engrossed. I enjoyed reading about the dysfunctional Fitzmaurice family, odious politicians and Ben's dry bitchy thoughts. There's much about the power and privilege of the wealthy, the rewriting of events to suit their narrative and corruption in high places. Money talks as they say.
I think some reviewers have read this as a stand alone, but you'll definitely get more out of it if you read The Party first.
4.5 stars.
I think some reviewers have read this as a stand alone, but you'll definitely get more out of it if you read The Party first.
4.5 stars.
November 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I began reading, and the characters seemed familiar. Upon checking, I met them a couple of years ago when I read
The Party
. The characters were great to catch up with. The first time around, I found most of them compelling but unlikable, and this book did something I did not expect. By the end of it, I was so pleased with where they landed. Characters grew, and I didn't just find them interesting, I found them likable. This really showed how flawed and complex the main characters were. Their interior lives were just as interesting as their exterior lives. I would read another book featuring them, and I would read another book by Day.
I definitely recommend this & the prior book, The Party.
I definitely recommend this & the prior book, The Party.
March 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars | A well-written character study, but emotionally unsatisfying
One of Us by Elizabeth Day is an intelligent and carefully written novel that explores privilege, secrets, and the complicated moral landscape of wealthy families. Day is clearly a skilled writer—her characters are deeply developed and the psychological insight throughout the book is impressive.
The story begins with Fliss, who is already dead when the novel opens, apparently from suicide. As the narrative unfolds, we learn that the circumstances surrounding her death may not be quite as simple as they first appear. Fliss ends up being one of the most likable characters in the book, which is slightly ironic considering she is absent for the entire story except through memories and revelations.
Cosima, the daughter of Ben and Serena, was the character I found most compelling. She’s trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs while slowly realizing that the values of her parents—and the world they represent—don’t quite align with her own. Her perspective brings a much-needed emotional anchor to a story filled with morally messy adults.
Much of the novel falls into the “rich people behaving badly” category. Elizabeth Day does a great job exposing the hypocrisy and quiet cruelty that can exist within privileged circles. However, many of the characters are simply unpleasant in different ways, which made it hard for me to feel invested in their outcomes.
While the character development is strong, the central mystery and the secrets that are revealed along the way end up feeling somewhat predictable and, ultimately, a little disappointing. By the end, the emotional payoff just didn’t land for me.
I also found that the book felt very distinctly British in its social dynamics and tone. Readers more familiar with that cultural context may connect with it more easily, but at times it created a bit of distance for me as a reader.
Overall, One of Us is thoughtful, well crafted, and clearly written by a talented author. I appreciated the character work and themes, but the predictability of the revelations and the somewhat bleak ending left me feeling unsatisfied.
If you enjoy literary fiction about privilege, secrets, and complicated families, this may work well for you—but it ultimately landed at 3 stars for me
One of Us by Elizabeth Day is an intelligent and carefully written novel that explores privilege, secrets, and the complicated moral landscape of wealthy families. Day is clearly a skilled writer—her characters are deeply developed and the psychological insight throughout the book is impressive.
The story begins with Fliss, who is already dead when the novel opens, apparently from suicide. As the narrative unfolds, we learn that the circumstances surrounding her death may not be quite as simple as they first appear. Fliss ends up being one of the most likable characters in the book, which is slightly ironic considering she is absent for the entire story except through memories and revelations.
Cosima, the daughter of Ben and Serena, was the character I found most compelling. She’s trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs while slowly realizing that the values of her parents—and the world they represent—don’t quite align with her own. Her perspective brings a much-needed emotional anchor to a story filled with morally messy adults.
Much of the novel falls into the “rich people behaving badly” category. Elizabeth Day does a great job exposing the hypocrisy and quiet cruelty that can exist within privileged circles. However, many of the characters are simply unpleasant in different ways, which made it hard for me to feel invested in their outcomes.
While the character development is strong, the central mystery and the secrets that are revealed along the way end up feeling somewhat predictable and, ultimately, a little disappointing. By the end, the emotional payoff just didn’t land for me.
I also found that the book felt very distinctly British in its social dynamics and tone. Readers more familiar with that cultural context may connect with it more easily, but at times it created a bit of distance for me as a reader.
Overall, One of Us is thoughtful, well crafted, and clearly written by a talented author. I appreciated the character work and themes, but the predictability of the revelations and the somewhat bleak ending left me feeling unsatisfied.
If you enjoy literary fiction about privilege, secrets, and complicated families, this may work well for you—but it ultimately landed at 3 stars for me
September 25, 2025
I enjoyed One of Us but I found it hard to care about any of the characters so it always felt like a surface level read. It's the sequel to The Party which came out in 2017, so even if I'd read it ( which I hadn't ) I suspect I would have needed the large amount of exposition that takes up the first few chapters. Once everything is established it's very much a parody of recent British politics with thinly disguised versions of recent high level politicians. I think one of the problems of the book is that is not very original and writers such as Jonathan Coe have produced far better.
February 10, 2026
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC (and yes, typing that does make me feel superior) (kidding) (sort of)
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I needed a break from what I’ll call “domestic thrillers” because of the trend of unreliable narrators leading to an unearned heel turn.
This was not that. This was a galloping stallion of a thriller that went right for the top of the podium and earned every bit of it.
While it comes firmly from the lineage of Patricia Highsmith (Dickie Greenleaf would have been right at home in the capacious dining room of the Fitzmaurices), it finds its own way and earns its own keep.
A wise-cracking exploration of indictment of the mismatch of politician’s values against their own behaviors. Power and wealth on display. Saboteurs at every time. The weak suddenly grasping a lever that gives them power, without ever thinking about the consequences.
I’m also always a fan of a protagonist who does not pretend to be a good person or waffle about their morals. Our first person POV gives us a front row seat to the sociopathy and borderline neurosis of Martin as he seeks proximity to our perceived antagonist—no matter what flavor it might come in.
A cheeky ending, some just deserts. (Not a typo, look it up.)
I do find myself quite annoyed that the dust jacket / synopsis / Goodreads / and publisher’s site do not make mention that this is technically a sequel. I would have liked to read the first book, but so much was explained away that I have no desire to now.
Let’s call it 4.25/5. A fun ride.
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I needed a break from what I’ll call “domestic thrillers” because of the trend of unreliable narrators leading to an unearned heel turn.
This was not that. This was a galloping stallion of a thriller that went right for the top of the podium and earned every bit of it.
While it comes firmly from the lineage of Patricia Highsmith (Dickie Greenleaf would have been right at home in the capacious dining room of the Fitzmaurices), it finds its own way and earns its own keep.
A wise-cracking exploration of indictment of the mismatch of politician’s values against their own behaviors. Power and wealth on display. Saboteurs at every time. The weak suddenly grasping a lever that gives them power, without ever thinking about the consequences.
I’m also always a fan of a protagonist who does not pretend to be a good person or waffle about their morals. Our first person POV gives us a front row seat to the sociopathy and borderline neurosis of Martin as he seeks proximity to our perceived antagonist—no matter what flavor it might come in.
A cheeky ending, some just deserts. (Not a typo, look it up.)
I do find myself quite annoyed that the dust jacket / synopsis / Goodreads / and publisher’s site do not make mention that this is technically a sequel. I would have liked to read the first book, but so much was explained away that I have no desire to now.
Let’s call it 4.25/5. A fun ride.
June 5, 2025
‘One of Us’ is the sequel to Elizabeth Day’s ‘The Party’ but readers do not have to be familiar with the latter to understand the former. Indeed, the author ensures that we are aware of how Ben and Martin’s relationship has developed from childhood until the present day right from the outset of this novel.
Yet again, the focus is on ambitious, former public school and Oxbridge men, now with political clout, whose only desire is to increase their standing with their peers, their power and their wealth, whilst caring less than nothing about the ways in which they do so. Sounds familiar?
Ben is at the centre of this world and aiming for the top. Meanwhile, Martin, a lecturer in art history, is leading a quiet life in Cambridge until he receives an invitation to attend Ben’s sister’s funeral service. He accepts without knowing that the invitation has been sent by Serena, Ben’s long-suffering wife, to spite her husband after yet another of his unfaithful episodes.
Martin, back in the fold, but now viewing everyone and everything from a jaded perspective, begins to understand that the layers of toxicity run deep. Marriage and friendships are not as presented in the colour supplements and the generations are doing a grand job in passing down a blend of selfishness and callousness which permeates this wealthy clique. Except for one – Ben’s eldest daughter, Cosima, is determined to fight against her sheltered destiny.
Elizabeth Day’s characters both fascinate and repel. Her attention to detail allows us to gain a clear picture of their entitlement and assumptions, of their extraordinarily flexible moral code – if one can even call it such. Do the men at the centre eventually learn what really matters, what is truly of value? Possibly; only time will tell!
My thanks to NetGalley and 4th Estate for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Yet again, the focus is on ambitious, former public school and Oxbridge men, now with political clout, whose only desire is to increase their standing with their peers, their power and their wealth, whilst caring less than nothing about the ways in which they do so. Sounds familiar?
Ben is at the centre of this world and aiming for the top. Meanwhile, Martin, a lecturer in art history, is leading a quiet life in Cambridge until he receives an invitation to attend Ben’s sister’s funeral service. He accepts without knowing that the invitation has been sent by Serena, Ben’s long-suffering wife, to spite her husband after yet another of his unfaithful episodes.
Martin, back in the fold, but now viewing everyone and everything from a jaded perspective, begins to understand that the layers of toxicity run deep. Marriage and friendships are not as presented in the colour supplements and the generations are doing a grand job in passing down a blend of selfishness and callousness which permeates this wealthy clique. Except for one – Ben’s eldest daughter, Cosima, is determined to fight against her sheltered destiny.
Elizabeth Day’s characters both fascinate and repel. Her attention to detail allows us to gain a clear picture of their entitlement and assumptions, of their extraordinarily flexible moral code – if one can even call it such. Do the men at the centre eventually learn what really matters, what is truly of value? Possibly; only time will tell!
My thanks to NetGalley and 4th Estate for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
October 8, 2025
In all honesty, I wasn’t quite sure how I’d get on with this novel (for no other reason than it’s not my usual type of read and felt a bit out of my comfort zone), but I literally could not put it down and ended up giving it five stars!
Told from multiple POV: the politician’s wife, the politician’s daughter, the ex best friend, the sister, the disgraced politician, One of Us is a candid exploration of life in the privileged echelons of the upper class, political world. The #multiplenarratives work together to reveal the lies, betrayals and hypocrisies that can feature in this cut throat world as each character reveals their secrets and motivations to us through their own voices.
The chapters are around 20 pages each, allowing us to really get to know each character before it moves on and building that relationship with the reader. Some of what you read is frustrating, some is simply upsetting - but all of it was rather captivating!
Thank you to @4thestatebooks for my #gifted copy pre publication - I really enjoyed
Told from multiple POV: the politician’s wife, the politician’s daughter, the ex best friend, the sister, the disgraced politician, One of Us is a candid exploration of life in the privileged echelons of the upper class, political world. The #multiplenarratives work together to reveal the lies, betrayals and hypocrisies that can feature in this cut throat world as each character reveals their secrets and motivations to us through their own voices.
The chapters are around 20 pages each, allowing us to really get to know each character before it moves on and building that relationship with the reader. Some of what you read is frustrating, some is simply upsetting - but all of it was rather captivating!
Thank you to @4thestatebooks for my #gifted copy pre publication - I really enjoyed
October 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall I’d give this book 3.5 stars. There should be a callout for trigger warnings in this book with topics such as addiction, rape and suicide.
The plot was good, kept me generally engaged but lacked a bit of energy to keep me gripped. All the characters were a bit selfish, some more than others, but generally didn’t have me rooting for anyone. I did however want Martin to live his authentic self and was glad to see that happen in the end. I felt awful for Fliss and what happened to her and the way is shaped her future. I feel like the author tried to rebound Ben’s character by the end but I’m not buying it. I also feel Richard was an opportunist rather than a truth seeker and made the situation work in his favor to rebound the career he damaged. Serena was just sad and still worried about her reputation above all else all the way to the end. I was happy to see Cosima find what made her happy although it wasn’t lost on me the similarities being drawn between her and Fliss. And Jarvis, he should go straight to jail and they should loose the key. I wish there was one character I could have really connected to and rooted for from the start.
Overall I’d give this book 3.5 stars. There should be a callout for trigger warnings in this book with topics such as addiction, rape and suicide.
The plot was good, kept me generally engaged but lacked a bit of energy to keep me gripped. All the characters were a bit selfish, some more than others, but generally didn’t have me rooting for anyone. I did however want Martin to live his authentic self and was glad to see that happen in the end. I felt awful for Fliss and what happened to her and the way is shaped her future. I feel like the author tried to rebound Ben’s character by the end but I’m not buying it. I also feel Richard was an opportunist rather than a truth seeker and made the situation work in his favor to rebound the career he damaged. Serena was just sad and still worried about her reputation above all else all the way to the end. I was happy to see Cosima find what made her happy although it wasn’t lost on me the similarities being drawn between her and Fliss. And Jarvis, he should go straight to jail and they should loose the key. I wish there was one character I could have really connected to and rooted for from the start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
The Fitzmaurice family are used to covering up scandals, after all, years before they bribed the police to not press charges in a road accident, and paid Ben's friend Martin to take the blame.
Ben is now the Energy Secretary and vying to become Prime Minister so can little afford any further scandals to come his way. But with a daughter who is an eco warrior, and Martin back in the bosom of the family but still resentful, can things be plain sailing.
I hadn't realised this was a sequel to The Party, but it didn't detract from the storyline. The main characters didn't particularly have any redeeming features, but such was the skill in the writing, by the end you had to feel a touch of empathy for them, apart from one, which will become obvious.
It's a story of power and revenge, privileged people who think they can get away with anything.
It's not a quick read but it is an enjoyable one
Ben is now the Energy Secretary and vying to become Prime Minister so can little afford any further scandals to come his way. But with a daughter who is an eco warrior, and Martin back in the bosom of the family but still resentful, can things be plain sailing.
I hadn't realised this was a sequel to The Party, but it didn't detract from the storyline. The main characters didn't particularly have any redeeming features, but such was the skill in the writing, by the end you had to feel a touch of empathy for them, apart from one, which will become obvious.
It's a story of power and revenge, privileged people who think they can get away with anything.
It's not a quick read but it is an enjoyable one
June 21, 2025
I think definitely have to read The Party first (which I’d really recommend) ~ I was so so so excited when I realised this was a sequel. As all seconds they never quite live up to the first but this did a solid job. I really enjoyed it and was particularly invested in the female characters - Serena and Cozzie - and how that would all play out. I do think the very obvious and on the nose nods to recent political scandals might age the book slightly in the future but for now I loved itttttttttt.
The way that Elizabeth Day writes just really appeals to me and I’ll read anything she publishes in the future.
Thanks so much to fourth estate for sending me an early proof of this, very privileged to be one of its first readers!
The way that Elizabeth Day writes just really appeals to me and I’ll read anything she publishes in the future.
Thanks so much to fourth estate for sending me an early proof of this, very privileged to be one of its first readers!
October 1, 2025
This was a thoroughly entertaining read with an amazing cast of characters. Every character was so well developed and relatable. The quirks and drama kept me captivated the whole way through. There are truly so many relatable themes included in the plot and anything I couldn’t relate to personally I was still just as interested in seeing how it would unfold. The theme of hypocrisy was definitely my favorite. I laughed, I gasped, I grinned. A great read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
One of Us is a sequel to the Party, but it’s not necessary to have read it as the previous happenings are recapped. I had mostly forgotten the Party so appreciated the reminder!
The plot focuses on the wealthy upper class Fitzmaurices, in particular the head of the family, Ben (who is running for Prime Minister), his wife Serena, daughter Cosima and sister Fliss, whose death is at the center of the book. The other important character is Martin, loyal friend of Ben since school and secretly in love with him, but now looking for revenge after events in the Party. Finally we have Richard, a down on his luck politician who will nevertheless be an important player in Ben’s career.
We get POVs from all the characters except Ben, which is interesting as most of their actions are influenced by him. We never understand his thoughts, just see how he is from the other narrators.
Without giving too much away, there are several themes covered - social class, futility of politics, aging, the climate crisis, cancel culture, the changing role of women in society and childhood trauma, but the main theme is revenge. Each character has their own grievances and ultimately this book is about how they act on these feelings. It’s a slow build up to an explosive ending, but I really enjoyed it. The writing felt fresh and I liked the elements of humour. I did feel that perhaps there were too many themes, almost running the risk of being unoriginal, but overall a good and absorbing read.
I also listened to the audio book for this - great narration by Richard Armitage as Martin!
One of Us is a sequel to the Party, but it’s not necessary to have read it as the previous happenings are recapped. I had mostly forgotten the Party so appreciated the reminder!
The plot focuses on the wealthy upper class Fitzmaurices, in particular the head of the family, Ben (who is running for Prime Minister), his wife Serena, daughter Cosima and sister Fliss, whose death is at the center of the book. The other important character is Martin, loyal friend of Ben since school and secretly in love with him, but now looking for revenge after events in the Party. Finally we have Richard, a down on his luck politician who will nevertheless be an important player in Ben’s career.
We get POVs from all the characters except Ben, which is interesting as most of their actions are influenced by him. We never understand his thoughts, just see how he is from the other narrators.
Without giving too much away, there are several themes covered - social class, futility of politics, aging, the climate crisis, cancel culture, the changing role of women in society and childhood trauma, but the main theme is revenge. Each character has their own grievances and ultimately this book is about how they act on these feelings. It’s a slow build up to an explosive ending, but I really enjoyed it. The writing felt fresh and I liked the elements of humour. I did feel that perhaps there were too many themes, almost running the risk of being unoriginal, but overall a good and absorbing read.
I also listened to the audio book for this - great narration by Richard Armitage as Martin!
December 26, 2025
Martin and Ben were buddies in school — until Ben drunkenly ran over his girlfriend, Vicky, and Martin agreed to take the blame in exchange for a huge amount of money.
Ben is now married to Serena, whom he has four kids with. He’s now at the frontlines of English politics as Energy Secretary, while his eldest, Cosima, is secretly part of an environmentalist activist group.
Martin is still resentful towards Ben, who is now cosied up with Martin’s former bully, Jarvis. Then there’s Richard, an MP caught masturbating in his office, a scandal which threatens to bring down his entire political career.
When Ben’s sister Felicity unexpectedly dies, things come to light and troubles start rising.
——
This was a character study more than anything else. Martin seemed to be the protagonist of all of it (the first-person narrative in only his chapters certainly points that way). It was, all in all, a bit unmemorable. It had loads of plot lines that sort of worked out in the end, but the near constant perspective changes were wearing me out a tiny bit. Did it need to explicitly spell out all the transphobic and homophobic slurs and comments? No. Did it do it? Yes. Idk, it was alright.
Ben is now married to Serena, whom he has four kids with. He’s now at the frontlines of English politics as Energy Secretary, while his eldest, Cosima, is secretly part of an environmentalist activist group.
Martin is still resentful towards Ben, who is now cosied up with Martin’s former bully, Jarvis. Then there’s Richard, an MP caught masturbating in his office, a scandal which threatens to bring down his entire political career.
When Ben’s sister Felicity unexpectedly dies, things come to light and troubles start rising.
——
This was a character study more than anything else. Martin seemed to be the protagonist of all of it (the first-person narrative in only his chapters certainly points that way). It was, all in all, a bit unmemorable. It had loads of plot lines that sort of worked out in the end, but the near constant perspective changes were wearing me out a tiny bit. Did it need to explicitly spell out all the transphobic and homophobic slurs and comments? No. Did it do it? Yes. Idk, it was alright.
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February 1, 2026The problem with this book is me because rich people appear to be fundamentally uninteresting, in evilness and goodness both. It really makes you appreciate 'Succession' for suceeding to make us care about a rich family and find thrill in the spectacle of their horribleness. Or maybe it is just that the English upper echelon have been completely enfeedbled by generations of keeping up appearances that they lack the vigour of the nouveau-riches.
But I know this would appeal to a lot of people so OK. Maybe I got it and it never made me care anyways.
But I know this would appeal to a lot of people so OK. Maybe I got it and it never made me care anyways.
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