David Nicholl’s You Are Here was an exceptionally good book. It felt like it landed in my lap as if by fate, as I’d been contemplating doing Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk. The story follows the character Michael and Marnie as they find themselves completing the walk, arranged by their mutual friend Cleo. For Michael, the walk was a deliberate choice. Having recently separated from his wife and recovering from a breakdown, the geography teacher finds solace walking by himself. Marnie, on the other hand, only planned to walk for a couple of days, but perhaps against her better judgment, finds herself extending her walk until she almost walks the full coastal path.

The story is basically a character study of Marnie and Michael and the ensuing relationship between them. The story is peppered with conversations, incidents, and games to pass the time as they follow the Coast-to-Coast route. The use of music to define emotion, provide context and develop the plot is a tool that could have been cheesy and trite, but somehow in David Nicholls’ hands, it succeeds. The themes are timeless, but the timescale is current. The novel is clearly set in the here and now, and the issues of post-lockdown are all too present.

There are no sparks, passions, nothing extreme, and nothing exceptional in this story, yet it is utterly brilliant. David Nicholls is the absolute master of characterization. More than any other author I’ve ever read, Nicholls can not only capture the absolute essence of who we are but make us care deeply for them.

I’m often remiss when it comes to looking at titles and why they are important, but You Are Here is a powerful title. I think it refers quite literally to the place the characters are on the walk, but also where they are emotionally. It also feels like it is inclusive of the reader who is here with them.

You Are Here has come out with a lot of hype. Along with the serialization of Us and the earlier films Starter for Ten and One Day, I wouldn’t be surprised to see You Are Here on the screen too. I think it would be a wonderful film. The publishers have done well in promoting this text (two photos at the back!) and Ifeel I won’t be the only person who clambered to get a signed copy. Call it a hunch, but I think David Nicholls is a writer that lots of middle-aged women readers would like to meet! The writer almost seems to play on this, with the personal inclusion of unsuccessful walks at the end of the book. A writer who produces wonderful characters, presents himself as a wonderful family man, and can laugh at himself is someone we will want to know. Almost as likeable as a Geography teacher like Michael!

David Nicholls’ You Are Here is a real page-turner, delving deep into the essence of being alive and the intricacies of human connection, making it a captivating and profound literary exploration. I loved it!