Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

The Power of Prediction: When Destiny Boards a Plane

Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone could tell you exactly when and how you’re going to die? It’s a chilling thought, isn’t it? Well, buckle up, because Liane Moriarty’s latest novel, “Here One Moment,” takes that unsettling idea and runs with it at 35,000 feet.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill airplane thriller. Oh no, Moriarty has crafted a tale that’s part mystery, part social commentary, and entirely impossible to put down. It’s like she’s taken the essence of a cozy book club read and injected it with a dose of existential dread. The result? A page-turner that’ll have you questioning fate, free will, and whether you should ever talk to strangers on a plane again.

The Plot: A Flight of Fancy Meets Fateful Reality

Picture this: a routine domestic flight from Hobart to Sydney. Nothing special, right? Wrong. Among the usual mix of newlyweds, stressed-out parents, and bored businesspeople is an unassuming woman who’s about to turn everyone’s world upside down. She’s dubbed “The Death Lady” by the passengers, and for good reason. This mysterious figure starts predicting the deaths of her fellow travelers—how they’ll die and when.

At first, it seems like a bizarre party trick, maybe even a bit of fun. But then… people start dying. Exactly as she predicted. Suddenly, what seemed like a harmless, if morbid, in-flight entertainment becomes a terrifying reality. The novel follows the lives of several passengers in the months after the flight, as they grapple with their predicted fates and the choices they make in light of this knowledge.

Characters: A Cabin Full of Complexity

Moriarty excels at creating characters that feel like people you might actually know—or be. There’s Leo, the anxious civil engineer struggling with work-life balance; Allegra, the beautiful flight attendant with hidden depths; and Eve, the newlywed questioning her marriage. Each character is beautifully drawn, with their own quirks, flaws, and internal struggles.

But it’s not just the main characters who shine. Even the minor players feel fully realized. From the elderly couple facing their mortality with grace to the YouTube star whose predicted death sparks a social media frenzy, each person on that flight feels real and relatable.

Themes: More Than Just a Guessing Game

While the premise might sound like the setup for a thriller, “Here One Moment” is so much more than that. Moriarty deftly explores themes of fate versus free will, the nature of grief, and the human need for control in an unpredictable world.

She asks tough questions: If you knew when you were going to die, would you live differently? Can you change your fate, or is it set in stone? And what happens to those left behind when a prediction comes true?

The novel also touches on issues of mental health, addiction, and the sometimes suffocating nature of family expectations. It’s a book that’ll make you think long after you’ve turned the last page.

Moriarty’s Magic: Balancing Humor and Heart

If you’ve read any of Moriarty’s previous works like “Big Little Lies”, “Apples Never Fall“, or “Nine Perfect Strangers,” you’ll know she has a knack for balancing dark themes with moments of levity. “Here One Moment” is no exception. Even as the characters face their mortality, there are moments of genuine humor that’ll have you chuckling despite yourself.

Take Cherry, for example. Her backstory, told in first-person interludes, is both heartbreaking and hilarious. Her journey from a math-loving teenager to the “Death Lady” herself is peppered with wry observations and self-deprecating humor. It’s this balance that keeps the book from becoming too heavy, despite its weighty subject matter.

Writing Style: Smooth as a First-Class Flight

Moriarty’s prose is as smooth and engaging as ever. She has a way of drawing you into the story that feels effortless. The narrative switches between different characters’ perspectives, giving us a 360-degree view of the unfolding drama. And those first-person interludes from Cherry? They’re like little nuggets of gold, offering insights into the woman at the center of it all.

The pacing is spot-on, too. Moriarty knows how to keep the tension ratcheted up, doling out revelations and twists at just the right moments. You’ll find yourself saying “just one more chapter” way past your bedtime.

The Verdict: A First-Class Read

“Here One Moment” is a triumph. It’s a book that manages to be both a gripping page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of some of life’s biggest questions. Moriarty has taken a high-concept premise and grounded it in real, relatable human experiences.

Is it perfect? Well, no. Some readers might find the large cast of characters a bit overwhelming at first. And if you’re looking for a straightforward thriller, you might be disappointed by the book’s more contemplative moments. But for my money, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a fantastic read.

Who Should Read This Book?

If you’re a fan of Moriarty’s previous works, this is a no-brainer. But even if you’ve never picked up one of her books before, “Here One Moment” is a great place to start. It’s perfect for:

• Mystery lovers who enjoy a psychological twist
• Book club members looking for a novel that’ll spark lively discussion
• Anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?” about their own future
• Readers who appreciate complex, fully-realized characters
• Those who enjoy a mix of humor and deeper themes in their fiction

Similar Books and Authors

If you enjoy “Here One Moment,” you might also like:

• “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig – Another novel that explores the concepts of fate and choice
• “The Immortalists” by Chloe Benjamin – A story about four siblings who learn the dates of their deaths
• “Life After Life” by Kate Atkinson – A novel that plays with the concept of multiple possible lives
• Other works by Liane Moriarty, particularly “Big Little Lies” and “Nine Perfect Strangers”

Final Thoughts: A Flight You Won’t Forget

“Here One Moment” is the literary equivalent of turbulence – it’ll shake you up, keep you on edge, and leave you breathless. But unlike real turbulence, you’ll be sad when this ride comes to an end.

Moriarty has outdone herself with this one. It’s a book that’ll make you laugh, cry, and seriously consider whether you should strike up a conversation with that quiet lady sitting next to you on your next flight. (Spoiler alert: maybe don’t.)

So, fasten your seatbelts, stow your tray tables, and prepare for takeoff. “Here One Moment” is one literary journey you won’t want to miss. Just don’t blame me if you start eyeing your fellow passengers suspiciously on your next flight. After all, you never know who might be predicting your future.