Here One Moment: By Liane Moriarty (Book Review)

Liane Moriarty’s Here One Moment explores the tension between fate and free will, set against the backdrop of an ordinary flight that turns extraordinary. When Cherry, an older woman on board, reveals the exact time and cause of death for six passengers, the plot kicks off with a chilling twist. What starts as an amusing anecdote turns serious as her predictions begin to come true. The idea of knowing one’s fate and the resulting emotional turbulence is the novel’s core theme, raising questions about how we would react in such situations.

The premise itself is gripping—reminiscent of the kinds of narratives that blend existential dread with suspense. Moriarty taps into a universal fear: how would we live if we knew when we were going to die? This concept fuels much of the tension in the story as each passenger wrestles with their predicted fate.

Complex Characters and Perspectives

The strength of Here One Moment lies in its well-developed characters. As with Moriarty’s previous novels, the narrative shifts between multiple perspectives, primarily focusing on the six passengers and Cherry. Each character’s struggle is painted with Moriarty’s signature touch of humor, wit, and emotional depth. From a mother trying to protect her child from a predicted drowning to a retiree obsessively checking her health, the characters reflect the many ways people respond to the inevitability of death.

Cherry herself is a particularly interesting figure. Her backstory, including her upbringing by a fortune-telling mother, adds layers to her motivations, though some readers may find her sections a bit drawn out. The balance between Cherry’s internal world and the external reality of the passengers keeps the suspense alive, although some parts could have been trimmed for a smoother flow.

Cherry’s Role: The Catalyst of Fate

Cherry is undeniably the catalyst of the novel, and her mysterious aura drives the plot forward. Her predictions unsettle the passengers and serve as the book’s foundation. However, Moriarty takes time to peel back Cherry’s layers, making her more than just a plot device. Her childhood, influenced by her mother’s fortune-telling, explains her cold demeanor and the reason she chooses to deliver these life-altering messages to strangers.

That being said, the segments focusing on Cherry’s past can feel lengthy at times, slightly pulling away from the more engaging plotlines involving the passengers. While her character development is necessary to understand her motivations, these sections could have benefitted from tighter editing to maintain the novel’s fast pace.

Exploring Themes of Destiny and Free Will

At its heart, Here One Moment tackles timeless existential questions about destiny, control, and how we navigate life when faced with certainty about our mortality. The novel forces its characters, and by extension the readers, to confront the limits of human control. Can we change our fate, or is everything preordained? Each passenger reacts differently to Cherry’s revelations, and Moriarty skillfully explores these diverse reactions.

Some readers may find that the novel flirts with philosophical concepts but doesn’t always fully dive into them. The storyline balances suspense with thought-provoking themes, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. It raises interesting questions without getting bogged down by its own existential musings.

Verdict: A Unique Blend of Suspense and Reflection

Here One Moment is a compelling read, blending elements of suspense with reflections on fate and free will. While it has its slower moments, particularly in Cherry’s backstory, the novel keeps you hooked with its intriguing premise and character dynamics. It’s a great pick for book clubs, as it offers plenty of material for discussion, from how we would handle knowing our death to the moral implications of sharing such knowledge with others.

Moriarty’s ability to craft relatable characters and an engrossing plot shines through once again, even if the novel occasionally veers into melodrama. Ultimately, it’s a thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the choices we make in between.

Also Read: Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #2): By T.J. Klune (Book Review)