I really appreciated the simplicity and authenticity of Damir’s narration — the voice felt so unpretentious, quiet, and human. That straightforward tone is one of the novel’s greatest strengths, making his view of the world feel intimate and genuine .

However, I struggled with the power dynamic at the centre of the story. At times, Damir’s emotional dependency on Decca came across as childlike, which created an uneasy imbalance in their relationship. It made me wonder if that dynamic was intentional, but it left me feeling unsettled rather than emotionally connected.

The book doesn’t shy away from emotional darkness — it isn’t built as an uplifting romance. Instead, it leans into melancholy, and while that’s not a bad choice, it doesn’t leave much room for hope. The ending especially felt abrupt: key plotlines were left unresolved, and I was left with more questions than answers.

In summary, One Minute Away is anchored by a refreshing, clear voice and a relationship that defies romantic ideals. But the one-sided dynamic and lack of closure diluted my emotional investment. A thoughtful, quietly poignant read — though not always satisfying.

This is a novel about a man from Croatia working in London as a food delivery driver. Firstly, I found the insight into the gig economy interesting and pretty terrifying. There's a lot about the ins and outs of how food delivery works and the lengths the drivers go to to keep their feedback high so they're able to book more jobs. On his delivery this guy meets a married woman and they start an affair. She's wealthy and there's a bit of a power imbalance in their relationship. Overall I did enjoy this but some of the stuff through the male gaze is a bit icky. I'm not overly convinced in the idea of this woman seducing her delivery driver but it was a good read.

Review of ‘One Minute Away’ by Mark Watson, due to be published on 17 July 2025 by HarperCollins UK.

As a fan of Mark Watson, I was delighted to be able to read and review the book, ahead of its release.

The story follows Damir, a bike delivery rider in London, who has left his life and family in Croatia behind to join his friend Goran, both on a quest to earn money and a better life for themselves.

When Damir meets Decca, a customer, his life changes in ways he did not anticipate and finds himself torn between love and loyalty to both her, and Goran.

Amusing in places, especially when Damir is learning English ‘phrases’, heartbreaking in others, it’s a beautiful story of love, friendship, family and finding the courage to follow your heart.

Definitely a recommended read.