David Nicholls Reflects on Literary Influences and Austen's Challenge

In a recent interview with The Guardian, celebrated author David Nicholls, best known for his best-selling novel "One Day," opened up about his complex relationship with the works of Jane Austen. He admitted, "I’m nervous to admit it but I struggled with Jane Austen," acknowledging the subtle brilliance of Austen's prose while also expressing difficulty in fully appreciating her ironic tone. The conversation, which took place on July 4, 2025, highlights Nicholls' evolving perspective on literature and the authors that have shaped his career.

Nicholls reminisced about his early reading experiences, recalling that "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle was one of his first memories, where he found joy in the interactive elements of the story. As a child, he was an avid member of the Puffin Club, which introduced him to classics like E. Nesbit’s works and the Moomins by Tove Jansson. He described these stories as instilling a sense of melancholy that resonated with his youthful understanding of literature.

Among the classics that left a significant impact on him, Nicholls highlighted Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" as his first proper classic. He expressed pride in overcoming its challenges, stating that the characters felt familiar, and their struggles resonated with his own experiences. He remarked, "The foolishness, the passionate friendships, the empty aspiration and unrequited love, it all made perfect sense to me, even across 120 years."

Nicholls also credited Sue Townsend's "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4" as a pivotal text that sparked his desire to become a writer. He admired Townsend for her authentic working-class voice and her ability to capture teenage angst with precision, stating, "I turned the pages thinking, 'How does the author know?'"

Despite his struggles with Austen's works, Nicholls found a renewed appreciation during the COVID-19 lockdown, particularly with "Persuasion." He shared, "This time, something fell into place," indicating a significant shift in his understanding of Austen's themes and style.

Nicholls continues to engage with literature, frequently revisiting Marilynne Robinson's "Housekeeping" for its evocative prose and depth of character. However, he expressed reluctance to revisit Thomas Hardy's "Far from the Madding Crowd," indicating the taxing nature of adapting such works for screen.

Currently, Nicholls is reading Yiyun Li’s memoir "Things in Nature Merely Grow" alongside Edna O’Brien’s "The Country Girls," reflecting his ongoing commitment to both fiction and non-fiction. He described his comfort reading as works by Anita Brookner, praising her sharp prose and humor.

David Nicholls’ reflections underscore the profound impact that literature can have on personal growth and artistic expression. His journey with Austen and other literary figures illustrates the dynamic relationship readers can have with texts, evolving with time and experience. As he continues to write and explore the literary landscape, Nicholls remains a testament to the power of literature in shaping both personal identity and creative ambition.