One Two Three

Laurie Frankel
54 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2021

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Book Brief

Laurie Frankel

One Two Three

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

•

Romance
Setting

Bourne • Contemporary

Theme
Coming of Age

•

Family

•

Community
Topic
Social Justice
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Henry Holt and Co.

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In One Two Three by Laurie Frankel, published in 2021, the fictional town of Bourne grapples with the aftermath of an environmental disaster caused by Belsum Chemical, which poisoned the water supply and covered it up for years. The story follows Nora Mitchell and her daughters, Mab, Monday, and Mirabel, as they fight to hold Belsum accountable and seek justice for their community. Topics include environmental disaster, corporate negligence, and congenital disabilities.

Contemplative

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

3.9

36,539 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Laurie Frankel's One Two Three impresses with its compelling characters, particularly the distinctive triplets at the heart of the narrative. Critics praise Frankel's nuanced portrayal of small-town environmental and social issues. However, some find the plot slow at times and feel the multiple perspectives occasionally disrupt the flow. Despite this, the book's emotional depth and engaging writing make it a worthwhile read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read One Two Three?

Readers who enjoyed Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot will be captivated by One Two Three by Laurie Frankel. The novel's blend of small-town dynamics, ethical dilemmas, and richly developed characters will appeal to those who appreciate thought-provoking, character-driven, contemporary fiction.

3.9

36,539 ratings

70%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

The eldest of the 16-year-old Mitchell triplets, known for her intelligence and determination to pursue higher education despite financial challenges. She navigates friendship and ethical dilemmas as she becomes involved with River Templeton.

The middle Mitchell triplet, known for her photographic memory and organizational skills, which make her the unofficial librarian of the town after the library closes. She has a strong preference for the color yellow, which influences her actions throughout the story.

The youngest triplet, who has idioglossia and uses a voice app to communicate; she possesses a level of intellect nearing genius and demonstrates profound emotional insight. She takes over the defunct town newspaper as her form of expression and engagement with the community.

The mother of the triplets, who works as the town therapist and bartender, embodying community spirit and leadership in Bourne. She leads the charge against Belsum Chemical, seeking justice for the environmental damage caused to the town.

The town’s clergyman and physician who provides various essential services to the community. He helps guide the young people of Bourne with wisdom and compassion.

The town mayor who is dedicated to the welfare of the community, sometimes making unpopular decisions for the perceived benefit of Bourne. He collaborates with Nora in her investigation into Belsum Chemicals.

The son and grandson of the owners of Belsum Chemical, initially an unlikely ally for the Mitchell sisters in their fight against his family's company. His charm and intelligence make him a romantic interest for the Mitchell sisters.

An executive in Belsum Chemical and a key antagonist, he represents corporate greed and environmental exploitation. He is manipulative in both business and personal matters related to Bourne.

Nathan’s wife, whose family sold land to Belsum Chemical, contributing to the environmental crisis in Bourne. She shares her husband’s values of prioritizing profit over community welfare.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

•

Romance
Setting

Bourne • Contemporary

Theme
Coming of Age

•

Family

•

Community
Topic
Social Justice
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Henry Holt and Co.

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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