SKY BLACK has dedicated her life to making music. Through her difficult childhood and struggle with addiction, her band was the only thing that brought her joy. Just as her dream of playing to thousands of screaming fans might become a reality, she’s dealt some devastating news. Everyone in her life tells her she has to quit — her sister, who’s battling her own demons, and her mom, who shows up seeking forgiveness after abandoning the girls as children. But Sky’s come this far and she won’t give up now. The stage is the only place she’s truly alive, so she chases her dream until she doesn’t recognize it — or herself — anymore. When the fame machine is set in motion, there’s no turning back.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: On her way to her final performance, musician Sky Black stumbles over a teenage addict named Sam who reminds her of herself. In order to save them both, she makes a difficult choice that affects everyone in her life.
Prose: Knudsen spins a well-crafted story anchored in authentic emotion and the protagonist's relationship with her art.
Originality: One Night Only leads readers through a unique examination of the difference between what you should want, and what you actually want.
Character/Execution: Sky Black’s journey reveals a strong, complex main character and demonstrates the author’s insight about conflicting desires.
Date Submitted: June 20, 2024
"Knudsen’s novel is tense and unrelenting; the author masterfully creates an immersive, claustrophobic atmosphere as Sky’s health, relationships, and sense of self become increasingly strained. Sky remains a likable, if flawed, protagonist throughout, and readers will find themselves rooting for her even as she makes questionable decisions." - Kirkus Reviews
