Here One Moment Summary, Characters and Themes

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of fate, free will, and the unpredictability of life. The story follows an ordinary flight that turns extraordinary when a mysterious woman, Cherry Lockwood, predicts the deaths of several passengers. 

The novel delves into the lives of these passengers and their reactions to these predictions, questioning how knowledge of one’s fate can alter their behavior. Moriarty skillfully blends humor with deep emotional insights, making this a gripping exploration of human nature, love, loss, and the quest for control in an uncontrollable world.

Summary

The novel begins with a flight from Hobart to Sydney, Australia. Among the passengers, no one remembers a woman named Cherry Lockwood boarding the plane. However, this unassuming, middle-aged woman will change the lives of several passengers forever. 

During the flight, Cherry stands up and, without warning, begins to predict the future deaths of several passengers, revealing their ages and the circumstances of their demise.

Among those whose deaths she predicts are Leo Voldik, a workaholic civil engineer, who will die at 43 in a workplace accident; Sue O’Sullivan, a cheerful nurse, who will die from pancreatic cancer at 66; Timmy Binici, a young boy who will drown at age 7; Ethan Chang, a software engineer, who will die from an assault at age 30; Eve, a bride who will be murdered by her partner at age 25; and Allegra, a flight attendant, who will die by self-harm at age 28. 

These predictions, while bizarre, seem oddly specific.

After the flight, the characters’ lives unfold, shaped by Cherry’s unsettling predictions. Paula, Timmy’s mother, becomes obsessed with the idea of changing her son’s fate.

She enrolls him in swimming lessons, desperately trying to prevent his drowning. 

Sue, after learning about her impending cancer diagnosis, undergoes tests that reveal she is not sick but instead battling a virus. This news is a relief, but Sue continues to savor life, embracing each moment. Leo, under pressure at work, starts to reflect on his priorities. 

His daughter, Bridie, is deeply unsettled by Cherry’s prediction, especially when she learns of a young woman’s death predicted in a similar way.

Meanwhile, Eve and her new husband Dom struggle financially after their wedding, and Dom becomes consumed by the idea of fulfilling the prediction of Eve’s violent death. 

Allegra, who has been suffering from back pain since the flight, begins dating Jonny Summers, a handsome pilot, but is hesitant to move forward due to her previous traumatic experiences. Ethan, who had been in Hobart attending the funeral of his friend Harvey, is drawn to Jasmine, his flatmate’s wealthy and enigmatic cousin. 

However, he is confronted by the jealousy of Jasmine’s new boyfriend, Carter.

As time goes on, more of Cherry’s predictions begin to come true. 

The elderly doctors, who were also passengers on the flight, die within days of one another. At this point, the passengers, including Paula and Eve, who have started searching for Cherry, are desperate for answers. 

They discover that Cherry’s predictions are shockingly accurate, and soon the “Death Lady” becomes the subject of national intrigue.

Cherry, who works as an actuary, reveals that her predictions were not based on psychic ability but on actuarial knowledge, influenced by years of working with statistical data. 

She explains that her predictions were made during a delirious state when she was deeply grieving the recent loss of her second husband, Ned. 

Cherry’s past is slowly revealed, including her relationship with her first husband, David, and how her mother, Madame Mae, had also predicted her future.

In the end, Cherry tries to distance herself from the predictions, issuing a public statement to clarify that she is not a psychic. She finds peace in tutoring Leo’s daughter, Bridie, in mathematics and begins to form a meaningful connection with her. 

As the story concludes, we see Timmy, now 17, winning an Olympic gold medal, a poignant reminder that while fate may be predestined, there is room for hope and change. The novel ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that despite the inevitability of death, life’s precious moments can still shape our destiny.

Characters

Cherry Lockwood

Cherry Lockwood is a key figure in the novel and plays a crucial role in the central mystery. She is initially introduced as a seemingly unremarkable woman who boards the plane from Hobart to Sydney.

However, her act of predicting the deaths of the passengers on board becomes the foundation of the novel’s intrigue. Cherry is later revealed to be a former actuary, using her skills in probability to make these predictions rather than relying on any psychic abilities.

Her past is marked by tragedy, including the death of her first husband, David, and the loss of her second husband, Ned, to a heart attack. She experienced a period of emotional turmoil after her mother’s death and, in a state of delirium, made the predictions that would forever alter the lives of the passengers she encountered.

As the story unfolds, Cherry grapples with guilt and confusion, as she never intended to play such a pivotal role in others’ fates. Despite her deep sense of regret, she ultimately finds some measure of peace by tutoring Bridie, Leo’s daughter, and fostering a relationship that helps her find healing from her own losses.

Leo Voldik

Leo Voldik is a workaholic civil engineer whose life is upended by Cherry’s prediction of his death at the age of 43, caused by a workplace accident. Leo is initially portrayed as a driven individual, focused on his career to the detriment of his personal life.

His wife, Neve, worries about his intense dedication to his work and wonders whether he will regret it when he is older. Leo’s character arc revolves around confronting his mortality and reconsidering his life choices after learning about his predicted death.

His reaction to the prediction is one of disbelief and resistance, yet it also prompts him to re-evaluate his priorities. As he contemplates his fate, Leo begins to think about spending more time with his family and moving back to Tasmania.

His story highlights the tension between fate and free will, as he struggles to balance his desire for control with the inevitable nature of his predicted death.

Sue O’Sullivan

Sue O’Sullivan is a cheerful and empathetic nurse whose life is changed by the prediction that she will die from pancreatic cancer at the age of 66. Sue’s narrative explores themes of denial, acceptance, and the impact of a terminal diagnosis.

Initially, she dismisses the prediction as something distant and irrelevant to her life. However, when she begins to experience health issues, Sue becomes convinced that the prediction is true.

Her character evolves as she grapples with the fear of impending death and the realization that life is unpredictable. She finds comfort in living more fully and embracing the present moment.

Sue’s decision to take up salsa dancing with her partner, Max, and cherish each day is a testament to her resilience and her ability to transform fear into a celebration of life.

Timmy Binici

Timmy Binici, a young child whose tragic death is predicted by Cherry to occur by drowning at the age of seven, represents the theme of innocence and the crushing weight of fate. Timmy’s mother, Paula, is deeply impacted by the prediction and becomes obsessed with ensuring her son’s safety.

Timmy himself is portrayed as an innocent and unaware participant in the events surrounding his death. His death serves as a catalyst for Paula’s obsessive behavior, driving her to protect him at all costs.

Timmy’s storyline is poignant because it highlights the helplessness of parents in the face of fate and the anguish that comes with knowing their child’s future. Though his death is foretold with shocking accuracy, Timmy’s character is marked by his vitality and the deep love his mother feels for him.

Ethan Chang

Ethan Chang is a software engineer who struggles with a complicated personal life. His death is predicted to occur at the age of 30 due to an assault, and his story adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Ethan is depicted as someone who is dealing with emotional uncertainty, particularly in his relationship with his flatmate Jasmine. Despite his professional success, Ethan harbors a deep insecurity about his romantic life and is haunted by a crush on Jasmine, who seems out of his league.

Throughout the novel, Ethan is forced to confront his emotions and desires, especially as he becomes involved with Jasmine’s cousin, Faith. His character arc touches on themes of longing, self-discovery, and the fear of an untimely death.

The prospect of his death forces him to reevaluate his priorities and relationships, ultimately leading to a transformative journey in which he learns to embrace the uncertain nature of life.

Eve

Eve is a young bride whose death is predicted by Cherry to be the result of an intimate partner homicide at the age of 25. She and her new husband, Dom, struggle with financial troubles after their wedding, which adds another layer of tension to their relationship.

Eve’s character is marked by vulnerability and insecurity, especially in the wake of Cherry’s prediction about her death. She begins to question her marriage and her safety with Dom, who is burdened by their financial issues.

The couple’s challenges reflect the broader themes of control and uncertainty in the novel, with Eve’s prediction acting as a catalyst for introspection and self-doubt. As Eve navigates her relationship with Dom, she begins to realize that the fear of death may be just as powerful as death itself, and her journey reflects the desire to reclaim agency in an uncontrollable world.

Allegra

Allegra is a flight attendant who is predicted to die by self-harm at the age of 28. She is introduced as a beautiful and somewhat aloof woman who has suffered emotional trauma in the past.

Allegra’s character arc explores the themes of self-worth, vulnerability, and the search for healing. Her relationship with Jonny, a handsome pilot, evolves over the course of the novel as she learns to trust him and open up about her past.

Despite her initial reluctance, Allegra begins to embrace her desire to become a pilot herself, an aspiration that represents her desire to take control of her future. Throughout the novel, Allegra’s character wrestles with the prediction of her own death, and her emotional journey highlights the importance of self-empowerment and the ability to shape one’s own destiny.

Paula Binici

Paula Binici, Timmy’s mother, is perhaps the most emotionally complex character in the novel. Her overwhelming love for her son, combined with the prediction of his early death, drives much of the story.

Paula’s obsession with protecting Timmy from drowning becomes all-consuming, and her narrative explores the deep anguish that accompanies a parent’s fear of losing a child. As she grapples with the inevitability of her son’s death, Paula’s character becomes a symbol of both maternal devotion and the helplessness that comes with knowing the future.

Her interactions with other characters, particularly Eve, help her come to terms with the idea that death, while inevitable, is not something that can be controlled.

Jonny Summers

Jonny Summers, a handsome pilot, enters Allegra’s life as a stabilizing force, offering her affection and support when she needs it the most. Jonny is kind-hearted and patient, never pressuring Allegra to open up about her past.

His love for her is genuine, and he encourages her to follow her dreams of becoming a pilot. Throughout the novel, Jonny represents the idea of unconditional support and love, offering Allegra a sense of stability in an unpredictable world.

His presence in Allegra’s life acts as a counterbalance to the chaos surrounding her predicted death, showing the potential for love and growth even in the face of uncertainty.

Neve Voldik

Neve Voldik is Leo’s wife, and her character plays a supportive yet concerned role throughout the novel. She is worried about Leo’s workaholic tendencies and fears that he will regret not spending more time with their family as he gets older.

Neve’s narrative is intertwined with Leo’s as she tries to help him confront his own mortality. She is a loving and caring wife, and her concern for Leo’s well-being becomes a driving force in their relationship.

As Leo grapples with the prediction of his death, Neve’s character serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the necessity of finding balance in life.

Themes

The Complex Interplay of Free Will and Fate in Human Existence

In Here One Moment, Liane Moriarty explores the intricate and often contradictory relationship between free will and destiny. The novel presents a scenario where passengers on a flight are told how and when they will die, sparking an existential dilemma.

While some characters dismiss the predictions, believing they can live their lives as they see fit, others become paralyzed by the knowledge of their impending deaths, struggling to alter their future. The story examines whether knowing one’s fate removes agency or whether people, despite their knowledge, still exercise choice in their lives.

Through characters like Leo, who contemplates resignation from his job after hearing his death is near, and Paula, who desperately tries to prevent her son’s predicted drowning, Moriarty delves into the tension between acceptance of fate and the human urge to control outcomes.

The Psychological Burden of Foreknowledge and Its Effects on Mental Health

The theme of psychological burden manifests through the characters’ varied reactions to the knowledge of their own deaths. For some, like Sue O’Sullivan, the prediction of a terminal illness triggers a profound existential crisis, although it turns out to be a false alarm.

Her experience leads her to cherish the present and embrace a fuller life, highlighting the impact of facing mortality on one’s mental health. Meanwhile, for others like Allegra, the burden of knowledge manifests in anxiety and avoidance, such as when she injures herself again after panicking about her future.

The mental strain of these predictions is complex and shows how the awareness of mortality, while it can lead to a richer appreciation of life, can also instigate profound psychological distress. It forces individuals to confront their fears, regrets, and unspoken desires.

The Consequences of Grief and Loss in Shaping Personal Identity and Relationships

Grief plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ identities and their interactions with others. Cherry’s own journey is a profound one, marked by multiple personal losses, including the death of her second husband, Ned, and the tragedy of her mother’s passing.

These losses influence her interactions with others, especially when she becomes involved with the passengers of the flight. For Paula, the loss of her son Timmy to the predicted drowning leads her to obsessive behavior, trying to change his fate.

Cherry’s experiences of grief are mirrored in the stories of other characters, such as Leo’s sense of loss when he contemplates his own death. In these instances, grief is not just a personal feeling; it becomes a catalyst for change, revealing deeper layers of the characters’ personalities and how they relate to the people around them.

Ultimately, Moriarty paints grief not as a linear journey but as a force that continuously reshapes individuals, urging them to reckon with their past and move forward, sometimes in unexpected ways.

The Moral and Ethical Dilemmas of Predicting Others’ Fates and the Blurring of the Line Between Psychic Abilities and Actuarial Science

Cherry Lockwood’s predictions introduce a philosophical and ethical conundrum regarding the morality of knowing and revealing others’ fates. Though Cherry is revealed to be an actuary, her predictions are treated by the people she encounters as though they are akin to psychic abilities.

This blurring of the line between a scientific understanding of death and a mystical prediction raises significant questions about the ethics of knowing or revealing someone’s fate. Should Cherry have told the passengers their destinies, and is it moral for anyone to possess such knowledge, even if it is not obtained through supernatural means?

Moriarty interrogates this issue through characters like Ethan, who is disturbed by his own fate being predicted, and Paula, who is forced to confront the consequences of taking actions based on such knowledge. The narrative wrestles with the potential harm or benefit of foretelling one’s end, ultimately suggesting that while foreknowledge can be a source of comfort or warning, it can also become a burden that impacts the way people live and love.

The Perpetuation of Social Norms and the Pressure to Conform Amidst Personal Struggles and Uncertainties

Social norms and expectations play a significant role in how characters in Here One Moment deal with their personal struggles and confront their uncertainties. Eve and her new husband Dom find themselves burdened by financial woes and societal expectations surrounding marriage and success.

The weight of these expectations contrasts with their internal conflicts and deepens their sense of insecurity, particularly when faced with the prediction of Eve’s violent death at the hands of an intimate partner. This theme of societal pressure is also mirrored in Allegra’s decision to pursue flight training despite her own personal fears and injuries.

In contrast, characters like Sue find a path toward freedom by embracing a more carefree approach to life, rejecting societal norms and prioritizing personal happiness over external pressures. Moriarty highlights the complex ways in which characters navigate the intersection of societal expectations, personal identity, and the uncertainty of their futures.

She reveals how the pressure to conform can often lead to personal turmoil.

The Evolution of Love and Relationships in the Face of Mortality and Uncertainty

Love, as a dynamic force that evolves over time, is a central theme in the novel, especially when confronted with the knowledge of impending death. Allegra’s relationship with Jonny, which begins with caution, is tested by both her fears and her injuries.

She gradually grows to embrace the possibility of love, realizing that she is capable of change and personal growth. Similarly, the young couple Eve and Dom face the strain of their financial difficulties and the weight of the death prediction, leading them to reassess their relationship and what truly matters to them.

The novel explores how love is not a static emotion but rather an evolving force that adapts to the circumstances of life, especially when mortality looms large. Moriarty paints a picture of relationships as constantly shifting and shaped by the unpredictability of life’s course, urging readers to reflect on their own connections and the ways in which they may be transformed by love, loss, and uncertainty.

The Unreliable Nature of Memory and the Impact of Trauma on Perception and Truth

Memory, and its inherent unreliability, is another major theme explored in Here One Moment. Cherry’s own experience, in which she cannot remember the predictions she made on the plane, suggests that trauma can profoundly affect one’s perception of truth.

The characters’ reactions to the deaths that follow their predicted fates are often colored by their subjective interpretations of the past, as seen when Paula’s obsessive behaviors distort her memories and actions. Similarly, the revelation that Cherry’s predictions were based on actuarial calculations rather than psychic powers complicates the question of whether memory and truth can be trusted.

This theme is important because it shows how trauma and past experiences shape our understanding of reality and influence our behavior in the present. The novel calls into question how reliable any truth is when it is filtered through the lens of personal bias, memory distortion, and emotional wounds.