David Nicholls is scripting his novel One Day Joss Barratt/Stay Still Ltd

David Nicholls’ first novel, Starter for Ten, was a funny, spot-on evocation of student life in the 80s. His new yarn starts in a similar place, but broadens to something larger, darker, more poignant. And even funnier.

It’s July ‘88 and the morning after the night ­before for students Emma and Dexter. Having copped off at their graduation ceremony the previous evening, it’s now slightly awkward, their differences exposed in the light of day. Dexter is handsome and cavalier while Emma is clever and right-on (“one of those girls who use ‘bourgeois’ as a term of abuse,” thinks Dexter, who plans to sneak away). They lie in bed, discussing their hopes for the future, attempting to imagine what life will be like at, like, 40. Emma and Dex have no idea what their futures hold, but we soon find out.

Each chapter of this excellent novel charts the same day in their lives over the next two decades. Despite their initial misgivings, the pair remain close as they head down ­different paths. Dex hits the ground running, landing a gig presenting a late-night yoof TV show. Emma finds herself working in a Mexican restaurant in Kentish Town. But in their 30s, Emma comes into her own, while Dex goes into freefall.

Those who read Starter for Ten will know Nicholls is a great comic writer and this is similarly snort-out-loud stuff, each page filled with delicious observations, nimble dialogue and spot-on period detail. But the humour is never at the expense of emotional truth. It may be a love story, but it’s no fairytale: Nicholls doesn’t shy from the dark side of growing up, the disillusionment, regrets and random cruelty of life. It deserves to be a huge hit.

One Day, Hodder & Stoughton, £12.99

David Nicholls: in his words

"I listened to a lot of 90s music for the book. The British Library has Radio Times going back years, so I found out what was on TV on that day. It’s not about Blair or Diana, it’s about the minutiae."

"I’m writing the film script for One Day. It’s difficult covering 20 years in two hours. And try casting people who could be both students and middle-aged! But I think we’ve found a way."

"When it comes to male and female friendship and love, people think of When Harry Met Sally or Annie Hall; I’m hoping this too will be a big, funny, sad story that’ll appeal to men and women."