This story explores the deeply complex relationship between Connell and Marianne, two young people from a small Irish town whose lives intertwine through high school and into university. The story follows their connection as it shifts and evolves, exploring themes of love, identity, and the emotional scars left by upbringing and social expectations. It's a raw and intimate portrayal of two people who can't seem to stay away from each other—or figure out how to be together. 

Sally Rooney wrote it in just three months! And she doesn't like quotation marks lol.

If you’ve read One Day by David Nicholls or The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, this book feels like their introspective, moodier cousin. But don’t let the seemingly innocuous title or soft, romantic cover fool you—Normal People is dark and far more emotionally tense than it appears.  

It’s a slow burn, one that can leave you frustrated as Connell and Marianne repeatedly sabotage their relationship by simply failing to communicate. It's definitely "real-life," making it feel painfully authentic. However, it's challenging at times, as you witness their self-fulfilling prophecies play out in ways that are both infuriating and heartbreaking.  

And, then there’s the ending—not perfectly conclusive, which might be a sticking point for some. It leaves the story lingering in your mind, unfinished in a way that reflects life’s inherent uncertainty.  

This isn’t a book for everyone. I’d especially recommend it for readers who’ve experienced a loveless or emotionally neglectful childhood and can relate to the damage it inflicts on all areas of life—especially relationships. It’s a deeply empathetic novel that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of being human, and if you’re in the right headspace for it, it’s an unforgettable read.