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A review by lady_wira
Normal People by Sally Rooney
4.0
Looking for an easy summer read? A book on friendships, love and all the in-betweens? “Normal People” by Sally Rooney makes for a fantastic leisure read.
Set in Ireland, the book explores the complex relationship between two Irish teenagers, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate through adolescence and early adulthood. The story follows their on-again, off-again connection, spanning several years and depicting the highs and lows of their lives. The two navigate the challenges of love, class, and identity from school to early adulthood. Marianne is an intelligent but socially isolated young woman from a wealthy family, while Connell is a popular and athletic student from a working-class background. The story explores the dynamics of their connection, which alternates between romance, friendship, and strained encounters, highlighting the nuanced power dynamics and emotional complexities between the two.
Rooney’s writing style is simple and raw, it allowed me to delve into the minds of the characters and experience their emotions firsthand. The author has a keen ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships. One of the most compelling aspects of “Normal People” is the depth and authenticity of the characters. Connell and Marianne are portrayed as complex individuals with their own vulnerabilities, insecurities, and personal struggles. Rooney skillfully explores the impact of class, social status, and mental health on their lives, offering a thoughtful examination of contemporary issues.
The novel also delves into themes of identity, intimacy, and the ways in which societal expectations can shape and constrain individuals. Connell and Marianne’s relationship serves as a microcosm of broader social dynamics, challenging readers to reflect on their own perceptions of love, power, and the pursuit of happiness.
While the narrative structure of the book might come off as unconventional, with its lack of traditional chapter breaks and its use of sparse dialogue, I appreciated the intimate and immersive experience it created. I greatly applaud this prose for its realism and ability to evoke empathy, drawing readers into the emotional lives of the characters. However, I found the narrative pacing to be slow and the lack of quotation marks for dialogues took some getting used to.
Sally Rooney’s insightful storytelling and compelling characters make it a worthwhile read for those interested in contemporary fiction and intimate explorations of the human experience. The book was also adapted into a successful television series.
Set in Ireland, the book explores the complex relationship between two Irish teenagers, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate through adolescence and early adulthood. The story follows their on-again, off-again connection, spanning several years and depicting the highs and lows of their lives. The two navigate the challenges of love, class, and identity from school to early adulthood. Marianne is an intelligent but socially isolated young woman from a wealthy family, while Connell is a popular and athletic student from a working-class background. The story explores the dynamics of their connection, which alternates between romance, friendship, and strained encounters, highlighting the nuanced power dynamics and emotional complexities between the two.
Rooney’s writing style is simple and raw, it allowed me to delve into the minds of the characters and experience their emotions firsthand. The author has a keen ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships. One of the most compelling aspects of “Normal People” is the depth and authenticity of the characters. Connell and Marianne are portrayed as complex individuals with their own vulnerabilities, insecurities, and personal struggles. Rooney skillfully explores the impact of class, social status, and mental health on their lives, offering a thoughtful examination of contemporary issues.
The novel also delves into themes of identity, intimacy, and the ways in which societal expectations can shape and constrain individuals. Connell and Marianne’s relationship serves as a microcosm of broader social dynamics, challenging readers to reflect on their own perceptions of love, power, and the pursuit of happiness.
While the narrative structure of the book might come off as unconventional, with its lack of traditional chapter breaks and its use of sparse dialogue, I appreciated the intimate and immersive experience it created. I greatly applaud this prose for its realism and ability to evoke empathy, drawing readers into the emotional lives of the characters. However, I found the narrative pacing to be slow and the lack of quotation marks for dialogues took some getting used to.
Sally Rooney’s insightful storytelling and compelling characters make it a worthwhile read for those interested in contemporary fiction and intimate explorations of the human experience. The book was also adapted into a successful television series.