Book Review: Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Quote:

"Most people go though their whole lives, Marianne thought, without ever really feeling that close with anyone."

Blurb: Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing happens.

Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can't. 

Book Tropes: 

• Friends to Lovers
• Unrequited Love
• Class Divide
• Miscommunication
• Coming of Age
• On-and-Off Relationship
• Emotional Trauma
• Intellectual Connection

My Personal Views: Sally Rooney’s Normal People is a raw, captivating exploration of two characters—Marianne and Connell—whose lives remain intertwined, despite the complexities that define them. Both characters are deeply intriguing, but Marianne, in particular, stands out with her strength and vulnerability. Connell, on the other hand, may come across as a bit of an asshole in the first half of the book, yet Rooney does a great job of making his perspective understandable. It's easy to see where he’s coming from, even if you disagree with his actions.

Rooney's writing style feels like you're quietly watching their lives unfold, seeing every high and low moment up close. It's intimate and real, making you feel like a third party in their relationship. Their communication issues, though, are maddening! At times, I found myself screaming, "Just talk to each other!" It’s a testament to how miscommunication, or lack of it, can shape the course of people’s lives.

One part that stood out to me was the college scholarship situation. It perfectly highlights how different life can be for two people, even when they’re sharing the same moment. What is a moment of personal triumph for one can be something entirely else for the other, and Rooney captures that duality beautifully.

Even when thousands of miles separate, Marianne and Connell’s story continues. By the end of the book, I found myself understanding and relating to both characters on a personal level. They feel so real, like people you know or have encountered in your own life.

Now, let's talk about the ending. I am not a fan of open endings! I felt a little betrayed, hanging there, unsure of where things truly end up. Do they stay together? Do they go their separate ways but remain friends? I wanted closure. But at the same time, I understand why Rooney gave them this kind of ending. It’s fitting, really. Marianne and Connell still have their entire lives ahead of them, and while we don’t get to see how it plays out, there’s a sense that their story will continue beyond the pages of the book. Sadly, we just won’t be able to witness it.

Overall, Normal People is a beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that’s painfully relatable. It captures the complexities of relationships, communication, and the messiness of life in a way that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.    

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5