Review of Normal People by Sally Rooney

 NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney 

"I don't know why I can't be like normal people." p 187 

What an emotional rollercoaster! To put it plainly, this book was profoundly sad, utterly beautiful, and heartbreaking, and I loved every single minute spent reading it. Now I watched the show first and cried like a baby. And I'm pretty sure if you were around me after I watched it I shouted how much you need to watch, again and again. So after a year of the book sitting on my shelf waiting for me to finally read it, I did. And why on Earth did it take me so long? Why?! I loved the different and captivating writing style of Rooney and will immediately be buying her other book to consume as well. 

The story of Connell and Marianne is at times toxic, healing, loving, and heartbreaking. They are each on their own coming-of-age journey but are somehow tied to one another needing the other to feel something. What started as a secret and complicated relationship, evolving mostly around sex, becomes this story of friendship that lingers for years later. Both of them suffer from server mental illness that sprouts up in different ways. One of my favorite things was how the class difference between Connell and Marianne reveals itself in frustrating and eye-opening problems. How Connell might come from a lower class but his mother is an active loving and nurturing force in his life. Whereas Marianne comes from the wealthier class and her family is cold and at times abusive. This is a love story but it's also about so much more. it's about friendships, mental illness, and sexuality. It's really such a powerful novel about finding yourself and finding where you fit. 

I honestly think I could go on and on but I will spare you from any rambling. 

Stand out quote: 

"I'm not a religious person but I do sometimes think God made you for me." p 117 

Some questions to ponder: 

1. What do you think attracts Marianne and Connell to each other? 
2. On pg 80, what commentary does Rooney make about High School and High School relationships? Do you agree or disagree? 
3. Part of the story deals heavily with sex and power, how do you think Connell and Marianne use it while together and apart? 
4. The ending leaves us pretty raw and without any closure, how do you think their story will end? Where do you see them in say five years? 

GO WATCH THE SHOW AFTER YOU FINISH THE NOVEL! so good! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

-MDB