Normal People, (Hardcover)

Normal People by Sally Rooney is a captivating and introspective novel that explores the on-off relationship between two complex characters, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate their late teens and early 20s. The story delves deep into their psychological and emotional journeys, touching on themes of love, friendship, mental health, and social class. Rooney's writing style is beautifully understated, with passages that eloquently capture the thoughts and feelings many of us struggle to put into words. While the topics explored in the book can be challenging, Normal People is a compelling read that can be devoured in just a few days. One reviewer expresses their devastation and optimism for the main characters, believing that they will always find their way back to each other. They found the ending to be positive and rooted for Marianne and Connell's reconciliation. However, another reviewer had high expectations for the book, given their love for Rooney's previous work, Conversations with Friends. While they appreciated the writing style and the deep exploration of the characters, they felt that the story itself was less interesting and lacked the captivating premise of Conversations with Friends. Additionally, they found the ending to be unsatisfying. Another reviewer enjoyed the book but did not share the same enthusiasm as the Booker Prize judges. They appreciated the in-depth character study and the complex relationships portrayed in the novel. However, they noted that there were some awkward similes and that the writing didn't stand out as extraordinary. They found it to be an interesting and complicated story but not one of their top reads of the year. In summary, Normal People has received mixed reviews from readers. There is praise for the beautiful writing style, intimate character exploration, and relatable themes. However, some readers found the story less interesting and were disappointed with the ending.