Book Review: Normal People by Sally Rooney
There’s something undeniably magnetic about Sally Rooney’s writing; it pulls you in and then holds you captive, leaving you tangled in a web of emotions. When I first stumbled upon Normal People, I anticipated a visceral experience akin to her prior work, Conversations with Friends, a book I loved to an almost disturbing degree. But as I turned the pages, my initial excitement gave way to confusion, leaving me to ponder the complexity of human connections, privilege, and love—emotions that danced around me like elusive shadows.
At first, I didn’t know how to rate Normal People. It was a beautiful, beautifully painful read, and it left me with more questions than answers. Connell and Marianne, two characters deeply flawed yet achingly relatable, pulled me into their tumultuous love affair. My heart ached for them in a way that felt overwhelming, almost consuming—yet, despite my deep concern for their well-being, I found myself unable to fall in love with the story as I had hoped.
One major theme that resonates throughout the narrative is the complex interplay of privilege and power dynamics in relationships. Marianne’s submission and Connell’s emotional turmoil weigh heavily on the story, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their connections. It’s a narrative that articulates love’s many faces—sometimes tender, sometimes excruciating—and reminds us that it often is a double-edged sword. Rooney’s exploration of self-worth intertwined with romantic desire is painfully raw, creating an emotional landscape that is as captivating as it is difficult.
The irony of my journey with this book is that during my first read, I was so engulfed in the emotional currents of Connell and Marianne’s lives that I overlooked the intricate tapestry of themes at play. To return to my initial sentiment: “Life offers up these moments of joy despite everything.” Those moments, buried within an appropriately messy narrative, revealed themselves on my reread. Oh, the twists and turns life takes!
In terms of writing style, Rooney’s prose remains elegant and precise, with dialogues that feel strikingly real. The pacing, while often languorous, allows for a deep dive into the vulnerabilities of its characters, fully immersing us in their inner worlds. It’s the kind of storytelling that forces you to reflect on your own experiences and relationships, often leaving you in a contemplative state long after you’ve closed the book.
Ultimately, I found myself elevating my rating from three stars to four upon rereading. The second journey through Connell and Marianne’s tumultuous lives enthralled me anew. As I settled into the familiar rhythm of Rooney’s intricate prose, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty and depth I had initially missed. Life is about those “aha” moments; recognizing how wrong I had been is part of the joy of reading.
So, who might enjoy this book? If you’re a reader interested in the raw and real portrayal of intimate relationships that resonate on a profound level, this one’s for you. But be prepared: you may feel as if you’ve just weathered a storm, contemplating your own feelings about love, insecurity, and vulnerability. Ultimately, Normal People isn’t just a story; it’s a reflection of our humanity, worthy of exploration, even if it requires braving the chilling winds of self-examination.
And hey, may I suggest that sometimes life isn’t just about the pleasant walks in the park, but enduring the blizzards and uncovering the beauty within them? That’s where the joy often lies.
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