Book Review: Normal People by Sally Rooney

Sally Rooney is an Irish author and screenwriter. She has written several critically acclaimed novels, including “Normal People,” which was longlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize.

Overview

“Normal People” is a novel about two young people from a small town in Ireland who develop a complex and intense relationship as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence and early adulthood. The novel explores themes of love, class, power, and identity, and is a poignant and insightful portrait of modern relationships.

Review

“Normal People” is a beautifully written and deeply affecting novel that captures the complexities and contradictions of modern relationships. Rooney’s writing is spare and elegant, and she has a remarkable ability to convey the subtleties of human emotion and interaction.

One of the strengths of the novel is the character development. The two main characters, Connell and Marianne, are both complex and fully realized, and their relationship is portrayed with an intimacy and honesty that is rare in contemporary fiction. Rooney does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of their interactions, and readers will find themselves invested in their journey.

Another strength of the novel is the exploration of themes. Rooney delves into issues of class, power, and identity, and she does so with a sensitivity and nuance that is refreshing. The novel also deals with issues of mental health and trauma, and Rooney handles these themes with care and empathy.

Rooney’s writing style is also notable. The novel is written in a sparse and understated style, with short chapters and minimalist prose. This style allows the emotional impact of the novel to shine through, and it creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the reader in.

“Normal People” is a powerful and moving novel that is both a love story and a portrait of a generation. Rooney’s writing is exquisite, and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and interaction is remarkable. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

*****

About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 books, for more than ten years, and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a trainer, publisher, author, and writing mentor; helping others to achieve their dreams.

Check out her book The Caribbean Family

The family is the genesis of all societies. Every culture has its distinct rules by which a family is governed, and the Caribbean family is no exception. Those rules differ within each group; for the Indians, Chinese, and Africans. Making up most of the population in the Caribbean, African families have spawned several sub-units or types; some of which are unique to the African culture. This book explores each family type and their history within the Caribbean.

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