Reviews

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Only show reviews with written explanations

sarsarhotch's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

floviguerass's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.5

eminoodles's review against another edition

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4.0

I feel this was a very realistic portrayal of first loves and growing up. I didn't realize how attached to the characters I had become until I was nearing the end of the book and began growing increasingly anxious about what was going to happen. There were a few chapters (aka timeframes) in the book that I thought were a bit unnecessary. However, I felt the same things the characters were feeling. The feeling of falling in love, feeling heartbreak, was a very intense emotional experience for me. Once I read the last page and closed the book, I let out a laugh because I honestly just didn't know how to feel after it ended. It was an emotional rollercoaster and the ending seemed so anticlimactic, to me, at least. However, I did enjoy it thoroughly and had fun eavesdropping into these characters' lives. It felt like this was a memoir at times and that they were real people. Great job Rooney. I'm looking forward to reading some of her other titles.

dannaaaeeeee's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Might be biased bc I watched the TV show first. The writing felt somehow superficial, I constantly felt like I wanted to know more about the scene and characters' emotions. Connell seems more of a d*ck on the book than on the show

lialeahlio's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

amhblank's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

rquilty's review against another edition

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emotional

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I read this book after watching the show and it made the show that much better. A great adaptation of a book. Connell and Marianne are two people that truly love and care for each other but cannot not be together. The relationship is complex and to be honest I find happiness that they go their separate ways at the end. But sadness in what you know will change or end their friendship.