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vhl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Suicide, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Physical abuse
pixieless's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have been in one of the worst mental blocks of my life over this past year. Unable to get myself to do most of the things I love to do, painting, drawing, baking, running, and least of all reading. I’ve found it so hard to bring myself to read more than 10 pages a night with my off-kilter sleeping schedule and lack of motivation, when in the past I could read a book per day for fun. Despite all of this I read Normal People in only two sittings. I would’ve read it in one if only I didn’t start reading the book so late at night and have to go to bed early for school the next day. It was moving. I felt everything the characters felt, and most of the time it was like a gut-punch. I’m so glad I picked this book up from the library as it introduced me to Marianne and Connell, and I am glad that in my current, down, frame of mind, I was able to discover two characters I can feel for. Feel their indescribable sadness in spades, but also when witnessing what small happinesses they get to enjoy, feel it like a riptide of colour bursting through a grey shore. Even though the tide goes back out for them both, and the dullness of life continues, it meant so much to see the ripples of small events seemingly burst all at once and bring on a wave of joy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Medical trauma, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Sexism, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
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