Reviews with content warning for Violence - Normal People

Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Normal People by Sally Rooney

442 reviews

bubblyfemme's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

I read this for a uni class and I can tell for the most part this is a ‘love it or hate it’ kind of book.
I think if the themes and experiences of the characters hit home for you, you will be much more invested and affected by the book. If not it seems people come away very unbothered about the story.
Personally some of Marianne’s story really hit home and I could really empathise with her, despite her overwhelming flaws, so I enjoyed the book in a sort of self-therapising way. Whereas I know people who found her annoying when they read the story.

This review is all over the place but it's hard for me to give an overview because the novel doesn't really lead anywhere or have a ‘true meaning’ if that makes sense.

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annchmn's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

I found Marianne’s family situation so unresolved and like a plot device. I really disliked Marianne’s character resolution, as well as her depiction as a frail and beautiful person descending into darkness … I found it especially jarring every time the author flat out wrote a description of what she was wearing and how she looked (especially how she just had to mention how much thinner and thinner Marianne was becoming) instead of being more subtle.

It was an interesting look l the way Marianne and Connell both navigated school coming from different backgrounds, but the rest irked me.

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kylie2052's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

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aleilvandrea's review against another edition

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emotional reflective 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

3.75

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mollydimatteo's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective 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

5.0

A beautiful ode to the human condition. The circular nature of a relationship which is so rarely good for them but which offers a comfortable space for them when they need it.

The end has sat with me since I finished. Although I wanted so badly for these two characters to find peace together, I knew they couldn’t. Their relationship seemed to hold them back, and the idea of Connell leaving for New York at the end, and then being able to grow apart, is beautiful and heartbreaking. It is so human to be unable to let go of someone that makes you feel so understood, even when it is not good for either of you.

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