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erinastin's review against another edition
5.0
(I was not writing book reviews the first time I read this, so the following review is based on my thoughts following my sept. 2021 reread)
This book is tremendous. I feel a visceral rush of affection whenever I think about it or hold it in my hands. Sally Rooney's characters are lost and in pain, and I felt the pain etch deeper into my skin with every turn of the page. I have a special connection to this book because I first picked it up during a very dark time in my life when I was struggling to justify the reasons for my existence. As cliche as it is to say, this book reminded me of the power of art: how it can wrap itself around your shoulders and say “it’s ok. I’m here. And I’m also hurting.” I will forever be grateful to this book and Sally Rooney for reminding me that beauty will continue to exist even in the darkness.
This book is tremendous. I feel a visceral rush of affection whenever I think about it or hold it in my hands. Sally Rooney's characters are lost and in pain, and I felt the pain etch deeper into my skin with every turn of the page. I have a special connection to this book because I first picked it up during a very dark time in my life when I was struggling to justify the reasons for my existence. As cliche as it is to say, this book reminded me of the power of art: how it can wrap itself around your shoulders and say “it’s ok. I’m here. And I’m also hurting.” I will forever be grateful to this book and Sally Rooney for reminding me that beauty will continue to exist even in the darkness.
didi_07's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kmann1199's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
krathmann's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
bhnmt61's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about Normal People. It starts out well, with two awkward teenagers who become deeply involved with each other, then break up under awkward circumstances, then continue to be involved with each other off and on for the next ten years. Sometimes you sympathize with one, sometimes the other, sometimes both or neither.
The writing is good, occasionally great, and more than adequately conveys the existentialist despair / boredom / dread the characters experience. But after three hundred pages of this spare, flat writing, there is an ending that would be brilliant if it was more thoroughly explored, but feels tacked on since the book ends immediately after. Even a few more paragraphs would have helped if you ask me. I’m glad I read it, not sure I’d recommend it. I did admire her writing enough to be interested in reading more of it (this is the first book of hers I’ve read).
The writing is good, occasionally great, and more than adequately conveys the existentialist despair / boredom / dread the characters experience. But after three hundred pages of this spare, flat writing, there is an ending that would be brilliant if it was more thoroughly explored, but feels tacked on since the book ends immediately after. Even a few more paragraphs would have helped if you ask me. I’m glad I read it, not sure I’d recommend it. I did admire her writing enough to be interested in reading more of it (this is the first book of hers I’ve read).
marion's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 ☆
contrairement à 80% de mes amis ici, j'ai trop aimé ma lecture et tous les sujets abordés. merci pour la frustration mais dans le bon sens. merci
contrairement à 80% de mes amis ici, j'ai trop aimé ma lecture et tous les sujets abordés. merci pour la frustration mais dans le bon sens. merci
yarakeijlard's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
marin_06's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
micdakil's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25