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A review by abioneil
Normal People by Sally Rooney
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.25
This book is quite complex. The relationship that Connel and Marianne have is painful to read about. Don’t go into this thinking it will end with sunshine and rainbows. It is obvious that both characters needed serious help. Other than that, I would say that the narrating style was a bit odd, the narrator was third person and at times seemed to be limited and other times omniscient. I didn’t quite enjoy the book, the idea that relationships between people can change their overal character and personality is explored wonderfully, however, it does feel like some of the scenes central ideas are repeated (even though this may have advanced the plot, it was hard to read). I think that the character growth felt sudden instead of gradual buildup.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Alcohol, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Sexual violence, Death, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Violence
Minor: Abortion, Blood, Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, War, Adult/minor relationship, and Grief