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A review by libbykerns
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
I loved this book. I loved the form. I loved the writing. Chapter 23 was so good I had to go for a walk. Pages 337-338 felt like I was studying myself in a mirror. I agree with whichever reviewer said this is Rooney’s best book yet. It is.
It’s also her most hopeful book yet, even though it’s her most existential.
A warning for some—
There is a lot of sex in this book… It works very well in terms of form and plot, so I forgive it. But it’s also painfully intimate and will be a turn-off for some readers.
Nov 2023 reread—
it’s even better the second time. i’m writing a paper on it and COULD NOT read it quickly enough (oh God, what have i done) because i simply love it so much and because so much is going on. i should probably read it again but i just don’t have time.
so it goes.
i’m giving it a 5 star rating on the second read, up from 4.75. i still can’t recommend it to everyone, but this really is such a favorite of mine.
It’s also her most hopeful book yet, even though it’s her most existential.
A warning for some—
There is a lot of sex in this book… It works very well in terms of form and plot, so I forgive it. But it’s also painfully intimate and will be a turn-off for some readers.
Nov 2023 reread—
it’s even better the second time. i’m writing a paper on it and COULD NOT read it quickly enough (oh God, what have i done) because i simply love it so much and because so much is going on. i should probably read it again but i just don’t have time.
so it goes.
i’m giving it a 5 star rating on the second read, up from 4.75. i still can’t recommend it to everyone, but this really is such a favorite of mine.