A review by nicolet
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

emotional hopeful reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 I’ve officially read all the novels Sally Rooney has published to this date, and I can officially say she has solidified herself as one of my favorite authors. I love her writing because it makes me feel like even if I haven’t gone through the exact situations of her characters, the emotions and thoughts are ones I think most have thought and felt. 

This book surprised me with how much older the tone is compared to Conversations With Friends and Normal People. The characters are older and their issues reflect that. I really thought the commentary on life and what it means to be young in the world we live in today was interesting and genuine. I loved the conversations about God and what it means to be religious. I related a lot to the character of Simon and how I see my faith, so reading that it was nice to see how someone else inadvertently helps others come to terms with their beliefs. He also isn’t the type to condemn others or push his beliefs which I appreciate. 

Something I really liked about this book (and I’m not sure if it was intentional) but one of my favorite monologues is the opening one from Love, Actually. I have always thought it captured how even in the bad moments of life, you can find love and good things. This book felt like that monologue. The characters are searching for what the purpose of life is in such horrible times, and they are able to find that even if things get darker and the world gets bleaker, there will always be beautiful things. 
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