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A review by aftersuns_
Normal People by Sally Rooney
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
I rarely say I dislike a book, but this was one of the worst I have ever read. I only gave it 0.5 stars on the basis that there was a few good lines throughout the book that resonated with me, but on a whole, it was triggering, bordering on the glorification of several touchy subjects.
Rooney might have been attempting to connect the intricacies of human interactions between Connell and Marianne, but they come off a grotesque and idealized. The depiction of Marianne eating and the descriptions of how she is practically starving herself on purpose are deeply upsetting and probably should not be read by anyone who suffers from an eating disorder. Like wise, those who suffer from any form of sexual abuse, harassments, or trauma will most like not find this book enjoyable due to the way Rooney weaves the issue into the fabric of her characters. There is a distinct difference between kinky sex and glorifying abuse as a form of kink, and Rooney fails to find the difference between the two.
Rooney might have been attempting to connect the intricacies of human interactions between Connell and Marianne, but they come off a grotesque and idealized. The depiction of Marianne eating and the descriptions of how she is practically starving herself on purpose are deeply upsetting and probably should not be read by anyone who suffers from an eating disorder. Like wise, those who suffer from any form of sexual abuse, harassments, or trauma will most like not find this book enjoyable due to the way Rooney weaves the issue into the fabric of her characters. There is a distinct difference between kinky sex and glorifying abuse as a form of kink, and Rooney fails to find the difference between the two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Gaslighting, Grief, Physical abuse, Self harm, Blood, Body shaming, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Adult/minor relationship