A review by janayc
Normal People by Sally Rooney

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense 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

4.0

I love a feel bad book but having gone into this thinking it was a little love story made it an impossibly difficult read. Overall the plot and writing is really good.  I found the story format interesting it didnt bother me but i was tripped up at times (ms jordan pawl told me this was the point tho) but it wasnt impossible. The time skips got rather bothersome at times but i appreciate them now seeing as the other option was a twilight type speed run. I liked that it gave them time to grow up and change. this story was character focused and boy what characters these were. 
Marianne is just a girl. she is in need of deep psychological help; and possibly a hug. she is a perfect example of how childhood trauma can directly impact your future. she seems desperate for the unconditional love that was not provided to her in her childhood and this desperation puts her in terrible situations. her willingness and urge to submit to anyone stems from the need to feel loved and wanted. however we never see her become fully aware of this issue or attempt to solve it. she knows something is wrong with her but rather than see it as a problem to solve she sees it as something fundamentally wrong with her ( i think this stems from a deep shame) Marianne was not superficial but every part of her personality seems to be curated to be as well received as possible. she wants to be seen as a good person because other peoples approval is the only was she feels good enough. the s*x things well i think thats because we seek out love that feels familiar and therefore when she is trying to feel loved or pleasure she needs to feel something familiar. also i kin her so bad so if this is how im coming off i need to see the lady ASAP