A review by andrearosevear
Normal People by Sally Rooney

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I hated this book. Everyone needs to read it. The characters are so deeply flawed yet have these redeemable qualities. I love how realistic everything felt. I also appreciated that the author included social issues in such an authentic manner. Typically, authors include social issues that feel cheap, inauthentic, and like a ploy to seem relatable. However, Rooney included a diverse range of issues that felt so real and so authentic to the story. They were not glossed over, but were also not so speculated on that it felt cheap. I really appreciate how this entire story was essentially an idiot plot. As in, if the characters actually communicated in a healthy manner, everything would be fine. But that is so true to real life. I cannot rave about this book enough. I hated it because of how ridiculous the characters are, but it is definitely a must-read.
However, I will say that the main female character's insecurities became less relatable and more irritating and in the way of the plot development as time went on. While I understand that choice, it put me off of the story quite a bit. I still read to the end, though, because I needed to know what they would do next.
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