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A review by inlaraland
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was recommended to try out reading "Conversations With Friends" or "Normal People" because I didn't have the best reading experience with "Beautiful World, Where Are You?" and was told that these books were much better!
I actually found myself more invested in this story, I was really interested to see how the messy drama would play out between all the characters. Although, I still have mixed feelings about this book.
Miscommunication is the main source of conflict in this story, and while it's not a trope that bothers me, I found myself getting really frustrated with the characters with every chapter. There were points to this story that really sparked my interest but overall, everything fell very flat for me in the end. Another thing that I also disliked in this book was the characters. I found them to be unlikeable, and there was no development between any of them or their relationships. I don't know if that was intentional to highlight some of the themes in this book, but they all just kind of read like empty shells.
However, I will say that as an overall reading experience I did enjoy reading this book more than
"Beautiful World, Where Are You?". I thought the writing was a lot better, the story more linear and the plot a lot more engaging.
I personally don't think the author's writing style is for me, but I wouldn't steer anyone from reading her works - it's definitely one of those books that you have to read to see if you will enjoy, and I think that depends on your preferences as a reader.
I actually found myself more invested in this story, I was really interested to see how the messy drama would play out between all the characters. Although, I still have mixed feelings about this book.
Miscommunication is the main source of conflict in this story, and while it's not a trope that bothers me, I found myself getting really frustrated with the characters with every chapter. There were points to this story that really sparked my interest but overall, everything fell very flat for me in the end. Another thing that I also disliked in this book was the characters. I found them to be unlikeable, and there was no development between any of them or their relationships. I don't know if that was intentional to highlight some of the themes in this book, but they all just kind of read like empty shells.
However, I will say that as an overall reading experience I did enjoy reading this book more than
"Beautiful World, Where Are You?". I thought the writing was a lot better, the story more linear and the plot a lot more engaging.
I personally don't think the author's writing style is for me, but I wouldn't steer anyone from reading her works - it's definitely one of those books that you have to read to see if you will enjoy, and I think that depends on your preferences as a reader.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Infertility, and Emotional abuse