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A review by perksofbeinganorchid
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've seen many people say that Normal People managed to do what Sally wanted to do with Conversations With Friends, and as somebody who read Normal People first, I agree. Even though the books had different plots and are not comparable in that way, I think my agreement stems from the fact that I was able to like the characters in Normal People. I do think it was intentional on Sally Rooney's part to make her characters unlikeable, and that is definitely something I enjoy in books.
The relationship dynamics explored in CWF kept me on my toes and had me practically yelling at the characters as I was listening to the book. My favourite thing by far about Rooney's characters is that they are deeply flawed people, and instead of setting them on a solitude journey of self-discovery and healing, Rooney allows her characters to explore who they are by being around other people and experiencing life and a version of love they are capable of to the fullest.
There is something both fascinating and deeply frustrating about the characters having strong opinions with no tolerance for perspectives that do not align with their own. The monologues the characters would go on were interesting and gave you a lot to think about as a reader, but the flipside of it reflects a reality of the lack of empathy when leading with logic, out of a desperate attempt to prove themselves worthy of being in the spaces they find themselves in.
At this point, I feel the need to emphasise that I LOVE Sally Rooney. Her writing feels like a masterclass in character studies, and I know that by listening to the audiobook, I only got a fraction of what I could have taken away from the book had I read it. Though the ending was not satisfying, I enjoy the discomfort of reading a book that challenges my personal belief of how things should go and showing me this different perspective in a way that I can understand even though I still would not agree with it.
The relationship dynamics explored in CWF kept me on my toes and had me practically yelling at the characters as I was listening to the book. My favourite thing by far about Rooney's characters is that they are deeply flawed people, and instead of setting them on a solitude journey of self-discovery and healing, Rooney allows her characters to explore who they are by being around other people and experiencing life and a version of love they are capable of to the fullest.
There is something both fascinating and deeply frustrating about the characters having strong opinions with no tolerance for perspectives that do not align with their own. The monologues the characters would go on were interesting and gave you a lot to think about as a reader, but the flipside of it reflects a reality of the lack of empathy when leading with logic, out of a desperate attempt to prove themselves worthy of being in the spaces they find themselves in.
At this point, I feel the need to emphasise that I LOVE Sally Rooney. Her writing feels like a masterclass in character studies, and I know that by listening to the audiobook, I only got a fraction of what I could have taken away from the book had I read it. Though the ending was not satisfying, I enjoy the discomfort of reading a book that challenges my personal belief of how things should go and showing me this different perspective in a way that I can understand even though I still would not agree with it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Toxic friendship